More Kiosks Leads To Improved Ohio Retail Betting Handle & Revenue

Ohio sports betting numbers haven’t come in for mobile wagering in March quite yet, but the reported retail betting numbers show that both the handle and revenue have improved. The launch of Ohio sports betting was noteworthy for a number of reasons, although the focus on in-person sports betting in the form of standard retail sportsbooks and betting kiosks made it especially interesting.

In addition to retail sports betting locations at different casinos around the state, betting kiosks were planned to open up at hundreds of restaurants, bars, and even grocery stores.

Ohio Retail Sportsbook Handle And Revenue Jump In March

The Ohio retail sports betting market saw a total handle of almost $1.4 million throughout March of 2023, as reported by SBC Americas. This represents a 42% jump from February of 2023, with total revenue from the month at approximately $168,000.

One of the most important factors of note is the increased amount of retail sports betting machines available in March as opposed to the other two months of legal sports betting. There were three different types of licenses available for Ohio sports betting: Type A for online sports wagering, Type B for standard retail sportsbooks, and Type C for sports betting kiosks. Type C applicants have slowly opened up their betting kiosks, with the data showing an increased amount since launch.

While there were 772 betting kiosks available in January and 866 available in February, 940 total wagering kiosks were taking wagers throughout March. Some of the top kiosk operators took in the majority of the handle throughout the month between SportsBetOhio ($689k), UBet Ohio ($293k), and Gold Rush Gaming ($198k). SportsBetOhio also led the state in betting kiosk revenue with $73k, more than double the next operator.

Notable Ohio Retail Sportsbooks

While the Buckeye State is now home to no shortage of retail sportsbooks, one of the most notable is the Hard Rock Sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, which took in the very first legal bet in Ohio history as former Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose bet on his former team to win the World Series on January 1st, 2023.

Plenty of other physical casinos across the state now have retail sportsbooks, such as Hollywood Casino Columbus, Jack Cleveland Casino, and MGM Northfield Park. Plenty of horse racing facilities in the state also hav in-person sportsbooks, such as Jack Thistledown Racino, Belterra Park, Scioto Downs Racino, and MGM Northfield Park. A BetRivers Sportsbook is also planned to open at the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.

Plans around retail sports betting locations in stadiums throughout the state have been interesting. Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (home of the Cleveland Cavaliers) launched a Caesars retail book on New Year’s Day, while FirstEnergy Stadium and Lower.com Field (homes of the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew respectively) are planning retail sportsbooks for the future.

A BetMGM Sportsbook has also opened its doors at Great American Ballpark, the home of the Cincinnati Reds. Although teams that play at other local stadiums like Progressive Field, Nationwide Arena, and PayCor Stadium have deals with sports betting operators, none have current plans on any in-person betting.