HOFV among latest to secure sports betting approval in Ohio

Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company (HOFV) has become one of the latest operators to secure conditional approval for new online and retail sports betting licences in Ohio.

HOFV will operate in the state through its partnerships with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) and Betr, the new micro-betting business founded by Simplebet co-founder Joey Levy and social media personality Jake Paul.

The HOFV/Betr mobile sportsbook will allow consumers in Ohio to wager on sports online. The app will feature a new micro-betting option, whereby users can bet on a wide range of actions in a live sporting event such as pitches in baseball and shots in soccer.

The new HOFV/RSI retail sportsbook, operating as BetRivers Sportsbook, will open at the Hall of Fame Village’s Fan Engagement Zone in Canton, Ohio.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission approved both licences ahead of the state opening its legal sports wagering market on January 1, 2023.

“The legalisation of sports betting in Ohio, opens up a breadth of opportunity across our company’s three business verticals and for our fans,” HOFV president and chief executive Michael Crawford said.

“We will have the only physical sports book in Stark County and the first dedicated sports micro-betting platform via the Betr mobile app, bringing fans and guests a multitude of different and new ways to experience sports entertainment.”

Elsewhere, Gamewise secured approval to operate an online skin in partnership with Miami Valley & Racing, while the latter was also issued a second licence without an online partner. In addition, Hard Rock was also issued approval to operate sports betting in the state.

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