Ohio sports fans of all ages can soon look forward to wagering on some of the year’s biggest events as the state prepares to welcome some of the best 18+ online sportsbooks.
Establishing The Rules Of The Game
Since passing HB 29 last December, the state’s Casino Control Commission has been on the grind and working to deliver a dynamic set of sports gambling guidelines.
The group has already published five batches of rules, whose components address issues such as licensing provisions and exclusion policies. However, these measures still require approval from outside agencies before the commission can begin its licensing process.
Fortunately for state gaming agencies, Ohio’s latest US sports betting laws provide a January 1st deadline for operators to launch. This date supplies state agencies with ample time to ensure a smooth and successful opening.
Unlike legalization practices in other states, Ohio plans on launching all of its sportsbooks at the same time. More than easing confusion or leveling the playing field, this strategy allows the Casino Control Commission to work out any and all kinks before a kick-off.
An Early Launch In The Cards
Although January is a long time from now, some industry experts suggest that operations could start in time for professional football betting. The NFL season start has been long-considered an unofficial deadline for prospective US states offering 18+ sports betting to launch.
And, according to sports betting lawyer Daniel Wallach, there’s even more at stake:
“It becomes an issue not of if, but a question of when in the September through year-end time frame when it actually goes live and given the importance of college football, the NFL regular season and then the World Series, along with the beginning of NBA and NHL games, it provides a robust period for sports wagering and I think states would be wise to target that activity,”
When sports betting arrives in Ohio, it’s gonna be big. With 25 operator licenses and over 2,500 gambling kiosks accounted for in the bill, bettors will be overwhelmed by the wagering options at their disposal.
Competition Keeps Building
No longer will bettors have to travel out of state to place in-person wagers, a prospect that scares casino owners across state lines.
For example, the Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg Indiana just finished a $2.4 million renovation to its sportsbook lounge. These businesses are not only worried about losing their Ohio clientele. They also fear that the state’s launch could poach local bettors.
Mike Galle, the Vice President and General Manager at the Lawrenceburg casino, told journalists the following:
“The regulations in Ohio aren’t developed. So, I don’t know completely what I’m up against.”
Ohio 18 and up betting will bring a lot of good to the state. Until then, bettors can still set their wagers using offshore online sportsbook sites.
Source: WCPO, Dayton Daily News
