DraftKings, betJACK Apply for Ohio Sports Betting Access
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DraftKings has joined BetMGM and PointsBet as the first mobile betting apps to apply for sports betting access in Ohio — and betJACK is on the way as well.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced on Friday it has received a "Mobile Management Services Provider" application from Crown Ohio Gaming LLC, an entity controlled by DraftKings. It also announced JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino as the first locations to apply for sports betting licenses — physical entities apps must partner with for access.
Both Casinos are owned by JACK Entertainment, which launched a "training camp" version of its betJACK sports betting app in April, allowing users to make bets without money at stake. Securing licenses for its casinos would position betJACK to transition to real money come Jan. 1 2023 — when sports betting officially starts in the Buckeye State.
BetMGM, PointsBet and More to Come
Both applicants join BetMGM and PointsBet, whose mobile applications were announced last week. BetMGM and betJACK have also applied to run in-person sportsbooks at potential partner facilities.
The commission has yet to award any licenses. Ohio's sports betting law, passed in Dec. 2021, allows for up to 46 online sportsbooks.
For DraftKings or any mobile app to take bets in Ohio, they must partner with an approved "Type A" sports betting license holder. Those licenses are only available to casinos and professional sports arenas.
DraftKings would likely join the market through its Ohio partnership with Penn National Gaming, which owns casino and racing properties in Columbus, Toledo, Dayton and Youngstown. PointsBet, Barstool Sportsbook and BetRivers are expected to gain market access through one of those as well.
Here's how much mobile apps would pay Ohio:
- Mobile Management Service Providers contracted with a professional sports organization:
• First designated partner: $2 million initial and renewal
• Second designated partner: $6.67 million initial; $2 million renewal - Mobile Management Service Providers contracted with a casino or racetrack:
• First designated partner: $1.5 million
• Second designated partner: $5 million initial; $1.5 renewal
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