A new online sportsbook is coming to Ohio. Well, sort of.
Elys Game Technology announced it would launch an online sportsbook platform called SportBet.com. The platform could end up as the interface for one of the Ohio online sportsbooks.
According to the company’s press release, Elys plans on securing partnerships during the last few months of 2023.
A partnership would allow the operator to use SportBet as the user interface. Therefore, if they partner with an Ohio operator, those in the Buckeye State would have access to the platform.
Isn’t Elys already in Ohio as a kiosk platform?
While they aren’t as popular as traditional brick-and-mortar or online sportsbooks, certain sports betting kiosks use the Elys front end.
In April 2022, Elys partnered with Wright Bet Ventures LLC. Wright Bet provided bars, restaurants and other establishments using the kiosks with the physical equipment.
Elys provided the front-end software for Wright Bet’s machines.
However, the company wants to keep up with customer demand and move to the online betting side of the industry.
“The launch of [SportBet] is a pivotal move wards accelerating our North American go-to-market strategy under the new Elys America business unit,” said Executive Chairman Michele Ciavarella in a press release. “[SportBet] is a clearly identifiable sports betting URL emphasizes our direction in the U.S. and our goal to be recognized as a top-tier challenger in this expanding market. We remain dedicated to delivering an unrivaled sports betting experience, combining innovation, dependability, and responsible gaming practices to earn the loyalty of our players.”
Any partnership they enter would likely be similar to the Kambi-Bally Bet deal. Kambi Group builds the platform and Bally Bet uses the software for its operation.
The company has a presence in more than just Ohio. Additionally, it works with sports betting kiosk providers in Washington, DC.
Ohio sportsbooks most likely to partner with Elys
The Buckeye State has one of the largest sports betting markets in the US. Since the January launch, Ohio sportsbooks handled more than $4.5 billion worth of wagers through August.
It should finish the year as one of the five largest markets in the country.
However, it also provides its bettors with plenty of options. There are 20 online operators in Ohio right now.
Furthermore, the market is top-heavy. DraftKings Ohio and FanDuel Ohio dominate the market and there is a clear second tier of operators.
This makes the top half of sportsbooks less likely to partner with Elys. But there are still 10 others that might want to.
A smaller operator like Betway Ohio, betPARX or MVGBet are the types of partnerships Elys would be eying.
