The Ohio Casino Control Commission moved another step closer on Wednesday morning to getting things in order for launching sports wagering in the Buckeye State.
During its monthly meeting, the commission unanimously approved the first 200 applicants for Type C sports wagering host licenses that will become effective Jan. 1, 2023, which is also the designated universal start date for Ohioans to begin wagering on sports. Type C applicants — the first in state history to be approved — include sports bars, restaurants, pubs, and supermarkets, such as Giant Eagle and Kroger, across Ohio. (The commission posted on Wednesday afternoon the list of establishments that were approved.) All applicants will be eligible to have sports betting kiosks in their establishments.
“Today was historic in the passing of our first [sports] gaming component,” said commission Chair June E. Taylor.
SPORTS GAMING: Ohio’s Casino Control Commission just adopted a resolution allowing 200 approved bars, restaurants and pubs to have sports betting kiosks starting Jan. 1. @nbc4i
— Natalie Fahmy (@NatalieFahmy) August 17, 2022
Applicants approved for Type C licenses must meet certain criteria, including being a for-profit entity, holding a liquor permit, possessing a valid Ohio lottery sales agent license, and receiving a recommendation from the Ohio Lottery Commission for licensure.
Matt Schuler, the commission’s executive director, said the OCCC received a total of 652 applications for Type C gaming host licenses by the Aug. 15 deadline. However, that’s barely over half the 1,254 potential Type C gaming host applicants that have been pre-approved for licensing by the lottery commission.
Schuler added that potential Type C gaming host applicants should still submit applications even after the deadline, though there’s no guarantee that those applicants receiving approval would be assured to begin operating on the universal start date. However, Shuler allowed that “the requirements for a Type C gaming host are so narrow that we are very confident that we can process these in a timely manner.”
Standard sports gaming applications due Nov. 2
Besides granting approval for Type C sports applicants, the commission also noted that standard sports gaming employee applications must be submitted by Nov. 2. Anyone submitting by that deadline is guaranteed for application consideration ahead of the universal start date.
The deadline for submitting all final responsible gaming plans, facility plans, geolocation procedures, house rules, and required procedures is also Nov. 2, which represents one of the final key dates on the commission’s Sports Gaming Implementation Timeline.
Hard Rock Cincinnati, Hollywood Toledo updates
The commission also took care of some casino business during its hourlong meeting.
With two Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati representatives in attendance, the commission unanimously approved a three-year renewal of the establishment’s operator license. Toledo Gaming Ventures LLC, which represents Hollywood Casino Toledo, also received approval for three-year renewals of its operator license, holding company license, and vendor license.
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