Sports Betting Kiosks in Ohio Garnering a Lot of Attention

Effective 12:01 am CT, sports betting went live in Ohio. It was long overdue given that Governor Mike DeWine affixed his signature to sports betting legislation in December of 2021. With things off and running, expectations are big in the Buckeye state.

Like many other states, Ohio sports bettors have access to approximately 40 retail sportsbooks located inside sports stadiums, retail casinos, and racetracks. They also have access to as many as 25 online/mobile betting apps, many of which will be partnered with retail operators. Unlike other states, Ohio sports bettors will also have unfettered access to sports betting kiosks inside of local businesses like grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and sports bars, and yes, even gas stations.

Some Kiosk Licensees are Off to a Slow Start

With the much-awaited launch of sports betting in Ohio underway, several licensed businesses that intend to host sports betting kiosks are still sitting on the sidelines. To date, over one thousand businesses have been granted a license for kiosks while another 500 or so businesses have been preapproved.

Of the businesses that have been preapproved but not yet accepting bets, several are among the largest retailers in the state. That includes Kroger, Giant Eagle, and Roosters. Among these three large retailers, there have been as many as 130 kiosks preapproved.

There was no comment on the delay from management at Giant Eagle. Representatives from the other two businesses, Kroger and Roosters both issued statements that they delaying their kiosk launches until they get a better feel for how everything is going throughout the state. With the NFL playoffs just a couple of weeks away, it will be interesting to see if either company expedites their launches to capitalize on the sports betting handle and revenue that could be generated from Ohioans wagering on the Cincinnati Bengals.

Information Related to Kiosk Wagering

With an eye on security, the Ohio Casino Control Commission decided it would be prudent to set betting limits for kiosks. The security concerns revolve around the idea they don’t want sports bettors showing up at small businesses with big bags of money to place bets.

With security in mind, sports betting kiosk users will need to show ID before using a kiosk. They must be at least 21 years of age. Also, each gambler will be limited to wagering $700 a week. The only types of wagers that will be allowed are as follows:

• Straight bets with the point spread
  
• Straight bets with the money line
  
• Parlays
  
• Teasers
  

Two things that should be noted. First, kiosk patrons can cash out their winnings at any Ohio State Lottery retailers. Second, the betting limits for retail and online/mobile sports betting will be significantly higher. Bettors will be permitted to make online deposits or do so through any of the retail sportsbooks.

More information will be released in the coming weeks regarding other kiosk licensees opening shop. For sure, everything should be up and running by February in time for the Super Bowl.