The application period for Ohio sports betting licensees will open a bit earlier than expected, according to the Casino Control Commission.
The regulator laid out a new timeline Wednesday that shows just when certain Ohio sports betting applications will be ready for submission.
Unfortunately for those eagerly awaiting the market’s launch, the update did not include a specific go-live date. Remember, the sports betting bill passed last year requires the market to go live by Jan. 1, 2023, which means the wait is 242 days or fewer.
New Ohio sports betting details
The draft applications available for public comment through Friday afternoon will be finalized and available to applicants by June 1.
The first application window opens two weeks later, running from June 15 through July 15. That will be for all Ohio-based license holders, first mobile partners and suppliers.
The second window will open as the first closes on July 15 and run through August 15. That submission period is only for those that wish to host lottery kiosks with sports betting options and mobile operators designated as the second skin.
Previously, a CCC spokesperson said the application period might not start until late summer or early fall.
How many mobile sportsbooks again?
There is at least one mobile license available to every casino, racino, pro sports team and pro sports organization that operates in Ohio. That equals 21 with eight teams, the PGA Tour and NASCAR, as well as 11 combined casinos and racinos.
Additionally, every one of those licensees can apply to launch a second skin. That request will be approved as long as regulators believe it will provide additional economic benefit to Ohio.
That means there could be as many as 42 online sportsbooks in Ohio through those alone, with as many as 46 total per the legislation. Most states typically do not launch with all licenses accounted for though.
Other Ohio deadlines mentioned
There are certain requirements to hit 60 days before launch. That means the public should know when Ohio sports betting will launch by October at the latest.
Operators must have all responsible gaming plans, house rules, geolocation procedures and more completed 60 days before launch. That is also the deadline for all standard employee licensing.
All equipment must be ready to be verified by the regulator 30 days before launch.
