Three more big names have applied for Ohio sports betting licenses: Fanatics, FanDuel and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Fanatics and FanDuel have submitted paperwork to be an online operator and to run a retail sportsbook ahead of Ohio’s sports betting launch on Jan. 1, 2023. The Cincinnati Bengals applied for an online sports betting license.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is currently accepting applications for online sportsbooks, retail sportsbooks and operators of betting terminals. Those applications are due by July 15 in order to launch on the universal start date.
Fanatics officially enters the Ohio sports betting market
Fanatics in Ohio could be significant, writes PlayOhio’s Griffin Adams, as the apparel company is new to the betting game.
Fanatics recently filed a trademark for its BetFanatics app. The company has applied for sports betting licenses in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Fanatics has reportedly been in talks to partner with Tipico, a sports betting provider with licenses in New Jersey and Colorado. Tipico also has a partnership with the Columbus Crew and is the exclusive sports betting partner for USA Today’s owner, Gannett.
Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin recently sold his reported 10% stake in Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment, which includes ownership in the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils. That move could open the door for Fanatics to take bets on those teams.
FanDuel ready to build on DFS momentum in Ohio
FanDuel currently operates daily fantasy sports contests in Ohio and will be prepared to launch its FanDuel Ohio Sportbook come January.
FanDuel is the market leader or near the top of the sports betting market in several states and has distinguished itself with its easy-to-use software and its same-game parlay options.
The company has been hosting daily fantasy sports contests since 2009 and has been in the Ohio market for years.
FanDuel has not yet announced an operating partner in Ohio.
Fellow DFS market leader DraftKings applied for its Ohio sports betting license last week.
Cincinnati Bengals are the first pro franchise to apply for Ohio sports betting license
The Cincinnati Bengals are an expected applicant as one of the state’s 10 home stadiums of eligible sports teams or leagues set to be sportsbook locations. The Pro Football Hall of Fame applied for its license last week.
The Bengals applied for an online license and on July 13 announced a partnership with Betfred, which could manage the team’s sports betting app. The Bengals are also eligible to operate a retail sportsbook at Paul Brown Stadium but still need to apply for that license.
Ohio will award up to 40 licenses for brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the state. Every MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA franchise in the state is expected to file their applications for a physical sportsbook location.
The Muirfield Village Country Club (home of the PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament) and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (which hosts a NASCAR event) will be eligible as well.
First Ohio sports betting application window closing, second window opening
In order to launch on Jan. 1, all online sportsbooks, retail sportsbooks and operators of betting terminals must submit applications by July 15. Caesars Sportsbook is noticeably missing from the list of applicants. That is expected to change in the next few days.
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.
According to the Ohio Lottery Commission, 853 Ohio businesses have already been pre-approved to host sports betting kiosks in the state.
Stay tuned to PlayOhio as the team tracks the most recent sports betting operator applications and the latest launch and news information.
