The Ohio Casino Control Commission reported during Wednesday’s commission meeting that the first application window for mobile sports gaming proprietor licenses has opened.
Applicants for Type A, B, C, Management Services Provider (MSP), first designated Mobile Management Services Provider (MMSP), and Supplier sports gaming proprietor licenses are now being accepted by the commission.
Ohio Casino Control Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler stressed each applicant should apply during the designated time frame, which is June 15-July 15 for the first group of applicants.
“In order to be eligible to commence sports gaming on the universal start date, these applications must be submitted by July 15,” Schuler said. “So, there is one month for those initial wave of license applications to be submitted.”
The second application window, from July 15-Aug. 15, is designated for applicants interested in sports gaming licenses for Type C sports gaming hosts and second designated service providers.
Schuler explained the law required having two waves of applications instead of one potentially massive submission of applications. Any applications submitted outside of the designated application windows could face delayed licensing approval, preventing them from being ready for business by the universal launch date of Jan. 1, 2023.
Ohio Sports Betting Application Window Opens Today.
The Casino Control Commission is scheduled to approve rules concerning provisional licensing at its Wednesday meeting. That approval will allow the regulator to start accepting applications for the OH sports betting industry.
— PhillyGodfather ® Sports Bettor (@phillygodfather) June 15, 2022
Schuler said the commission is currently ahead of schedule and will hold only one meeting next month after having two per month dating back to March. It’s been nearly six months since Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 29 on Dec. 22, which legalized sports betting in the Buckeye State.
With the submission of applications for sports betting licenses taking place between now and the middle of August, the next few months will be critical for the commission to stay on schedule for a New Year’s Day launch.
“We’re going to have a busy couple of months and we want to make sure that everyone has the information that they need, and to be available to help them along the way,” Schuler said.
Applications list to be posted
Speculation has existed about the number of applications the commission could receive for sports betting licenses, and the actual figures will be revealed over the next several weeks. The commission announced that it will post the names of the applicants beginning on Friday. The commission plans to continue this practice throughout the two application window periods.
“To make sure that we’re being as transparent and communicative as possible, beginning this Friday, and each Friday throughout this month-long period, the commission will post the names of all (Type) A, B, and C proprietors and first designated service providers,” Schuler said. “Applications received up to that point will be updated each Friday.”
The commission’s Sports Gaming Implementation Timeline after Aug. 15 includes several additional key dates. Submission for all final responsible gaming plans, facility plans, geolocation procedures, house rules, and required procedures is required by Nov. 2. Furthermore, all standard sports gaming employee applications must be submitted by that date.
By Dec. 2, all equipment is expected to be ready for commission verification.
