Miami Valley Gaming opened the doors on its retail sportsbook on Jan. 12, surprising its visitors a day before a scheduled grand opening.
The Warren County racino, located between Cincinnati and Dayton, posted a mid-afternoon announcement on Facebook that the sportsbook was immediately open and that patrons were welcome to stop by and check out the new additions.
Sports betting in Ohio kicked off a couple weeks earlier, on Jan. 1. Several retail sportsbooks opened for business on the state’s universal start date, some as early as 12:01 a.m., while others planned later openings while updating spaces and adding new amenities.
Miami Valley Gaming adds sportsbook to racing area
According to Miami Valley Gaming’s website, the new sports betting and race betting area is called The Race & Sportsbook.
Most Ohio racinos have partnered with a sportsbook operator, like BetMGM, FanDuel or Caesars, on branding and management of retail sportsbooks, but Miami Valley Gaming did not designate a partner through the Ohio Casino Control Commission. That means it can use its own branding for the space.
Miami Valley Gaming’s online platform is partnered with technology company Gamewise, but it is branded MVGBet Sportsbook. The MVGBet app went live on Jan. 1, along with 15 other Ohio online sportsbooks.
The Race & Sportsbook is located in Miami Valley Gaming’s simulcast racing room, where visitors will still be able to bet on and watch the live harness horse races hosted on the premises.
Racino teams with service provider Kambi to offer sports betting
Miami Valley Gaming, which is co-owned by hospitality industry giant Delaware North Companies and Louisville, Kentucky’s Churchill Downs Inc., partnered with global sports betting technology service provider Kambi for its retail sportsbook’s kiosks.
Kambi announced the multi-year partnership on Jan. 11.
Kambi Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Kristian Nylén commented on the deal in a press release:
“As one of the most populous states in the U.S., Ohio presents a significant opportunity for those operators committed to delivering high-quality sports betting experiences and we are thrilled to bring our world-class sports betting technology to Miami Valley Gaming.”
Craig Robinson, president and general manager of Miami Valley Gaming, said the racino was excited to launch the new sportsbook “by leveraging Kambi’s award-winning technology.”
“We have been working tirelessly to create a sports wagering offering that is convenient and easy to use,” Robinson said. “We look forward to adding another great amenity to our property, offering Miami Valley Gaming’s loyal customers a state-of-the-art sports betting experience.”
Miami Valley Gaming adds kiosks, betting windows for sports betting
The Race & Sportsbook space now features 16 self-serve sports betting kiosks (powered by Kambi’s technology) and two betting windows, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier.
The racino also added several televisions to the area so visitors can keep track of all of the sports action of the day.
Robinson told Cincinnati Business Courier that he feels the new sports betting offerings compliment the existing horse race betting options well, with the racing helping to keep the action consistent when sports may be in a slower season.
“(Horse racing) gives sports bettors something exciting to watch and bet on when there’s no major sporting events,” Robinson said. “And our race bettors like their pro and college sports as well, so they have the ability to place race and sports bets at the same window.”
Bettors encouraged to use Bet Builder website before using kiosks
In order to reduce time spent on the self-serve sports betting kiosks, Miami Valley Gaming encourages visitors to use its Bet Builder website on their mobile devices. Signage at the sportsbook features QR codes users can scan to get to the website.
The site, which is powered by Kambi, lets bettors create their wagers before approaching the kiosks. The user builds their bet through the site then scans and submits it at the kiosk.
The Race & Sportsbook at Miami Valley Gaming is open 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday-Friday and 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visitors must be 21 or older to enter.
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