Three more sports betting companies have filed applications with the Ohio Casino Control Commission to launch by Jan. 1, 2023:
- The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton
- Penn Sports Interactive, which manages the digital products of Penn National Gaming, including the Barstool Sportsbook app
- Elys Game Technology, an interactive gaming company partnered with Ohio-based Wright Bet to provide sports betting kiosks inside bars, restaurants and other businesses that operate the Ohio Lottery
We have yet to see an avalanche of applications for Ohio sports betting licenses with two weeks left before the July 15 deadline, but the latest crop of applications checks one major brick-and-mortar retailer off the list and introduces the first companies looking to operate sports betting kiosks.
Pro Football Hall of Fame and Rush Street Interactive Apply in Ohio
The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton was an expected entrant into Ohio’s brick-and-mortar sportsbook scene.
It has already partnered with BetRivers Sportsbook to operate its retail sportsbook in the Hall of Fame Village.
The Hall of Fame also applied for a mobile sports betting license, which would also go through the BetRivers partnership. BetRivers is a national sports betting brand operated by Rush Street Interactive of Chicago.
The new sportsbook will be part of a new-look Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is currently undergoing a massive expansion of the Hall of Fame Village. Construction is currently underway on a performance center, additional retail space, fan engagement zones and a new hotel and waterpark, among other amenities.
Penn National Gaming and Barstool Sportsbook App Enter the Ohio Market
Penn Sports Interactive applied for a mobile management services provider license, representing the entry point for the Barstool Sportsbook app.
Penn National Gaming purchased a 36% stake of Barstool Sports in 2020 and has since launched the Barstool Sportsbook app in 12 states.
Penn Sports Interactive manages the digital products of Penn National, Barstool Sportsbook, and Hollywood Casino.
Hollywood Casino Toledo recently confirmed to PlayOhio that it will open a Barstool Sportsbook inside its casino. Penn National’s three other Ohio properties are almost certain to follow suit:
- Hollywood Casino Columbus
- Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway
- Hollywood Mahoning Valley Race Course
Those gaming establishments and other big names like Caesars Sportsbook will also need to file applications ahead of the July 15 deadline to launch sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023.
First Ohio sports betting kiosk technology company is in
Elys Game Technology also threw its hat in the ring. Elys is partnered with Wright Bet to operate sports betting kiosks inside local establishments licensed through the Ohio Lottery.
Wright Bet, in fact, is counting down the days on its website until sports betting goes live in Ohio and is offering to guide local businesses through the application process. Wright Bet will operate the kiosks in conjunction with Elyse Game Technology, which means installing the equipment, training employees and other responsibilities.
A wide variety of Ohio businesses will be eligible to host sports betting kiosks, including bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, golf courses, hotels, convenience stores, truck stops and supermarkets.
Qualifying Ohio businesses that wish to host a sports betting kiosk may apply during the second application window, which runs July 15-Aug. 15.
Follow PlayOhio for the latest launch and news information, including the most recent operator applications.
