Ohio debuts accelerated sports betting licensing timetable
Buckeye State process to feature two month-long licensing application windows with hard November 1 closure date
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has released details of an accelerated licensing process for sportsbook operators as it looks to adhere to a legislation-led launch deadline of January 1, 2023.
Under the timetable published on the OCCC’s website, the final sports betting license application form will be released to the public on June 1, which will allow prospective operators the necessary time to sort out requirements and address any legal issues.
Fifteen days later, the first of two one-month-long license application windows will begin, with applications solicited from Ohio-based license holders, prospective mobile operator partners, and suppliers.
The second window will commence on July 15, and will welcome applications from mobile operators serving as the second skin of a land-based partner, as well as those lottery kiosk operators that wish to offer sports betting.
This window closes on August 15.
Sixty-days prior to the January 1, 2023 so-called ‘universal’ start date, prospective operators will be required to submit their responsible gaming plans, facility plans, equipment testing, and geolocation procedures as well as any house rules and required procedures documentation.
In addition, this will be the deadline for all standard sports and gaming employee applications, i.e., those required forms for anyone working in the sector in the Buckeye State.
Just 30 days before the universal start date begins, prospective operators and suppliers will be required to make their equipment used in Ohio available to access by OCCC regulators.
Should the requirements of the process be fulfilled earlier than the January 1 start date, the OCCC could launch sports betting sooner, however no guidance has given by the OCCC on what it might do should this instance occur.
Ohio governor, Mike DeWine, signed enabling legislation authorizing sports betting in Ohio in December 2021.
There are 25 online licenses available for casinos, pro sports teams, casinos, and racinos, with each allowed one skin each per license, which could potentially lead to around 50 brands launching alongside retail options.
The favorable tax rate of 10% on gross gaming revenue (GGR) means the Buckeye State is set to be a particularly competitive market involving all the usual suspects.
Ohio is also home to almost 12 million people, making it the seventh most-populous state, not far behind the regulated state of Illinois. Ohio is the fourth largest state to legalize betting after Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York.
Furthermore, there are nine professional sports teams across the major leagues and more than a dozen colleges with NCAA Division athletes.
The legalization also allows for betting on professional esports events, although fixed-odds horseracing is prohibited.