Giant Eagle applies for Ohio sports betting license

Giant Eagle has become the latest grocery chain in Ohio to apply for a license to host in-store gambling kiosks. Its 62 stores were among the list of pre-qualified retail outlets posted by the Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC), joining other grocery names such as Kroger and Acme Fresh Markets that had already been recommended by the OLC.

Their entry comes after Kristin Mullins, President of the Ohio Grocers Association, noted that she expects more grocery stores to apply for the license once the rules for operating gambling kiosks are hammered out. So far, 1,254 retailers have been pre-qualified to run these kiosks.

READ: Ohio sports betting guide

Though pre-qualification does not guarantee approval by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), applying stores must be a lottery retailer, have either a D-1, D-2, or D-5 liquor license, and be a for-profit business. However, most entries received are from bars and restaurants, with a few from bowling alleys and golf courses. All approved entities will be allowed to commence operations on January 1, 2023.

The license for grocery stores to operate gambling kiosks is in line with the state’s directives to let a wide array of retail businesses partake in sports betting. Following the signing of the sports betting bill by Governor Mike DeWine late last year, Ohio will become the fourth-largest state to offer sports betting by the time operation commences on January 1.

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