JACK Cleveland Casino gets ready for Ohio sports betting launch

JACK is moving forward with construction of its sportsbooks at Downtown Cleveland and Thistledown Racino.

US.- With Ohio set to launch sports betting on January 1, 2023, JACK‘s Downtown Cleveland and Thistledown Racino are working to developer sportsbook areas.

The sportsbook area at the downtown location will feature four betting windows and 20 self-serve kiosks with theatre-style recliners, a 30-foot main video wall and fourteen large TVs. Construction is expected to be finished in late November.

Adam Suliman, vice president of Sports and Digital for JACK Entertainment, said: “Certainly, all of our friends and neighbours have been asking us for a long time when they can place bets on their favourite team like the Browns or the Guardians here,” Suliman said. “Our customers are excited about it. We’re excited about it. We’re just a few short months away from taking out first bets.”

Earlier this year, JACK Entertainment launched its new free-to-play betJACK sports betting app in Ohio. Created in partnership with Shape Games and Kambi Group, the app is available on Apple and Android. The app aims to introduce players to sports betting. When real-money sports betting is launched in the state next year, the betJACK app will transition to JACK’s real-money betting platform.

In May, JACK Cleveland Casino celebrated its 10-year anniversary. The Ohio venue opened its doors on May 14, 2012. Since then, the casino has attracted more than 21 million visitors. 

According to a release from JACK Entertainment, the casino has paid more than $700m in gaming taxes benefitting the city of Cleveland and its schools. It’s also donated more than $17m to local organisations including University Hospitals, the American Cancer Society, Downtown Cleveland Alliance and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.

Bettors in Ohio may begin wagering on sports on January 1, 2023. It comes after governor Mike DeWine signed legislation to allow sports betting in the state following approval of House Bill 29 by the House and Senate last December. Under the new law, bettors in Ohio will be allowed to wager legally on college and professional sports and other events, including the Olympics.

See also: Ohio casinos and racinos register $196m in revenue in August