A few months before Ohio officially launch sports betting, the state is about to become major sports betting destination and also one of the most populous states to launch such an industry. Operators like BetMGM and Caesars are already gearing up to compete in a market that is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country.
Retail, Online, and limited sports betting (through kiosks) will be available across the state which makes the market much more diverse than most of the existing markets in the US. So if you’re looking for some action, make sure to check out the sports betting in Ohio.
“We expect that this will be one of the most competitive states in the country,” as per BetMGM chief revenue officer, Matt Prevost.
“The combination of really open access and a variety of different retail outlets is going to mean that basically, every operator who has any interest in pursuing the market will be present in Ohio.” Prevost continued.
Sportsbooks Develop Ohio Presence
One of the unique features of the Ohio sports betting market is that retail and online operators should partner with local proprietors in the state which could include professional teams. This paves the way for the presence of retail betting locations in some stadiums.
While MLB and NFL rules do not allow the presence of gambling spots inside stadiums, having sportsbooks that are near the premises is still something that might happen.
BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook
One of the sportsbooks that would be available to Ohio stadiums was BetMGM which secured a partnership with the Cincinnati Reds of Major League Baseball (MLB). The planned sportsbook would not be within the Great American Ball Park but is expected to be located in a location that is still easily accessible as fans watch games.
According to Prevost, “Retail is so prevalent and there are so many potential outlets, in choosing to invest in a retail location you need to be aware of how many other opportunities there are for people to place bets,”
Prevost added that the idea of sports betting kiosks do not appear to be appealing to them due to being common. BetMGM we’re looking for locations that can complement the betting experience and “a ballpark or an arena will do that.”
BetMGM Ohio also applied for a physical sportsbook at MGM Northfield Park and Cedar Downs giving them greater market access in terms of in-person betting. It will also be available through an online platform in partnership with MGM Northfield Park.
Caesars Ohio Sportsbook
Meanwhile, Caesars Entertainment will be looking to regain its Ohio presence which has been lost for quite some time. The hotel and casino entertainment company will be able to expand its presence in the Buckeye state again through Sports betting.
Caesars sportsbook also partnered with one of Ohio’s professional teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers, which gives them a ticket to open retail facilities at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Caesars Digital’s senior vice president and chief development officer, Dan Shapiro noted that this will give them the ability to introduce their brand to Ohioans.
“As people come into the arena for events, they’re going to see us. We’re going to have ambassadors there. Perhaps they make a retail bet or decide to sign up for a mobile account.”
“Or if they’ve already got one, perhaps they reactivate it by putting some cash in their account before they go to their seats. So there are a lot of pieces there,” Shapiro added.
