Three new Ohio sports betting kiosk operators and one new retail applicant have joined the growing list of businesses applying for sports betting licenses in Ohio.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission on July 20 updated the list of businesses that applied for Ohio sports betting licenses during the first application window, which closed on July 15.
The commission is still considering any applications postmarked by July 15 to have applied during the first window. These businesses will be considered for licenses in time to launch on Ohio’s universal start date of Jan. 1, 2023.
Three more kiosk operators could be available
This week, Iron Gate Gaming, J&J Ventures Gaming and Gold Rush Amusements joined the list of businesses looking to operate sports betting kiosks in Ohio.
Only four kiosk operators were listed on the July 15 list of applications:
- Elys Game Technology
- Green Bear Software
- Intralot
- Skybox Sports Network
If licensed, these seven businesses will be able to partner with local businesses to operate sports betting kiosks.
There will be a wide variety of Ohio businesses adding the kiosks, including bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, golf courses, hotels, convenience stores, truck stops and supermarkets.
Every business hosting a kiosk will need to partner with a kiosk operator, which is where these new applicants come in. Operators will install equipment, train staff and provide ongoing equipment maintenance and service, along with marketing and customer service. The operator may provide up to two sports betting kiosks per location.
Ohio sports betting application window now open for kiosk hosts
The second Ohio sports betting license application window opened on July 15 and will run through Aug. 15. Every business that wants to host sports betting kiosks in Ohio must formally apply during this window in order to be considered ahead of the universal start date.
The Ohio Lottery Commission is releasing a full list of pre-approved businesses every Friday. As of Aug. 19, the Ohio Lottery had pre-approved 1,303 businesses for kiosks.
The commission is also accepting applications from service providers that want to establish a second partnership with an operator during this window.
Country bar near Cincinnati applies for a retail sports betting license
The newest addition to the list of retail applicants is Lori’s Roadhouse, a restaurant and live music venue in West Chester, near Cincinnati.
The 24,000-square-foot facility features two stages and hosts local and touring country music artists.
Lori’s Roadhouse is the only applicant for a retail sports betting license in Butler County. Based on its population, the county is only eligible for one license.
All of Ohio’s major professional sports teams, casinos and racinos have applied for licenses as well. In total, 28 businesses have applied for a retail sports betting license. Ohio can license up to 40.
Compliance website on the way for Ohio
The Ohio Casino Control Commission this week announced that it will unveil a compliance website for the industry on Aug. 1.
All businesses will need to submit gaming plans, facility plans, geolocation procedures, house rules and other procedures.
All sports gaming equipment will need to be tested in certified laboratories as well. There are currently two labs certified to do the testing: BMM North America and Gaming Laboratories International.
Many compliance materials may be submitted through the compliance website once it is live on Aug. 1.
