Updated Ohio Sports Betting Bill Progresses

Categories: News, Ohio | Published by: Alex W

20/06/2021

Ohio sports betting bill passes to the senate.

The prospect of legal sports betting continues to move forward in Ohio as lawmakers discuss SB 176 and amend the measure. Although there is still a long way to go, the Senate Gaming Committee chose to add an amendment that will delay the new industry from launching until April 1, 2022. Even though the delay for a start date is a setback, lawmakers did decide to add more licensing options to create a bigger market.

Senate members decided to push back the start date as they wanted to give every operator equal footing when the Buckeye state starts providing legal betting services. The initial aim was for legal sports wagering to begin in Ohio on October 1.

All of this relies on legislation passing, and the time is running out for that to happen.

Amendments to Bill

SB 176 will offer two types of licensing, Type A and Type B. Operators who obtain a Type A license can offer online sports betting with one brand name each. One single controlling body is not allowed to have more than five of the A license.

With B licensing, operators can provide retail sports betting. There are restrictions on this type of license based on city size. Each city will offer a limited amount of Type B licenses. When lawmakers initially introduced the bill, it only allowed 20 Type-A and 20 Type B licenses. Now with the amendments, the numbers have increased to 25 Type A licenses and 23 Type B licenses.

If the legislation is passed, the state regulator will begin accepting applications for sports wagering licensing on January 1, 2022. Approvals will commence from April 2022.

Other amendment changes include allowing electronic bingo machines in the state. There is scope for up to 900 locations offering these games. The Ohio Attorney General and the Casino Control Commission will review the gaming machines and decide if they are a slot game.

Professional Sports Teams Allowed to Participate

The Ohio sports betting bill allows professional sports teams to offer services in the state. The NHL, NASCAR, PGA, NFL, NHL, and MLB teams in the state all qualify.

WynnBET has revealed they have agreed to a partnership deal with the Cincinnati Reds in anticipation of legal sports betting in Ohio. Additionally, the MLB club has signed a corporate partnership with the sports betting and casino brand, with the agreement running throughout the course of the 2021 season.

The agreement in Ohio will set up both parties to offer services if/when lawmakers legalize sports betting. As per the terms of the agreement, WynnBET gains access to the official marks and logos of the Reds and is allowed to use them within its online products.

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