BetMGM officially announced that its brick-and-mortar sportsbook at Great American Ball Park will move out of the Cincinnati Reds’ home field later this year.
In a statement, the Ohio sports betting operator said a new retail sportsbook would open later this year at The Banks, a mixed-use development district between Great American Ball Park and the Bengals’ Paycor Stadium.
The news confirmed a report earlier this month from WCPO-TV.
According to the statement, the new sportsbook will open in autumn, even with the in-stadium venue remaining open throughout autumn.
Teaming Up with Local Restaurant Chain
The new BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio will be located in the former Galla Park Gastro site across from Great American’s main entrance. It also will partner with Nation Kitchen & Bar, a popular chain in the Cincinnati area.
“We are thrilled to expand BetMGM’s offering in Ohio,” said Matt Prevost, the sportsbook’s chief revenue officer. “The Reds and Nation Kitchen & Bar are great partners, and together we’re building a premier entertainment venue that we can’t wait to see filled with fans.”
The Nation restaurant will be open to all ages, but the sportsbook will limit access to adults 21 and older, the legal age to bet on sports in Ohio.
The relocation is subject to approval from the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Cincinnati Sportsbook Has Room for Improvement
BetMGM’s move comes as its Cincinnati sportsbook has struggled compared to other brick-and-mortar facilities in the state.
Through the first four months sports betting has been allowed in the Buckeye state, the 14 retail locations have combined to take $77.6 million in wagers. The sportsbook at the Reds ballpark has taken in only $604,290 since it opened on New Year’s Day, the universal launch date in Ohio for brick-and-mortar facilities, online apps and Ohio betting kiosks. Only one other book has taken fewer wagers, and the GABP location is the only one that produced a net loss over the first four months of operations.
Moving to The Banks will give BetMGM a more visible presence. The Great American facility is located at the Machine Room in the leftfield corner of the ballpark and is not accessible from inside the park. It also will be easier to access for Bengals fans, who congregate in The Banks before and after football games.
“We look forward to hosting fans of sport and food alike in the city’s premier sports viewing environment at the footstep of Great American Ball Park,” said Andrew Salzbrun, a partner with Nation.
Reds CFO Doug Healy said the new sportsbook will bring “another exciting destination” to downtown Cincinnati.
The sportsbook garnered attention after it was reported that a gambler went there and tried to place a large wager on a college baseball game between Alabama and LSU. Several sportsbooks suspended wagers on the game and on Alabama baseball in general. Alabama eventually fired its coach.
BetOhio.com will stay on top of sports betting news for state teams like the Reds and state sportsbooks like BetMGM, Betway Ohio and many more.
