The state House and Senate in Ohio have secured an agreement on the sports betting legalization across the state, following a conference between the two houses. This will lead to the official approval of a single sports betting bill.
The new document, House Bill 29 was adopted with 72 votes to 13 after two chambers organized a conference to consider the bill.
The initial version of the bill and its Senate equivalent, Senate Bill 176, was first presented in May. It was directed to Ohio’s finance committee before getting approval from the Ohio Senate Gaming Committee in June.
The initial bill allowed up to 20 brick and mortar and 20 online sports betting licenses to be given. With the newest amendment, the state will be able to grant more licenses if there are sufficient applicants that meet the requirements. Other possible changes will involve decreased fees for retail licenses.
According to the initial plans, The Ohio sports betting market was scheduled to be set in motion in January 2022. Now the official launch date will be prolonged by April. Meanwhile, all interested licensees can start with the application process in January.
Operators will have an opportunity to apply for two sorts of licenses. Type A licenses allow vendors to provide online sports betting under a single brand name, and Type B licenses will enable sports gaming agents to provide sports betting at a single retail facility.
In addition, professional sports teams in Ohio will have to chance to get retail licenses. Earlier this year, the online sportsbook BetMGM introduced its BetMGM Horse Racing app in Ohio via cooperation with the New York Racing Association’s betting app, NYRA Bets.
By using the app, Ohio users will be able to place wagers on Thoroughbred, Harness, and Quarter Horse races across 200 tracks.
BetMGM will also utilize NYRA Bets’ platform to enable Ohio customers to place wagers from their homes.
Commenting on the new deal, Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM said:
“We’re proud to introduce BetMGM Horse Racing, our new mobile offering to the state of Ohio,”
“In partnership with NYRA Bets, we’ve created an innovative digital experience for horse racing fans and anticipate the platform’s future launch in additional states.”
SVP of marketing and operations for MGM Northfield Park, Matt Buckley says that The Northfield Park harness racing grounds have been home to some of the biggest races since the 1950s. Collaborating with BetMGM to enhance harness racing throughout Ohio is proof of their ongoing commitment and investment in the sports industry.
Source:
“House and Senate reach agreement over Ohio sports betting bill”, igbnorthamerica.com, December 9, 2021.
The post House And Senate Secure Agreement on Ohio Sports Betting Bill first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.