The Latest Sports Betting News Out of Nevada and Ohio

Every week, there are multiple news reports coming out of states that have legalized sports betting and states that are still in the process of doing so. This week, some interesting sports betting news came out of Nevada and Ohio.

The Golden Nugget Sports Betting App in Shutting Down in Nevada

At a time when sports betting is continuing to grow in the U.S., it's interesting to see any kind of closure. That is exactly what is happening in Nevada as the Golden Nugget brand announced that it will be shutting down its sports betting app.

At this time, it's not clear why Golden Nugget is making this move. The app closure was announced on April 17, 2023, with a scheduled shutdown date of April 26. All customers have been notified by email.

If customers have any open bets at the time of the shutdown, those bets will be graded and processed through the retail Golden Nugget sportsbooks in Las Vegas and Laughlin Nevada. Also, their active players' accounts will remain open and accessible through the same retail sportsbooks. Any unclaimed funds from the betting app that don't get claimed at a retail location by June 30 will be distributed to accountholders via a live check through the U.S. Postal Service.

As part of this announcement, Golden Nugget's management did indicate they will be introducing a new sports betting app. What they weren't able or willing to do was provide a date or any additional information about the new app. No information was provided regarding the mobile app that is currently available in New Jersey and Michigan.

Gift Cards Become a Sports Betting Account Funding Option in Ohio

The Ohio sports betting windows have been open for business since the beginning of 2023. As one would expect, the state's online/mobile sports bettors are always looking for better and easier ways to fund their wagering accounts. BetMGM in Ohio heard the calls.

Effective immediately, 7-11, Walmart, and other retail locations will be selling BetMGM gift cards. The gift cards can be used to fund BetMGM online wagering accounts. What the sports betting operator won't be doing is allowing for the sale of its gift cards near college or university campuses.

It's worth noting this is not a new concept. BetMGM has already been offering this funding option in 11 other states. In fact, it was DraftKings that originated the concept when they started selling gift cards in the state of Pennsylvania.

This new funding prin was approved by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) early in April. That means all of the state's 17 licensed sports betting operators will be allowed to follow BetMGM's lead. It's a sure bet that other sports betting gift cards will be popping up in the coming weeks.

With its approval, the OCCC stressed that access to gift cards will not serve as a workaround for already established regulations. The gift cards are not to be sold to minors nor should they be given to family members and friends who might be suffering from gambling addiction.