The Ohio Casino Control Commission on Nov. 2 gave the green-light to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village retail sportsbook, along with Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and Miami Valley Gaming.
With the launch of Ohio sports betting less than two months away, the picture of Ohio’s retail locations and online sportsbook offerings is beginning to come into focus.
The commission also licensed five more sportsbook apps, bringing the total to 12. Another 12 online sportsbooks still await licenses.
Hall of Fame Village among three Ohio retail sportsbooks approved
Hall of Fame Village, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and Miami Valley Gaming all landed their retail sportsbook licenses.
The Hard Rock Sportsbook in Cincinnati’s Hard Rock Casino yesterday announced that Reds legend Pete Rose will place the first bet at the sportsbook at 12:01 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
The Hall of Fame Village has partnered with BetRivers on its retail sportsbook, and Miami Valley Gaming will add a Betly Sportsbook to the racino’s offerings.
Twenty Type B retail sportsbook licenses have now been awarded.
The following six businesses are still waiting for retail licenses despite applying during the appropriate summer window:
- SPIRE Institute
- Cedar Downs
- Harry Buffalo
- Ravencrest Partners
- Phantom Fireworks
- Lori’s Roadhouse
Five more Ohio online sportsbooks on the way
Fresh off the release of its pre-launch deal, BetMGM received formal approval to launch the BetMGM Sportsbook app in Ohio. The company is currently offering $200 in bonus bets for new users.
The DraftKings, Hard Rock, Tipico and BetRivers sportsbook apps were also approved. Hard Rock, Tipico and BetRivers also received licenses to operate retail sportsbooks. DraftKings did not apply for a retail management license.
BetMGM is now licensed to manage retail sportsbooks at MGM Northfield Park, Great American Ball Park and Cedar Downs, although the latter has not received a license to add a retail sportsbook.
Sportsbooks approved on Nov. 2
| Sportsbook App Partner | Retail Sportsbook Locations | |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sportsbook | MGM Northfield Park | MGM Northfield Park, Great American Ball Park, Cedar Downs* |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Hollywood Toledo Casino | NA |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati | Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati |
| Tipico Sportsbook | Columbus Crew | Lower.com Field |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway | Pro Football Hall of Fame Village |
*Cedar Downs has not yet been licensed to host a retail sportsbook.
The most recent tally brings the total number of approved sportsbook apps to 12. They are:
- FanDuel
- Barstool
- PointsBet
- Caesars
- Betfred
- bet365
- Superbook
- BetMGM
- DraftKings
- Hard Rock
- Tipico
- BetRivers
Another 12 Ohio online sportsbooks still await licensing.
OCCC now moves to system verification
OCCC Executive Director Matt Schuler said the commission was pleased with the completeness of applications due on Nov. 2. That was the deadline for various compliance materials, employee applications, facility plans, test reports and surveillance details.
The commission will next turn its attention to the verification of these systems and equipment. Starting on Dec. 2, staff will conduct on-site visits to verify facility plans, security cameras and other equipment as well as testing systems remotely.
The OCCC next meets on Nov. 16.
