Most Ohio Residents Reveal No Intentions to Place Sports Bets
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Ohio has taken a significant step forward in its gambling landscape, as sports betting becomes legal effective January 1, 2023 [1][2]. With multiple sportsbooks now operational across the state, residents are gearing up for a new way to engage with their favourite sports.
However, there has been limited public discussion about the anticipated participation rates of Ohioans in this new pastime. A statewide poll conducted by NBC4, Emerson College, and The Hill reported that 84% of Ohioans do not plan to wager on sports at all [3]. This figure seems to contradict a local poll conducted by Lima's Sports Radio 93.1 The Fan, which found that 45.5% of 44 respondents planned to bet on sports regularly once it becomes legal [4].
The poll, conducted on December 9, 2021, asked participants, "Will you be a regular gambler once sports betting becomes legal in Ohio?" [5]. While the sample size is relatively small, it suggests a more significant percentage of Ohioans may be interested in regular sports betting than the statewide poll indicates.
Another poll, conducted through an online survey from September 12-13, revealed that 8% of Ohioans who do plan to bet on sports will do so through a combination of online and in-person wagering [6]. This figure, too, is based on a small sample size, but it underscores the convenience and accessibility that Ohioans can expect with the variety of options available for sports betting.
Wagering on sports in Ohio will be possible through smartphones, computers, tablets, at retail sportsbooks, and self-service kiosks at sports bars, restaurants, and supermarkets [7]. Top mobile sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook, have applied for sports betting licenses in Ohio [2].
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is responsible for approving sports betting rules and regulations and overseeing the building of the state's sports betting apparatus [8]. The OCCC is currently reviewing thousands of applications for sports betting licenses [9].
Ten professional sports organizations, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Reds, and Columbus Blue Jackets, have been approved to have retail sportsbooks on site and have established partnerships with online sportsbooks [10].
As the universal launch date for sports betting in Ohio approaches, the question of public participation rates remains unanswered. While the available polling data suggests a minority of Ohioans may engage regularly in sports betting, it is worth noting that such figures can vary widely by state and demographic. For up-to-date and more comprehensive insights into Ohio residents' intentions to regularly gamble on sports, specialized market research firms, statewide polling data, or Ohio sports betting industry reports may be the most reliable sources.
- The line between in-person and online sports betting in Ohio will be blurred, as residents can place wagers on sports through smartphones, computers, tablets, at retail sportsbooks, and self-service kiosks at various establishments, such as sports bars, restaurants, and supermarkets.
- In anticipation of the legalization of sports betting, popular mobile sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook have applied for licenses to operate in Ohio.
- Despite the statewide NBC4, Emerson College, and The Hill poll revealing that 84% of Ohioans do not plan to wager on sports at all, local polls and online surveys suggest a more significant percentage may participate regularly, especially with the convenience and accessibility of multiple betting options available.
