The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced that it has approved over 300 applications for sports betting licenses including licenses for three professional sports teams.
The Cleveland Browns, Columbus Crew and Cincinnati Reds were approved for sports betting in the state ahead of the January 1st launch. The three teams were among ten applicants for type A or type B sports betting licenses for retails and online operations. However, the seven-member commission issued only eight licenses as representatives from neither the Cincinnati Bengals nor FC Cincinnati Holdings were present at the meeting. License for the final two applicants are expected to be issued at a later date.
The full list of approved type A or type B license holders is as follows:
- JACK Cleveland Casino (A/B)
- JACK Thistledown Racino (A/B)
- Cleveland Browns Football Company (A/B)
- Crew SC Stadium Company (A/B)
- Muirfield Village Golf Club Subsidiary (A/B)
- Cincinnati Reds (A/B)
- Hollywood Casino Toledo (A/B)
- Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley (A/B)
Alongside the type A and type B licenses, the commission issued 300 type C licenses to bars, restaurants and other businesses. These licenses will allow them to install sports betting kiosks.
Earlier in August, the commission approved 200 type C license applications for bars and restaurants in Ohio.
Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler noted that 33% of applicants have yet to submit the required materials required for full approval. He stated that if those applicants fail to provide the correct information before the deadline of October 5th, they will not be guaranteed a license in time for the industry launch.
“We do not have the time or the resources to carry them across the finish line. They have to be capable of doing the very minimum requirements set forward by the General Assembly.”
The commission also approved rules regarding sports betting in Ohio. These include a requirement that approved license-holders must submit a plan to prevent disordered and problem gambling.
A full list of type A and type B license holders and applicants can be viewed on the Ohio Casino Control Commission website.
Image credit: Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0
An experienced iGaming commentator and analyst based in New York City - Jenny reports on regulation and gambling industry news and events.