CLEVELAND, Ohio – Ohio is accepting applications from bars and restaurants that want a sports betting kiosk, and over 1,000 of them have already started the process.
The state law that legalized sports gambling created several ways to place bets, including mobile apps, physical sports books and kiosks that will be available in bars, restaurants and bowling alleys on January 1.
The kiosks will be primarily under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Lottery Commission. The necessary Type-C licenses will come from the Ohio Casino Control Commission, but only after the businesses receive a recommendation from the Lottery Commission.
If a business wants its kiosk on the January 1 start date, it will have to submit its application to the Casino Control Commission by August 15.
More than 1,000 Ohio businesses have been pre-approved by the Lottery Commission so far, according to a list released Friday. About 130 of them have taken the next step to apply to the Casino Control Commission.
As of Friday, 27 bars and restaurants in Cleveland applied and were pre-approved by the Lottery Commission. Businesses must pay a fee of $1,000 to apply.
For a business to apply, it must be a currently licensed retailer and have a D-1, D-2 or D-5 liquor permit, which are reserved for businesses that serve alcohol on the premises. The license holder must also be profitable. So a VFW post or an Eagles Club would not be able to apply.
The Casino Control Commission will continue to accept applications after the Aug. 15 deadline, spokeswoman Jessica Franks said. But getting an application in before the deadline guarantees review before sports betting begins.
Is your favorite bar pre-approved for a sports kiosk?
Over 1,000 businesses have been pre-approved for a sports gaming kiosk. Use the searchable chart to see if your favorite bar or restaurant is pre-approved. It works best if you search by city, but you can also search by business name, zip code and address.
Don’t see the table? some mobile users may need to click here to view it.
