Ohio Approves More Than 300 Sports Gambling Licenses

Ohio’s sports betting industry is set to be a weighty giant with the state approving three professional teams on Wednesday to carry out various sports gambling activities. They will be able to start early in 2023 and accept bets right on their sports facilities.

Ohio’s Casino Control Commission also approved more than 300 licenses, issuing permits to the state’s professional teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, and the Columbus Crew. All of them will be setting up shop in the state on January 1, 2023.

Class and Class B Licenses for Casinos and Sports Teams

The Commission looked at ten companies who were applying for either Class A or Class B casinos and approved eight shortlisted candidates who will be holding both Class A and B licenses:

• JACK Cleveland Casino
• JACK Thistledown Racino
• Cleveland Browns Football Company
• Crew SC Stadium Company
• Muirfield Village Golf Club Subsidiary
• Cincinnati Reds
• Hollywood Casino Toledo
• Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley

Some applicants, though, did not receive an immediate ruling, as two professional sports teams, the FC Cincinnati Holdings and Cincinnati Bengals applying for Class A and B and Class A licenses respectively had no people present on Wednesday. Other than the professional sports team organizations, the Commission reviewed and approved 300 Class C licenses for various restaurants, bars, and suppliers who will now have the opportunity to offer gambling kiosks on their premises.

In August, the Commission already issued similar permits to 200 bars and restaurants statewide, with the number increase even further. Meanwhile, Commission executive director Matt Schuler said that at least 33% of applicants have failed to submit all the necessary paperwork that concerns employees and leadership personnel.

All Paperwork Must Be Submitted on Time

Failure to do so by the deadline set for October 5 will invalidate those applications, Schuler reminded. The executive was visibly miffed by the fact that applicants were expecting the commission to process late paperwork, which would not be possible, as the Commission, Schuler said, was working at full capacity and did not have additional resources.

As to applicants whose licenses have not been approved just yet, Schuler said that they would have time until November 2 to submit the necessary documentation. In both cases, the executive urged applicants to show consideration and submit the paperwork with advancement so that the commission’s staff can