Two nationally-known mobile sportsbooks were the first to apply for an Ohio sports betting license last week.
BetMGM and PointsBet both applied for mobile management service provider licenses, which would authorize them to launch online sports betting in Ohio.
The two applications are the first of around 3,000 expected before sports betting launches Jan. 1. Mobile, retail and kiosk betting at lottery retailers must launch simultaneously according to HB 29.
Ohio sports betting application details
Applicant names and when they submitted their information might be the only details the Casino Control Commission provides on its licensing page.
BetMGM applied for both its mobile and retail license June 15, the first day the application period opened. PointsBet followed with its mobile application June 16.
Neither have their partner listed on the page though there is no secret who either is. BetMGM can launch through its MGM Northfield Park while PointsBet partnered with Penn National for access to Ohio back in 2019.
First application period closes July 15
More applications should start flowing in for location licenses, sportsbooks and suppliers through July 15. That is the end of the first application window for any of those licensees that plan to be live Jan. 1.
The second application window then opens the same day and runs until Aug. 15. That is when lottery retailers that want sports betting kiosks and second-skin mobile operators should apply in order to be live on Jan. 1.
Any incomplete applications or applications received after a window closes are not guaranteed to be considered in time for the launch.
Customer recruitment starting already
Sportsbooks are allowed to sign up customers before betting is live. One operator is already rolling out a timed promo offer.
Hard Rock Sportsbook plans to be live Jan. 1 and is offering a deal that declines in value as launch gets closer, according to Hard Rock Digital Chief Marketing Officer John Koller.
