The window for Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) sports gaming Class-C host applications doesn’t even open until July 15, but the Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC) has already pre-qualified more than 500 establishments which are licensed sales agents and also hold a valid D1, D2, or D5 liquor permit. There are more than 40 such establishments in Cincinnati alone.
According to the OLC, the OCCC will issue licenses based upon the OLC’s recommendation. Interested sales agents must be in good standing with the Lottery’s rules and regulations and to obtain approval from the OLC before applying for a license with the OCCC. Being pre-qualified by the OLC does not guarantee a license by the OCCC. The cost of the application fee, paid to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, is a non-refundable $1,000.
Once licensed by the OCCC, Hosts will be able to enter into an agreement with an Ohio-licensed Type C Sports Gaming Proprietor (a sportsbook with the requisite remote terminal equipment and licensing to accept wagers) to offer Ohio betting apps in their venue.
If you are interested in becoming a type C host location, please visit the Sports Gaming Interest Form tab to start the process.
All of this takes place amid an atmosphere of anticipation for the launch of the Ohio betting sites, which now at least have a date set.
Some Responsibilities For Sports Gaming Hosts
- Licensed Hosts are required to follow OLC guidelines regarding the sale of all OLC products, including sports gaming. Failure to do so may result in the removal of OLC products and/or terminals, the suspension of sales privileges, and/or the revocation of issued licenses.
- The Host must ensure that Sports Gaming is conducted in-person by customers who are at least 21 years of age.
- Self-serve kiosks must be within line of sight of a staffed position subject to the approval of the OLC.
- The Host must pay prizes up to $599.
- The Host must display marketing materials including Responsible Gambling messaging as approved and provided by the Proprietor and/or the Ohio Lottery.
- The Host place any malfunctioning kiosk or other lottery equipment out of service and timely notify proprietor and Host Account Representative of the need for service.
- The Host must appropriately handle initial customer complaints and refer unresolved complaints to proprietor and Host Account Representative.
Some Responsibilities For Sports Gaming Proprietors
- The Proprietor will offer a choice of self-serve kiosks or clerk-operated terminals at no cost. The installation is limited to two terminals unless the Proprietor requests approval for additional units.
- The Proprietor will install that equipment in your business, train staff on usage, and provide ongoing equipment maintenance and service. They will provide Technical Assistance resources to address equipment service, financial adjustments, and ongoing training.
- The Proprietor will provide marketing and how to play materials and will offer Customer Service to assist players (helpline, website).
- The Proprietor will pay prizes more than $600 including tax reporting or withholding and conducting prize intercepts. The Proprietor may also offer low tier prize cashing alternatives such as mobile cashing.
- The Proprietor may offer compensation to the Host for the placement of equipment and operation of lottery sports gaming in their venue.
The Lottery is not directly involved in the sports gaming process, but it has outlined some important guidelines for consideration when entering into these agreements.
