Sports Betting Application Period Begins on June 15 in Ohio
Ohio Casino Control Commission Accelerates Sports Betting Launch
Sports betting in Ohio is gearing up for a potential launch before the end of the year, as the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) continues to move forward with the licensing process.
On December 22, 2021, sports betting was legalized in Ohio when Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 29. Since then, the OCCC has been working diligently to establish the necessary regulations and guidelines for sports betting operators.
The commission needs applicants to adhere to a tight time frame to fully vet and bring applications to the commission for licensure. As of now, the application windows for various categories of applicants are scheduled to open on different dates.
Operators of electronic platforms facilitating activities such as rental of real estate, personal services, sale of goods, and provision of means of transport, as defined under the platform operators' reporting obligations based on the European DAC 7 directive, can register on July 1 to be considered for the joint start date.
The application windows for Type C sports gaming hosts and second-designated mobile management services providers open on July 15 and close on Aug. 15. Any entity that applies outside these windows will have their application reviewed on a rolling basis.
The OCCC has identified several categories of applicants, including Type A, B, and C proprietors, first-designated mobile management services providers, management services providers, and suppliers.
The commission is accepting comments on draft applications for Type A and Type B sports gaming proprietor licenses, mobile management services providers licenses, and management services providers licenses until Friday via email at [email protected].
Batch 1 of proposed sports gaming rules, which concern general provisions, provisional licensing, certified independent testing laboratories, and certified independent integrity monitors, must be submitted for final consideration by June 1. Batch 1 is further along in the approval process than any of the other four batches and is expected to be submitted for final consideration by June 1.
The commission agreed during Wednesday's meeting to formally file the "Batch 5" proposed sports wagering rules with the CSI office. Batch 5, which concerns definitions, proprietor duties, and supplemental licenses for Type A and B licenses, is the last batch of proposed rules to be submitted to CSI.
The deadline for submitting responsible gaming plans, facility plans, equipment testing, geolocation procedures, house rules, required procedures, standard sports gaming employee applications, and other related information is 60 days prior to the universal start date. All equipment must receive commission verification 30 days prior to the universal start date, which is expected to be set by Schuler for no later than Jan. 1, 2023.
Ohio's biggest potential sports wagering venues include professional sports stadiums and existing casinos. Notably, Ohio State University has requested that sports betting on colleges be limited to only football and basketball.
The commission is holding meetings twice a month to stay on schedule to have sports wagering available by the end of the year. The OCCC is hoping to launch any approved operators on a "universal" go-live date, which could be earlier than the mandated Jan. 1, 2023, due to the progress made in approving regulations.
Stay tuned for more updates on the sports betting landscape in Ohio.
