The Cleveland Browns have partnered with Bally Interactive as the company will become the official sports betting partner of the franchise. Sports betting in Ohio is legal, but it is not operational as the law is expected to go into full effect by January 1, 2023.
What is the Focus of the Deal
The partnership will bring free-to-play gaming opportunities. The real money betting system is still in the development stages. The Ohio sports betting must launch before the January 1, 2023 deadline.
Although the sports betting market could be implemented sooner, the current timetable indicates that it could launch towards the end of the regular season or playoffs. Whatever the case may be, the agreement with the NFL franchise marks another milestone for Bally Interactive.
Gaining market access through this agreement would mark Ohio as the 18th state Bally Interactive conducts business. The partnership will also highlight a Bally Interactive lounge at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Bally has been involved in the casino gaming industry for a long period of time as it has casino and hotel properties in both Atlantic City and Las Vegas. The goal of any partnership is to benefit both parties and make money.
Haslam Sports Group CEO and Executive Vice President Dave Jenkins stated;
“In addition to their incredible resources and expertise, Bally’s Interactive has the fan-first mindset that is consistent with our focus and pivotal to creating successful, fully integrated sports betting experiences, and we look forward to supporting Bally’s efforts to provide these innovative opportunities to Browns fans and all sports fans in Ohio in the near future.”
Who is the Bally’s Interactive Lounge for
Bally will be able to connect with the Cleveland Browns franchise and fanbase moving forward. On the other side, the Browns will be adding to the venue’s infrastructure as part of the deal.
The sportsbook operator-themed lounge will have specific accommodations which will be available for fans that are 21 and older. The lounge will enable fans to have a view of the field during Browns games while other games are shown on video screens.
Adi Dhandhania, Bally’s Interactive CEO of North America, stated;
“The Browns’ stadium and game-day atmosphere provide a great opportunity for us to showcase our Bally Bet Sportsbook app and Bally Play products in Ohio.”
There is a large population in the state that wants sports betting to be allowed in the state. Neighboring states either offer some form of sports betting or have pushed for it in the past and will try for it again the next year.
Ohio Might Refrain From Allowing Betting on College Sports
Bettors will have plenty of in-state betting options once the market launches, as Ohio has a plethora of professional sports organizations across many leagues. Sports betting will also be permitted in places that have liquor licenses. However, there might be a few restrictions in the market when it comes to wagering on college sports.
Several collegiate programs are based in Ohio, but the Buckeyes are the most notable. Ohio State has written a letter to the commission that will oversee the sports betting operation moving forward.
In the letter, the school’s Vice President for Governmental Affairs , Stacy Rastaukas, stated some concerns if people are allowed to place wagers on in-state teams. This isn’t a new thing in the industry, as a few jurisdictions in the industry restrict those who reside in the state to wager on its in-state programs.
Oregon is the only state that prohibits college sports gambling entirely. Rastaukas stated;
“We must work together to ensure the best outcome for both our student population and the state of Ohio.”