The Ohio Slate is a weekly look at developments in Ohio’s gaming industry – including betting angles – as the state prepares to launch legal sportsbooks on Jan. 1, 2023.
Ohio Casino Control Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler believes the process to build a mobile sports betting app platform in Ohio is moving steadily along as Ohioans anticipate being able to bet on sports come Jan. 1, 2023.
“We put together a strategic plan that really formed in December and I’m happy to say that every aspect of that, all the way through today, is on time or ahead of schedule,” said Schuler, speaking with OH Bets following the commission’s July meeting on Wednesday. “So, there’s a lot of work to do. There’s six more months left, or a little less, before this is up and running. What we’re looking at now is really the time to roll up our sleeves.
“It’s been a very intense process to get where we are now, in getting the rules up, the applications drafted, getting those out, working on systems for electronic licensure for the Type C gaming hosts, as well as an internet portal for all of the submissions from all of our license applicants. … So, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.”
Part of the process has been trying to get the final approval for five batches of rules. Batch 5, which consists of regulations that address advertising, promotion, and sports gaming compliance, still needs to receive final approval.
Over the last month, the commission has also begun to receive applications for sports wagering licenses from stakeholders. The second installment window designated for applicants seeking licenses for Type C sports gaming hosts and second-designated Mobile Management Service Providers began on Friday and will run through Aug. 15. The first installment window was held from June 15 to July 15 for applicants seeking Type A and Type B licenses.
“I don’t want anybody to think for a minute that this is a rubber-stamp activity.” — #Ohio Casino Control Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler on sports betting licensing@hoosier3232 reports from today's OCCC meeting in Columbus:https://t.co/8BBPoZLPeA
— Sports Handle (@sports_handle) July 20, 2022
There’s still plenty more that needs to be completed on the commission’s Sports Gaming Implementation Timeline before sports betting is made available in Ohio.
Even if the commission is able to complete the sports betting platform ahead of schedule, there still wouldn’t be any sports wagering taking place in Ohio before Jan. 1, according to Schuler.
“The General Assembly made it absolutely clear, everybody comes out of the gate at the same time,” Schuler said.
Gaudreau should improve Columbus’ odds to win
The Columbus Blue Jackets will look plenty different this winter when free-agent signee Johnny Gaudreau steps on the ice. Landing the talented forward, who surprised many by signing a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with Columbus, has people thinking that the Blue Jackets could become a team to take notice of this upcoming season.
Considered by many as the biggest NHL free-agent signing this summer, Gaudreau will provide immediate help to a Blue Jackets team that failed to make the playoffs the past two seasons. The 28-year-old contributed 40 goals and 115 points in 82 contests for Calgary last season.
“I didn’t expect people to be so shocked.”
@johngaudreau03 joined the show to discuss his decision to join @BlueJacketsNHL.
📺: https://t.co/3PGvRNhC0J pic.twitter.com/54eU69dRBJ
— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) July 19, 2022
Breaking: Premier free agent Johnny Gaudreau has agreed to join the Columbus Blue Jackets on a seven-year, $9.5M average annual value deal, sources confirmed to ESPN.
The agreement was first reported by Sportsnet. pic.twitter.com/cn1NCyLHSZ
— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2022
Are the Blue Jackets, who finished in sixth place in the Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division last season, already viewed as Stanley Cup contenders with Gaudreau? Well, definitely not.
FanDuel and DraftKings have odds of +7500 on the Blue Jackets winning the 2022-23 NHL championship. The Colorado Avalanche are the favorites to win it all, with DraftKings posting odds of +400 on them and FanDuel listing +450.
FanDuel app offers Ohio as an option
FanDuel Sportsbook has updated its geolocation information page by adding Ohio as an option among a list of states to select from. Ohioans shouldn’t get too excited about this, thinking it allows them to place a wager on sports from the comfort of home before New Year’s Day.
Clicking on FanDuel’s Ohio tab doesn’t take you to a list of parlay bet options, or potential futures bet options. Instead, a page pops up that states: “Congratulations. You’re signed up for Sportsbook! We’ll let you know when we launch. You won’t be able to place a wager right now unless you visit one of our live states. In the meantime, check out our betting guide to get familiar with the product.”
