BetMGM and PointsBet Apply for Ohio Sports Betting Access

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BetMGM and PointsBet could be the first two online sportsbooks to come to Ohio.

They're the first sports betting "Mobile Management Services Provider" applicants,  the Ohio Casino Control Commission announced Friday. If approved, they'd be able to launch online apps by Jan. 1, 2023, but only after partneringwith a licensed retail betting venue, such as a casino or a pro sports arena.

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Applicants for those licenses, classified as "Type A", haven't been announced yet. Partnership rules allow for up to 46 online sportsbooks.

BetMGM's parent company, MGM Resorts International, owns the MGM Northfield Park in Cleveland, which would likely qualify for one of those licenses.

That could save the online sportsbook a few million in licensing fees, as those are more costly for sportsbooks that partner with pro teams as opposed to casinos.

If approved, BetMGM will likely pay $2 million for five years of access.

BetMGM also applied to become a Management Service Provider, which can partner with "Type B" license holder to run a brick-and-mortar sportsbook. There are 40 of those licenses available and that'd cost BetMGM an extra $140,000.

PointsBet has a partnership in place with Penn National Gaming, which gives it Ohio access, company spokesperson Patrick Eichner said.

Penn owns a few properties around Ohio that would qualify for a Type A license, so PointsBet has a few options.

More applicants will be announced next Friday.

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