DraftKings, JACK Entertainment Apply For Sports Betting Licenses In Ohio

Written By Danny Cross on June 27, 2022 - Last Updated on July 19, 2022
draftkings sportsbook ohio

Two more big names have filed applications to operate sportsbooks in Ohio: DraftKings and JACK Entertainment

DraftKings on June 22 submitted its application to provide online sports betting in Ohio. DraftKings does not have a partner yet, but in 2019 it secured market access through Penn National Gaming. Penn currently operates two casinos and two racinos in Ohio.

JACK Entertainment properties JACK Cleveland and JACK Thistledown also applied for both online and retail sportsbook licenses. JACK has already launched a free version of its online sportsbook, betJACK, which will become a full-featured platform on Jan. 1. 

Which operators have applied for Ohio sports betting licenses?

Last week, BetMGM and PointsBet were the first two operators to throw their hats in the ring.

BetMGM owns MGM Northfield Park racino just outside of Cleveland. PointsBet has access to the Ohio market through a partnership with Penn National Gaming.

With DraftKings Ohio and JACK Entertainment in the fold, Ohio’s sports betting market will begin to come into greater focus. Dozens of other operators will file applications during the next few weeks.

Ohio sports betting application window is open

The Ohio Casino Control Commission is currently accepting applications for sports betting operator licenses during two 30-day windows. Any applications that miss the two 30-day windows will not be guaranteed consideration ahead of the universal start date.

In order to launch on Jan. 1, all online sportsbooks, retail sportsbooks and operators of betting terminals must submit applications between June 15 and July 15. With just a few days left before the first window closes, one operator is glaringly absent, Caesar Ohio Sportsbook. Look for that application to be added to the growing list of applicants soon.

That means up to 25 sports betting apps will file applications and be ready to launch soon. 

Ohio will award up to 40 licenses for brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the state. These applications are due during the first window as well. 

The second application window will run from July 15-Aug. 15. Bars, restaurants and grocery stores that operate Ohio Lottery terminals and are looking to host a betting kiosk operator may apply during this window. 

Stay tuned to PlayOhio as the team tracks the sports betting operator applications and the latest launch and news information.

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Danny Cross

Danny Cross is the managing editor of PlayOhio, where he covers the Ohio sports betting and casino industries, including the latest news on Ohio sportsbooks and responsible gambling in the state. Cross joined PlayOhio from Pro Football Focus, where he wrote and edited articles on the NFL, fantasy football and betting.

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