Online gambling operator Bally’s Interactive and the Cleveland Browns have inked a betting partnership.
Bally’s Interactive, a division of Bally’s Corporation, said in an announcement that it has secured market access to the Buckeye State through the Browns.
Online sports betting is expected to launch in Ohio late in 2022. There’s a deadline of Jan. 1, 2023 for when sportsbooks must be online. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the state’s sports betting bill in late December.
Pending licensing and regulatory approvals, Bally’s will open a branded lounge at FirstEnergy Stadium and launch its Bally Bet Sportsbook app in Ohio.
“In addition to their incredible resources and expertise, Bally’s Interactive has the fan-first mindset that is consistent with our focus and pivotal to creating successful, fully-integrated sports betting experiences, and we look forward to supporting Bally’s efforts to provide these innovative opportunities to Browns fans and all sports fans in Ohio in the near future,” said Haslam Sports Group Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins.
“As we continue to work closely with sports betting regulators in our state to ensure a responsible and timely launch, we are excited and confident that our partnership with Bally’s will ultimately offer industry-leading benefits to fans throughout Cleveland and Ohio.”
The Browns and Bally’s are still ironing out details of the stadium lounge.
The partnership with the Browns marks Ohio as the 18th state in which Bally’s will have market access for online sports betting in the U.S.
The deal follows the Cavs and Caesars announcing a sports gambling partnership in February.
