Casino Sports Betting
The gambling market is constantly changing. One of the newest features is casino sports betting. Although online casinos tend to have more diverse sport offerings, land-based casinos also offer wagers. Currently, there are 11 Ohio-based casinos, each of which offers slots, table games, and horse racing.
There are two major ways to place a bet on a sports event: via the online sportsbook and by using a sportsbook kiosk. In the US, the former is more common. Besides, if you’re interested in betting on your favorite team, there’s no need to drive to a sportsbook, since self-service sportsbook kiosks are available in several markets.
While there’s no definite answer to the question “when will Ohio launch sports betting?”, some speculate that it could start around the NFL season in 2022. That’s when the Ohio Casino Control Commission is expected to issue the first set of rules for the new gambling industry. If it goes according to plan, this will mark the debut of the state’s first legalized sports gambling venue.
Ohio Launches Casino Sports Betting
In November, voters in four Virginia cities approved the construction of casinos in those areas. In return, each of these locales must hold a referendum before the facilities are opened. It’s estimated that Internet gambling in the state jumped by 10% over the previous year. In September, gamblers in the state took $867 million worth of bets. Of that amount, about half went to internet-based gambling, with the rest going to the state’s horse-racing tracks. This equates to $135 million in the month alone.
While some of the new casino construction plans include retail sportsbooks, the state has limited the number of such venues. Previously, there were four locations with plans to launch such venues. These include the new Hard Rock casino in Bristol, which was approved by the voters, as well as the Pamunkey Indians, which was approved by the voters in Norfolk.
Aside from online sports betting, the Ohio Casino Control Commission has also issued sports betting rules that can be applied at the various locations. For example, there are restrictions on advertising to young gamblers, and there’s a rule that a ‘license holder’ can’t increase the number of sportsbooks available. Lastly, there are regulations surrounding the provisional license fee. Basically, if a ‘license holder’ doesn’t use its sportsbook to the best of its ability, it won’t count toward the 12-sportsbook limit.
Since the Ohio sports betting bill passed in the state legislature, the gambling industry is expected to expand. With the approval of the bill, casinos will be able to apply for sports betting licenses. However, that’s not all that’s changed. Many of the top companies have already announced partnerships with pro sports teams and other institutions. Several have already launched sportsbook apps.
Besides the obvious mobile-based sportsbook applications, the state has received three more license applications. One is a type A (online) license, and another is a type C (kiosk) sports betting license. Each of these is estimated to cost between $7,500 and $15,000 for a one-year term.
