A new retail sportsbook is coming to Ohio.
The Cleveland Browns are partnering with Bally’s Corp. and restaurateur Bobby George to open a new brick-and-mortar sportsbook in downtown Cleveland. According to last Saturday’s announcement, the new sportsbook will have a lounge setup with a sports bar concept. It will replace Harry Buffalo Restaurant and Bar on East Fourth Street.
“We’re working towards opening the new Bally Bet Sportsbook lounge alongside Bally Bet and Bobby George at an outstanding central downtown location that will create another way to engage with fans and provide them with even more unique experiences through the Broans and Bally’s partnership,” said Haslam Sports Group Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins.
Ohio retail sportsbook market getting crowded
This property will become the 14th retail sportsbook in the Ohio sports betting market. Furthermore, the property will be the first Bally Bet-branded sportsbook in the Buckeye State. The new sportsbook is expected to open sometime within in the next 12 months.
Bally Bet recently entered Ohio’s online sports betting industry with a revamped product. Additionally, the news comes just in time for the start of the 2023 NFL season. It’s the first full professional football season that Ohioans can bet on.
The news also coincides with the addition of the Bally Bet online sportsbook to Ohio. It was the 19th online operator in the Buckeye State. Furthermore, it cemented Bally’s desire to widen its reach in the US sports betting market.
Bally Bet Sportsbook to have some Bobby George flair
The Cleveland Browns and Bally’s announced a long-term partnership in the spring of last year. As part of the agreement, Bally’s gained a branded lounge at FirstEnergy Stadium, and the team is also helping launch the Bally Bet sportsbook app.
Bally's Interactive launches @BallyBet Sportsbook app in Ohio in partnership with the Cleveland Browns
📰: https://t.co/oZ5OZiNxwG pic.twitter.com/Tqpinlt5Yb
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 9, 2023
Now, both Bally’s and the Browns are partnering with Cleveland restaurateur Bobby George to launch a new Bally Bet Sportsbook lounge. It will showcase a reimagined sports bar concept from George and his Ethos Hospitality Group. All parties involved hope Browns fans will gather to watch and bet on the games at the location.
George is a well-known businessman in Cleveland. He has several popular bars and restaurants in town, including Barley House, Rebol, Townhall, LYV The Wellness Space and Green Goat Cafe Bar. He’s also made a number of television appearances. He says this partnership with the Browns and Bally’s will be a big deal for the city of Cleveland.
“The synergies of putting three world class organizations together will set a new standard in hospitality. We are proud to bring that to Cleveland,” said George.
Officials say that the timing of the opening of the Bally Bet Sportsbook and George’s restaurant concept will be announced soon.
More on Bally’s-Browns partnership
Bally Bet launched in Ohio just before the start of the 2023 NFL season after the company migrated from its own platform to Kambi. The betting app and sports betting website are available now and are part of the Ohio sports betting market for the first time.
Additionally, Bally Bet is offering new customers a “second chance bet” of up to $100. Customers who place their first bet and lose will be refunded with “Bonus Money,” allowing them to place a second bet of equal value.
Through the partnership with the Browns, Bally Bet will also engage with fans throughout the season, offering premium ticket promotions, autographed merch giveaways, VIP experiences and exclusive content, plus fan activations in and around FirstEnergy Stadium.
