Ohio gives sports betting green light for 2023

Sports enthusiasts in Ohio will be legally allowed to place bets on their favorite teams from the start of 2023.

This development will not only give fans a new way to enjoy sporting activities, but it will also add to the state’s economic growth, with other US states to legalize betting seeing some nice dividends from tax.

A year earlier, the governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, signed House Bill 29, which allowed sports betting to be practiced in the state.

The move was made possible due to a decision by the U.S Supreme Court in 2018 that struck down the federal ban placed on states legalizing betting. Ohio is currently among over 30 states in the US where fans can place wagers on sports.

Per the legislation, the Ohio Casino Control Commission will oversee three types of licenses created. The licenses apply to gambling in casinos and racinos, as well as professional sports teams that run sportsbooks. It also includes mobile gambling on phone apps and restaurants, bars, and other retail sites equipped with self-service gaming kiosks.

In June this year, the state announced that betting would be made legal in Ohio starting from January 1. Sports betting was predicted by the Ohio Legislative Service Commission to produce one of the most successful industries in the state.

Several casinos have set up arrangements to commemorate the day, including the Hollywood Casino Toledo.

On Saturday night, the venue had a ribbon-cutting ceremony before it began operations in the Barstool Sportsbook location. The casino will also have 25 other Barstool betting kiosks in addition to a Barstool Sports App available for customers.

Rossford Mayor Neil MacKinnon and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz were appointed to place the first bets in the gaming venue. MacKinnon revealed that he looked forward to legalized sports betting and what the growth of the activity could mean for his city.

“Really excited about a new attraction that will enhance already the top entertainment attraction in northwest Ohio,” MacKinnon said.

“Visitors here at the Hollywood Casino do drive into Rossford and support our businesses, and also the thousand plus people who work here are constantly in Rossford supporting our businesses.

“So, anything positive that happens at the Hollywood Casino is good for the great city of Rossford, Ohio.”

Meanwhile, Cincinnati-based Hard Rock Sportsbook reportedly asked former professional baseball player Pete Rose to place the first legal wager in the establishment to commemorate the newly legalized activity.

Sports betting in Ohio will be made accessible only to adults aged 21 years or older. Some of the most notable sports betting apps will reportedly start taking wagers immediately into the new year. However, some kiosks and sportsbooks will hold off on starting for a while.

This includes traditional grocery chain Kroger, which is putting off opening kiosks in its over 40 licensed stores until the year progresses a little. Around 16 companies, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, are ready to begin offering online betting on January 1.

Sports fans will be allowed to bet on U.S college sports, esports, and a number of international sports. There is also the option of betting on professional tennis, golf, Olympic events and auto racing.

Wagering is prohibited on high school games as well as pre-recorded events and other prop bets. This involves how many timeouts or penalties will be called or when a player will be injured.

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