A handful of new applications have been filed for Ohio sports betting licenses, as some casino operators and sports franchises are aiming to take a double-barreled approach to mobile wagering.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission recently updated its list of those applying for retail and online sports betting licenses in the state, which is scheduled to launch legal wagering on Jan. 1, 2023.
According to the roster, entities connected to WynnBET, Betway, and MaximBet all applied for mobile management services provider licenses on August 15, the deadline for so-called "second-designated" mobile management services providers.
The permit will allow the companies to conduct online sports betting on behalf of their racetrack and casino "proprietor" partners, which in this case will be JACK Thistledown Racino for WynnBET, Belterra Park for Betway, and JACK Cleveland Casino for MaximBet.
"Second-designated mobile management services providers and Type-C sports gaming hosts must apply by the end of the day to ensure they are considered for licensure in time to launch sports gaming on January 1," the casino control commission said in an email to stakeholders on August 15. "To be clear, businesses who miss this deadline may still apply but are not guaranteed consideration in time to begin operations on January 1, 2023."
The Betway-related application was made by Digital Gaming Corp., a brand licensee of Betway that the brand's owner, Super Group Ltd., intends to buy.
Nearing capacity?
Also filing for a mobile license is a company tied to Prophet Exchange, a peer-to-peer sports betting exchange that aims to partner with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets.
As of the latest update, there are now 25 applications for mobile management services provider licenses in Ohio. There are also 22 applications for "proprietor"-class licenses for online sports betting.
Ohio’s sports-betting law initially allows for up to 25 online sports betting licenses to be awarded to “proprietors,” such as a casino or sports team, who can partner with up to two mobile management services providers, such as WynnBET or Betway. However, a proprietor will only be allowed a second mobile skin after showing there is an economic benefit to the arrangement, among other things.
As one example, JACK Cleveland Casino is aiming to partner with both MaximBet and PlayUp for online wagering in Ohio, according to the casino control commission's list. The Blue Jackets are now seeking approval for partnerships with Prophet Exchange and Fanatics, while Belterra Park wants ties to both FanDuel and Betway.
Those online licenses are in addition to 40 permits for brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and a host of bars, restaurants, and other businesses that will play host to sports-betting kiosks.
