The Ohio Lottery on Friday released a list of approximately 850 businesses that could be approved for sports betting kiosks across the state.
The businesses are pre-qualified to apply to the Ohio Casino Control Commission for Type C licenses, which allow lottery agents to have kiosks in restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and other businesses. Those on the list are pre-qualified to apply for licenses, but they still must go through the process to obtain final approval.
The OCCC will open its application window for Type C licenses on July 15. Those that apply between that date and Aug. 15 will be in the commission’s “first batch” of applicants and on track for approval to begin offering sports betting on the universal start date of Jan. 1, 2023.
Type C licenses are for Sports Gaming Hosts and secondary Mobile Management Services Providers (MMSP). Brick-and-mortar casinos and professional sports venues are each entitled to two digital platforms, or skins, and as such can partner with up to two MMSPs. Type C licensees will not be eligible for mobile platforms.
Under the new sports betting law, businesses that hold D1, D2, or D5 liquor permits can apply, but according to the lottery website, “while the Lottery recommendation is one of the eligibility requirements for a license, it does not guarantee that your Type C Sports Gaming Host license will be approved by the OCCC.”
Businesses hope kiosks equal more business
For local sports bars, bowling alleys, pubs and taverns, family game centers and the like, the opportunity to have wagering kiosks could mean more business on big game days. Geez Grill & Pub in Washington Township is among the businesses that are enthusiastic about the opportunity, according to WDTN News.
“Instead of watching it at home, you can come to Geez and place some bets,” Geez manager Mario Giallombardo told WDTN. “People come out to eat for entertainment. The opportunity to bet on your favorite team just makes you have an even better time than you’re having, and you might win some money and maybe you buy a couple of drinks for your friends.”
A recent study by CGA Strategies found that mobile sports betting keeps patrons hanging around establishments longer and that 80% of those polled said they’d extend their visit after winning a bet. The study was conducted in Illinois, where statewide mobile wagering is available. Kiosks may help some Ohio establishments, but the ability to leverage digital betting can also be a key way to increase business.
Besides Ohio, a handful of other states, including Louisiana, allow for wagering through lottery-owned kiosks.
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