Ohio sports betting kiosks could be a hot commodity once the Buckeye State launches sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023, as more than 100 businesses have already applied for a license to host the pieces of technology in their establishments.

Potentially hundreds of sports betting kiosks will be flipped on this Jan. 1 as Ohio undertakes the largest ever simultaneous launch of sports betting ever attempted.

Over 1,000 Ohio businesses pre-qualified

The Type C licenses have already become the most popular license to apply for in the state, with 150 Ohio businesses applying to host the kiosks in their facilities, according to the Ohio e-license portal.

The initial window for Type-C licenses will close on Aug. 16, but you can expect many more applications to flow into the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The Ohio Lottery Commission has pre-qualified 1,014 Ohio businesses that could host a kiosk.

Being pre-qualified does not ensure the business will automatically receive a sports betting kiosk license.

According to the casino control commission, businesses that meet all the following requirements are eligible to host a sports betting kiosk:

  • Holds a valid D-1, D-2, or D-5 liquor permit.
  • Holds a valid lottery sales agent license.
  • Have a current recommendation for licensure by the Lottery.
  • Are a for-profit corporation or association.

Additionally, seven companies have applied for a Type C sports betting proprietor license. These companies will be able to provide sports betting kiosks to the approved sports betting kiosk host license holders.

  • Elys Gameboard Technologies, LLC 
  • Green Bear Gaming Development, LLC
  • Intralot Inc.
  • Skybox Sports Network Inc.
  • Iron Gate Gaming Inc.
  • J&J Ventures Gaming of Ohio, LLC
  • Gold Rush Amusements, LLC

Sports betting kiosks will give Ohio bars, restaurants, and liquor stores the opportunity to grab a piece of the Ohio sports betting market at a fraction of the cost compared with a Type A or Type B license holder.

Currently, 22 entities have applied for a Type A online sports betting license and 25 have applied for a Type B retail sports betting license.

Three arms of Ohio sports betting’s market

Ohio’s approved sports betting bill legalized retail and online sports betting for casinos, racinos and professional sports franchises. It also will allow sports betting kiosks to be installed in retail establishments with D-class liquor licenses.

The bill calls for a maximum of 25 Type A licenses, which will allow license holders to operate online sports betting. There are currently 21 potential Type A license holders, each of which will be able to partner with up to two sportsbook operators. The remaining four Type A licenses (to reach the cap of 25) are only permitted to contract with one online sportsbook operator each.  This would allow for a maximum of 46 online operators in the state.

Forty Type B licenses for brick-and-mortar sportsbooks will also be available.

Type C licenses will be for operators seeking sports betting kiosks.