Hundreds of veterans and fraternal organizations in Ohio are already reaping the rewards from the electronic bingo machines that are being operated since April. The launch of the machines was included in the Ohio Sports betting bill passed last December 2021 and is seen to bring a financial boost to these institutions.
Both retail and mobile sports wagering will go live in the Buckeye State this January 1 and hundreds of applicants have already been approved. The continued efforts of the regulators will soon benefit the state not just through the entertainment of the people but also through additional revenue for the government.
More About the Electronic Bingo
The inclusion of Electronic Bingo provisions in the sports betting bill was a way for Ohio lawmakers to help veterans and fraternal organizations. The e-bingo machines have similarities with modern slot machines where guests can pay to play a certain game with a chance of winning.
E-bingo operations have been up for 5 months and are currently helping 800 fraternal and veterans groups across the Buckeye state. Each chapter may install up to 10 machines which were added to supplemental activities for members as they come to the location.
The results have been favorable so far as the e-bingo revenues are not just helping the organizations in their expenses but also their charitable activities. 25% of the revenues are allocated for the operational expenses of the machines while 25% will go to its charitable efforts. The remaining 50% will be held by the manufacturer.
Trustee for Mount Healthy Eagles, Joel Muskovin, stated “We’ve been able to replace ancient furnishings in the bar. We’re in the process of replacing other things like the barstools that were pretty close to 20 years old.”
Ohio Sports Betting Update
Ohio Casino and Control Commission is still in the process of evaluating applicants after awarding more than 500 licenses in the previous weeks. Most of the approved licenses are Type C which is for Sports Betting Kiosks while some retail and online sportsbooks also received approval.
These include BetMGM which partnered with Cincinnati Reds for the Hamilton sports betting location and DraftKings which advanced with Hollywood Casino Toledo as its gaming proprietor.
Ohio Sports betting would miss most of the NFL regular season but will be up and running during the Super Bowl LVII in February.
