Sports Betting in Ohio to Start in 2023

The Ohio Casino Control Commission, the regulatory body in charge of sports betting in Ohio, has announced that sports betting in the state will go live on January 1, 2023. While the wait seems long, it is still in line with the law. This was based on the sports betting bill that was signed by Governor Mike DeWine last year. The law clearly states that sportsbooks should be live no later than January 1, 2023.

It does seem that the gaming commission is taking its time. This is good for those new to the industry, as they can read up on sports betting and bookie tutorials to learn more about the industry. However, many supporters of sports wagering in the state were hoping that sportsbooks would open before football season starts in September. American football, the NFL to be specific, is the most profitable professional sports league in the country.

Sports Betting in Ohio: What to Expect

But since the commission has announced its January launch, this gives all parties the opportunity to fine tune policies, address common sportsbook inquiries, and ample time for the commission to issue licenses to operators. Likewise, sportsbook operators will have time to prepare and get their sportsbooks ready for Ohio bettors. Under the law, residents may place wagers on college and professional sports events, even the Olympics. So, there will be a lot to prepare for. And it will be a very lucrative path for the state, opting online and retail betting, and offering a wide range of betting options such as what you would find in a bookie pay per head sportsbook.

Still, it would have been nice to see residents wager on the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals this year. To refresh your memory, the Bengals are the reigning AFC Champions. They lost to the NFC Champs Los Angeles Rams back in the Super Bowl earlier this year.

The commission, however, has to go through over 3,000 applicants. Currently, the law allows for up to 50 online sportsbooks and 40 retail betting sites. They will also be allowing wagering in betting kiosks at restaurants that have liquor permits. The commission will have the remainder of the year to review the applications. There are quite a lot of applicants. But this is indicative of a very healthy, and still developing, sports betting industry.