Ohio Sports Betting Application Window Opens June 15

Despite the Ohio sports betting regulator’s best effort, residents might not be able to wager on early-season NFL football games this year.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced Wednesday that the potential operators could apply for licenses until July 15. Football season is scheduled to begin in August.

A first application window starts on June 15 for Type A, B, and C proprietors, first designated mobile management services providers, management service providers, and suppliers. The application will be available on June 1, and the operators will have until July 15 to submit those applications to seek the respective licenses.

The above-mentioned categories cover Buckeye State’s casinos and biggest sports betting venues, including pro sports stadiums.

A second application window will open on July 15, allowing Type C sports gaming hosts and second-designated MMSPs to submit licensing applications until Aug. 15. Type C gaming hosts include bars and restaurants.

Ohio to See a Universal Launch Date

Wednesday’s proceeding also revealed the commission’s plan of a “universal” launch date, meaning all the approved operators will go live on the same date. Though the law mandates Ohio sports betting to launch by Jan. 1, 2023, the efficient regulatory process suggests an early launch.

Still, Ohio bettors are most likely to miss most of the NFL action.

The application windows are for sportsbook operators, vendors, and suppliers seeking approval by the universal launch date.

Any interested body seeking a license outside these windows will have their application reviewed on a rolling basis.

Submission Deadlines Requirements

The commission also detailed submission deadline requirements for various plans and procedures prior to the universal launch date. The submission of responsible gaming plans, facility plans, equipment testing, house rules, geolocation procedures, and required procedures, as well as standard sports gaming employee application, is 60 days prior to the universal go-live date.

A deadline of 30 days prior universal launch date is set for all equipment-related verification by the commission.

OCCC Executive Director Matt Schuler highlighted the significance of applicants submitting their completed license applications within the designated time. Though he hopes to see Ohio sports betting live no later than Jan.1, 2023, it could be available earlier.

How Will Ohio Sports Betting Look Like?

The commission has been seeking stakeholder comments (until Friday) on draft applications for Type A and B licenses, whose details it laid out in March.

A maximum of 25 Type-A licenses for mobile sportsbooks and a total of 40 Type-B licenses for land-based facilities will be awarded.

The commission recently allowed stakeholder comments on the Type C sports gaming proprietors draft application. A provision of “no Type C sports gaming host shall have more than two-kiosk-self-service terminals” drew concern among restaurants and bars seeking to enter the sports betting space.

Earlier this year, Ohio State University had also requested wagering on college be limited to only football and basketball.

Ohio sports betting was legalized last December when Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 29 into law. Since then, the commission has been holding meetings twice a month to keep pace with the scheduled launch date.