A Guide to Ohio Sports Betting Kiosks and Where They’ll Be Located

As Ohioans gear up for fully legalized online sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023, there's another feature they should be aware of: sports betting kiosks.

Kiosks are commonly used in other states that have legalized sports betting and are located in casinos and smaller retail locations like restaurants, bars and sports stadiums.

Under Ohio sports betting law, there are 20 type C licenses available for retailers. Those retailers who earn a type C license will have to compete with over 2,000 qualified vendors, which will make for a difficult decision for the Ohio Lottery Corporation.

Approved type C retailers can update their existing lottery kiosks or terminals to offer sports betting for bettors. By the time January 2023 rolls around, there will be at least two self-service or clerk-operated kiosks at each licensed location.

Using Sports Betting Kiosks in Ohio

Bettors must be at least 21 years old to use a sports betting kiosk once Ohio sports betting launches at the start of the new year.

Ohio bettors should note that fewer bet types will be offered at kiosks in comparison to sportsbooks and casinos.

Here's a list of the four bet types found on sports betting kiosks:

• Moneylines: Refers to a bet placed on the winner of a game or event. Always keep in mind that the odds are adjusted depending on the ability of each team or player, so the amount you win or lose can fluctuate extensively.
• Over/Unders: Bet type that centers around the points scored in a game by both teams. Keep in mind that this bet is also referred to as "total."
• Parlays: A grouped wager placed on two or more games or events that are linked together to create a larger bet with a considerable payout. In order to win, all selections or "legs" in the parlay bet must win.
• Point Spreads: A wager placed on the margin of victory in the selected game.

Ohio kiosks will also have low wagering limits set on each machine. HB 29 states that type C vendors must set a weekly wagering limit to $700. Bettors can use cash, credit, debit, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal.

Where to Expect Sports Betting Kiosks to Be Located

Bettors can expect to find sports betting kiosks (self-service or clerk-operated) at casinos, bars, restaurants, or stadiums.

There is some lack of clarity as it pertains to how many kiosks each licensed business can operate.  Initially, licensed vendors were prohibited from operating more than two self-service kiosks in their businesses; when HB 29 was signed in Dec. 2021, it stated that more kiosks can be requested if needed.

The loophole, however, is that there is no limit set on clerk-operated kiosks or video lottery terminals. Despite the imposed restrictions on self-service kiosks, bettors can find over 10,000 clerk-operated kiosks or video lottery terminals to use for their sports betting in January.