Fubo Gaming will operate both retail and mobile sports betting in Ohio, thanks to an expanded partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Fubo first partnered with the Cavaliers in October to promote the sportsbook brand during games. That was before the House and Senate even came to agreements on changes to HB 29, which legalized Ohio sportsbooks. Now, Fubo is an official mobile sports betting partner of the team.
Along with its mobile sportsbook, there will be a 3,000-square-foot lounge in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Fubo will offer incentives and special bonus offers at the lounge.
Why Fubo, Cavaliers partnered on Ohio sports betting
The partnership gives Fubo instant access to a highly attractive customer base, Fubo Gaming President Scott Butera said:
“The opportunity to enter the Ohio sports betting market with the Cavaliers as our partner is a major step forward for Fubo. Ohio has a passionate fan base who will enjoy Fubo’s uniquely integrated streaming and wagering sports betting experience.”
Fubo was the right fit because of its commitment to innovation and engagement, Cavaliers CEO Len Komoroski said:
“The Fubo Sportsbook mobile wagering platform provides leading technology, connectivity and entertainment that aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and engagement across every aspect of the fan experience.
“We look forward to the continued collaboration with Fubo as we work to establish a best-in-class sports betting marketplace to offer our fans in Cleveland and throughout the state of Ohio.”
This is likely not the last sports betting deal for the Cavaliers because Fubo is not an exclusive betting partner. Fubo, meanwhile, could sign three more partnerships under proposed rules.
Ohio regulator focused on rules for now
Both sides are excited about the partnership but could have 11 months to wait before it really gets started.
Sports betting in Ohio must start by Jan. 1, 2o23. According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, it sounds like launch will come pretty close to that mandated date.
The regulator already started the first step of crafting rules for public comment. There are three batches of rules right now:
- Batch one focused on provisional licenses and testing standards.
- The second batch included rules on licensing for mobile and retail sportsbooks.
- The third batch concerned lottery kiosks and responsible gambling.
The lengthy process means anyone in Ohio interested in legal NFL betting will have to keep traveling to the four border states with legal betting already:
