We know that you’re eager to wager on your favorite sports teams, but have no fear. It will be here when the Ohio Supreme Court reaches its decision in January 2023.
Recent Ohio Sports Betting News
Governor Mike DeWine recently announced that digital and in-person sports betting will be legal in Ohio. This is according to the press release with the date set for January 2023.
The new law will allow gambling operators to offer sports betting online. Additionally, at casinos and racinos as well as professional facilities. This includes Cleveland Cavaliers basketball games at Quicken Loans Arena and Cincinnati Bengals football games at Paul Brown Stadium. Also, the Columbus Crew soccer games at Mapfre Stadium.
Sports betting will be regulated by the same gaming division. It already oversees poker and casino games at casinos throughout the state. The fees associated with this new industry are expected to generate approximately $11 million annually. This for the first three years.
Thus, it will go toward public education and treatment programs for addiction. Also, towards research into brain injuries related to football players who suffered concussions during their careers.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) will oversee the regulation of these activities.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) will oversee the regulation of these activities. The OCCC will be responsible for licensing operators, agents, vendors, and employees.
According to DeWine, the OCCC and his administration are currently working to determine a fee schedule and other duties of the OCCC, as well as which sports may be wagered on.
The governor also stressed that Ohio’s gambling laws ensure that “no one can gamble on their cell phone or tablet at work.” He added that if you want to bet in another state or country, you’ll have to do it out of state or country.
The governor said he expects the OCCC to be operational by January 2023. Also, he said he wants all sports betting laws in place before. As part of this effort, DeWine directed Attorney General Dave Yost (R) and Auditor Julie McPeak (D) “to create a collaborative group within 30 days.”
This is with representatives from law enforcement agencies, gaming experts, horse racing organizations, and casino operators. They will advise him about how best to regulate online gambling activity within Ohio. Also, without jeopardizing existing revenue streams for casinos or local governments.
Sports betting will be available online or at local casinos and racinos, but not via mobile wagers.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission will oversee all racino and casino operations while regulating other facilities that seek to offer sports betting. The commission is also tasked with reviewing daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators before they are allowed to operate in Ohio.
The legislation allows for DFS operators who have been active for four years or longer outside of Ohio to submit an application fee and information about their business model. This is for consideration by the commission’s executive director within 30 days after filing its application form with the commission office by mail or email.
However, any company seeking licensure must continue operations as if they had issued an order denying licensure until the executive director issues an order granting licensure.
What legalization of local sports betting will mean for Ohio
A lot of the revenue will come from all the people who live here. They will be able to participate in this new industry and make money for themselves. This is instead of going elsewhere to gamble on their favorite sports team.
Some of this extra revenue will also come from tourists. As long as they stay within Ohio’s borders, they can bet on any game they want without traveling anywhere else. That’s why it’s better than online betting: it lets you keep your money in your neighborhood!
This is great news for businesses in the area, too—and not just because more people might start coming through their doors if there were even more opportunities available locally (though that would certainly help!).
It means businesses have another way to attract customers besides simply offering them discounts or freebies; now, they can also offer entertainment options. This might mean hiring new employees dedicated solely to service at these new venues.
If you’re in Ohio, get ready for sports betting. The Buckeye State will join the list of states with legal sports betting just in time for the new year. Early this year, Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill into law that will allow for online and mobile gambling when it becomes legal.
