The Ohio sports betting landscape became a little clearer over the weekend as the Ohio Casino Control Commission released the names of the mobile operators who have applied for licenses.
The state’s professional sports teams — including the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds, Columbus Blue Jackets, FC Cincinnati, and Columbus Crew are among the proprietors partnering with mobile sportsbooks seeking licensure in Ohio.
Sports betting in Ohio is set to begin on Jan. 1, 2023, a universal start date for all licensees, as outlined in the sports betting legislation passed in late 2021.
Mobile Ohio Sportsbook Providers Unveiled
Mobile operators had until July 15 to apply for a license that would guarantee they be operational by Jan. 1.
All total, 20 mobile management service providers, or MMSPs, submitted an application by the deadline. They include:
- BetMGM
- PointsBet Ohio
- Crown Ohio Gaming (DraftKings)
- Penn Sports Interactive (Barstool)
- Betfair Interactive (FanDuel)
- Seminole Hard Rock Digital
- HillsideOhio (bet365)
Any applications received after Friday are not guaranteed to be up and running when sports betting goes live in the Buckeye State.
Professional Sports Teams Partner With Mobile Providers
The commission announced several professional sports teams in Ohio had submitted applications and indicated who they will partner with.
The Bengals are partnering with Betfred, while the Browns go with Bally’s, and the Cavaliers chose Fubo Gaming.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Cleveland Guardians will both be working with Fanatics, officially listed as FBG Enterprises Opco.
A complete list can found in this document: