Ohio's sports gambling license application period's second phase has begun as bar operators seek permission to install gambling kiosks on their premises. Downtown Cincinnati is the state's third biggest city.
Ohio Lottery operators who have some alcohol licenses started applying for sports gambling kiosks last week. Ohio's electronic licensing portal had 125 applications as of Saturday evening. But, the application process lacks a formal deadline even though some operators who want to accept wagers on January 1, 2023, want to finish their applications by August 16.
The Ohio Legislature voted a new sports gambling law in December that makes some liquor and alcohol license holders who offer Ohio Lottery eligible to collaborate with kiosk operators and provide sports gambling in their enterprises. The legislation classifies them as Type C licenses.
Type C operators have a limitation on the money a player can bet each week and the types of wagers they can offer compared to Type A and Type B operators. The 125 bars that have sent their applications might soon increase to over 300.
The sports gambling license application period began on July 15 and will end on August 16 for operators who want to start accepting sports wagers in January. Ohio will continue receiving applications after August 16 for operators who want to accept sports bets after January 1.
The Over 1,000 Pre-Qualifications
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) issues enterprises that host or provide sports gambling with licenses. The Ohio Lottery pre-qualifies license holders who can run sports gambling kiosks.
The lottery had pre-qualified 1,009 operators for sports gambling by Friday. Still, the lottery's recommendation is necessary to get a license. Yet, it doesn't guarantee operators that the OCCC will approve their license application.
Type C hosts with approvals can select the kiosk operators or proprietors that they want to partner with as long as the commission has approved them.
Seven bars want to offer lottery retailers sports betting kiosks, including Elys Gameboard technologies, Intralot, Green Bear Gaming Development, Skybox Sports Network, J&J Ventures Gaming of Ohio, Gold Rush Amusements, and Iron Gate Gaming.
They applied before July 15 and will begin accepting sports wagers on January 1 if they are approved.
BetRivers' Online Application
Lottery retailers can apply for sports betting kiosks. Online sports gambling operators who want to be a proprietor's second mobile management services provider (MMSP) can also apply for betting licenses. Rush Street Interactive operates BetRivers, and it applied to be Hollywood Casino Columbus' second MMSP last Tuesday.
A second sports gaming partner has extra expenses for the MMSP and proprietor, according to the OCCC. Typically, a casino will pay $1.5 million to collaborate with an online sports gambling vendor and $5 million to work with two providers if they are approved.
The first MMSP has to pay $1.5 million to get a license, while the second one will part with $5 million. The OCCC gives priority to state-licensed racinos and casinos and the state's sports teams to be retail bookies and sports gambling apps' proprietors.
Still, other entities like HOF Village and SPIRE Institute can apply for retail and online licenses. Ravencrest Partners, Harry Buffalo, Lori's Roadhouse, and Phantom Fireworks want to host brick-and-mortar bookmakers.
