Ohio Sports Betting Launch Near Jan. 1 Becomes Official Wednesday
An announcement is expected Wednesday on when sports betting will go live in Ohio. State gaming officials already said the start date is expected to be on or near Jan. 1, 2023. Betting apps in Ohio will likely become available on that date.
According to the commission's website, the exact confirmed date will be announced at the Ohio Casino Control Commission meeting on Wednesday. The meeting will be live-streamed beginning at 10 a.m. ET.
With sports betting going live close to “if not exactly on” Jan. 1, legal wagering won’t occur in time for the start of football season or the World Series, the commission website states.
That means bettors won't be able to place college and NFL wagers on the season openers for the state's popular football teams. Ohio is home to the NFL's Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals feature star quarterback Joe Burrow, pictured. Although you can't yet place your bets on well-known brands like BetMGM Ohio sportsbook are ready to launch on go live day.
Large Statewide Launch
In a note on its website, the commission explained that the process of approving sports betting applicants takes time. The state plans to let all sportsbook operators begin accepting wagers on the same day rather than allowing some to start earlier than others.
The Ohio sports betting bill that Republican Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law a few days before Christmas last year requires legal sports betting to start no later than Jan. 1, 2023. The several months between now and the end of the year are needed to make sure everything is in order before anyone can claim any Ohio sportsbook promos and place a legal sports bet, state gaming officials said.
Ohio is embarking upon the “largest-ever simultaneous launch of sports gaming in the United States,” according to the commission website.
“This will necessitate the Commission to undertake due diligence investigations and ensure compliance requirements for approximately 3,000 applications in time for the Universal Start Date,” the website states.
Pro, College Sports Betting Legal
Under the new law, Ohio is allowed to have as many as 50 mobile sportsbooks and 40 land-based betting sites. So, those who want to claim bonuses from big brands will have plenty of options on launch day and maybe even before.
According to a Casino Control Commission report, land-based sportsbooks can be located at four casinos, seven racinos, and 10 professional sports venues. Betting kiosks will also be available in bars and restaurants with liquor permits. The law allows bettors to wager on professional and college sports, as well as auto racing and other events.
