Delayed Ohio Sports Betting Kiosks From Intralot Causing Tension

The launch of Ohio sports betting was one of the biggest stories in the world of wagering to kick off 2023. Both online sports betting and retail sports betting are now permitted, meaning bettors are able to place wagers with mobile betting apps from their smartphone or tablet as well as retail sportsbooks and betting kiosks.

The implementation of betting kiosks was one of the most interesting wrinkles to the developing Ohio sports betting market, with kiosks expected to be available everywhere from casinos and restaurants to grocery stores. However, the rollout of these spots wagering kiosks has not been smooth, and frustrations are building with the company responsible.

Intralot Behind Schedule On Betting Kiosk Launch

Gaming company Intralot was expected to bring hundreds of Sports Bet Ohio kiosks to the state’s betting market. However, nearly a month into legal wagering in the Buckeye State, it doesn’t appear as though these machines have been fully released.

According to Legal Sports Report, many of the company’s betting partners are beginning to air frustrations. One example is with the Bowling Centers Association of Ohio, with Executive Vice President David Corey saying approximately 50 locations are waiting on betting kiosks to be available.

And, with the Cincinnati Bengals playing playoff football throughout January, the lack of sports betting at these different spots only highlighted these issues. These problems haven’t been exclusive to the Ohio sports betting industry, as Intralot has received criticism in both Montana and Washington, D.C. As the only sports betting operator in Montana, Intralot has received backlash from bettors for its pricing on different wagers.

Ohio Mobile Sports Betting Still Strong

Despite issues with Ohio sports betting kiosks, the online wagering market has still been successful. In fact, the first weekend of legal sports betting alone saw 11.3 million different betting transactions, with Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland seeing the biggest numbers.

Overall data for the first full month of the area’s sports betting market should be available soon, and it will be fascinating to see how the numbers compare to the biggest states for sports wagering such as New York, Illinois, and Michigan.

Super Bowl Should See Major Bets

Now that the Super Bowl teams are set, Ohio and other areas with legal sports betting should expect some big wagers. When the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles facing off on February 12th, bettors will be excited to place bets on the biggest game of the year.

Ohio sports bettors should be especially looking forward to betting on the game, as it will be the first time they’ll legally be able to place wagers online and in person.

Ohio won’t be the only state that will be able to wager on the NFL championship for the first time, as Louisiana, Kansas, Maryland, and the province of Ontario all rolled out wagering since last year’s big game. It’s interesting to consider that the Ohio betting handle could be significantly lower for the Super Bowl after the Cincinnati Bengals lost 23-20 to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship.