Sports bettors in northern Ohio will have a chance to celebrate the new year and place their very first legal, in-person sports bet in Ohio at MGM Northfield Park.
The Northfield, Ohio racino, located 20 miles south of Cleveland and 20 miles north of Akron, will start taking sports bets at its BetMGM Sportsbook right at midnight on Dec. 31, as Ohio sports betting goes live across the entire state.
This year, BetMGM was one of the first operators to apply for licensing in Ohio. Along with MGM Northfield Park, BetMGM has partnered with the Cincinnati Reds and, later in 2023, plans to operate a retail sportsbook at the Reds’ Great American Ball Park, in the space most recently occupied by the Machine Room restaurant.
MGM Northfield Park’s Sportsbook to offer kiosks, betting windows
Matt Buckley, president and COO of MGM Resorts International’s Midwest Group, tells PlayOhio that MGM Northfield Park is excited to show off its new BetMGM Sportsbook. Buckley was previously the General Manager of MGM Northfield Park before being named to his role with MGM Resorts International’s Midwest Group in November.
“Our BetMGM Sportsbook will offer an immersive, world-class sports watching and betting experience. We’re excited to offer guests this new amenity. Highlights include five betting windows, 14 betting kiosks and seating for 58.”
Buckley says the addition of sports betting at MGM Northfield Park will be a bonus feature of the racino’s usual annual New Year’s Eve bash.
“We couldn’t be more excited to debut sports betting at MGM Northfield Park’s BetMGM Sportsbook on New Year’s Eve. We always celebrate the new year on property with a live DJ and many specials throughout the casino, and this year won’t be any different.”
Responsible gambling a priority for Northfield Park’s BetMGM Sportsbook
Buckely says that he has sensed excitement for the BetMGM Sportsbook from MGM Northfield Park’s customers in the lead-up to Ohio’s Jan. 1 sports betting launch.
“Ohioans have been waiting a long time for this day and our guests are constantly sharing their excitement,” Buckley says.
MGM Northfield Park has been working closely with the Ohio Casino Control Commission throughout the licensing process to ensure the venue meets all of the state’s requirements and regulations.
That includes following the Ohio responsible gambling requirements for proprietors, including training staff with how to spot and deal with problem gambling red flags. Since 2017, MGM Resorts has been partnered with GameSense, a responsible gaming program that proactively promotes responsible gaming resources and education at MGM properties and through its BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook app.
“It’s important I take a moment to also highlight that responsible gaming is at the forefront of everything we do at MGM Resorts and sports betting will be no different,” Buckley says. “We continue to partner with GameSense to keep gambling fun, while helping guests make informed decisions.”
BetMGM Sportsbook app offering $200 pre-launch bonus
Sports bettors in Ohio will also be able to place bets through the BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook app and online site come Jan. 1. In early November, the company received its license to operate the online sportsbook statewide.
If BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio is in your online sports betting plans, it’s best not to wait until Jan. 1 to sign up.
Users who register and have their BetMGM account fully verified before Jan. 1 will receive $200 in free bets. The pre-launch offer is good for four free $50 bets when the sportsbook goes live. No deposit is required.
Buckley says that users of the BetMGM Sportsbook app will be able to participate in the MGM Rewards program.
“The integration with MGM Rewards allows BetMGM app users the opportunity to earn points and redeem their gameplay for experiences at MGM Northfield Park, as well as other MGM Resorts properties around the country such as MGM Grand Detroit, and MGM Grand and Bellagio in Las Vegas.”
