Massachusetts and Ohio Gearing Up for Sports Betting Launch

As the end of 2022 approaches, the U.S. sports betting community is on schedule to get two new participants. After resolving several logistical problems, it looks like sports bettors in Massachusetts will be hitting the betting windows in early 2023. They will be joined by Ohio sports bettors who have been given the green light effective January 1, 2023.

With two states preparing to launch at the same time, many of the nation's top sports betting operators are busy jockeying for sports betting licenses in the two states mentioned above. Let's take a look at where things stand in preparation for these historic launches.

Caesars Sportsbook Signs in Massachusetts

There was little doubt that Caesars Sportsbook would be one of the first sports betting operators to land a sports betting deal in Massachusetts. Caesars Interactive Entertainment announced this week that they have signed a tentative agreement with the Encore Boston Harbor Casino. It's noteworthy the Boston casino is owned and operated by Wynn Properties.

Under the terms of the deal, Caesars will be allotted one of the mobile betting skin licenses that have been given to the Encore Boston Harbor. This is good news for Caesar's management because the operator will now be able to avoid the ensuing battle for one of the seven (7) independent mobile sports betting licenses that have been authorized by legislation and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.

With Caesars now in the fold, Wynn Properties will be looking to fill their other mobile sports betting slot. That shouldn't take long since it's pretty clear that WynnBET will most likely get that slot.

Ohio's Sports Betting Slots are Filling Up Fast

While the Massachusetts Gaming Commission still has a bit of work to do, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is busy getting ready for the state's January 1, 2023 sports betting launch. At a meeting held on November 16, 2022, the OCCC was able to finalize a number of the outstanding regulatory issues. They also proceeded to approve mobile sports betting licenses for 14 more operators.

It's worth noting that the Commission also signed off on two Type C licenses. These are licenses that will be allotted to non-traditional gambling concerns. That might include bars, restaurants, and convenience stores.

Of the two Type C licenses issued to date, one was awarded to Geneva Sports LLC, a proprietor that owns a physical fitness center and runs college preparatory school in the state of Ohio. At this point, it's not clear where Geneva Sports will place it's retail sportsbook, but is unlikely that is will be situated on school property.

One of the regulatory issues that was addressed by the OCCC was the establishment of Ohio’s revamped gambling self-exclusion program. Residents of the state made clear they were very much in favor of legalizing sports betting, but wanted state officials to put safeguards in place to protect vulnerable problem gamblers.

With everything coming together nicely, sports bettors in Ohio are busy getting ready to start registering with their favorite online bookmakers.