Steady progress in Ohio

Legal sports betting is edging ever closer in Ohio as lawmakers continue to develop legislation. At the same time, WynnBET has signed a deal with the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, increasing its exposure in the state.

bill finally moved forward after its 16th hearing

The Ohio Senate Select Committee on Gaming voted 7-0 to approve SB 176 with some significant amendments on Tuesday. The bill finally moved forward after its 16th hearing, and has now progressed to the Senate Rules and Reference Committee.

On the same day, WynnBET announced a new partnership with the Cincinnati Reds in Ohio. The sportsbook operator, owned by Wynn Resorts, has secured the deal for the current 2021 season, providing it with access to official marks and logos of the MLB team.

A new look for SB 176

The Ohio Senate Select Committee on Gaming had a difficult task ahead of it before members sat down to discuss SB 176 on Tuesday. Legislators had to wade through 45 amendments to the sports betting bill proposed by various members of the Ohio Senate.

One of the most notable amendments agreed on Tuesday introduces a new type of license. The original legislation from May called for two varieties of permits, including Type A for mobile platforms and Type B for retail locations. SB 176 now includes a Type C license for betting kiosks at venues with liquor permits. Lawmakers also increased the number of Type A and B licensees to 25 and 33, respectively.

music to the ears of sports franchises in the state

Additionally, the legislation now gives preference to Ohio’s sports leagues for betting licenses. This explains the increase in permit numbers, with Ohio home to a total of ten professional teams and leagues. This will come as music to the ears of sports franchises in the state, which have consistently campaigned to take part in the new market.

Speaking during the hearing, Committee Chairman Sen. Kirk Schuring said officials intended to pass SB 176 and have it take effect in October 2021, opening the door for a launch date next year. He added: “Everybody we talked to said they want an equal start time and so applications for all of these licenses will be opened up on Jan 1 2022, and the regulatory authority that is in charge of those licenses will be awarded by April 1 2022.”

WynnBET secures another partner

WynnBET announced the news of its new Cincinnati Reds partnership in a company statement Tuesday morning. Although the MLB team is based in Ohio, WynnBET said the deal will allow it to continue its expansion efforts in the state of Indiana. Through the partnership, the operator will create promotional offers for Reds fans in Ohio’s neighboring state, including game tickets and memorabilia.

Gavin Deadman, senior product manager for Wynn Interactive, took to Twitter this week to share news of the partnership:

The Cincinnati Reds are the third American major league team to partner with WynnBET. The operator sealed a digitally focused sports marketing deal with the Memphis Grizzlies in February as it secured approval for the Tennessee market. In March, the Wynn Resorts-owned sportsbook also partnered with the Detroit Pistons.