FAQs

Application & Qualifications

Q: Who can apply to be a type C sports gaming host?
A: Any for profit business in Ohio that holds a D-1, D-2, D-5, A-1A or A-1C liquor permit and is a licensed Lottery retailer in good standing is eligible to apply for a type C host license. Each applicant must get a pre-approval from the Ohio Lottery to apply for licensure by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.  Sports Gaming Interest Form: The Ohio Lottery
 
Q:  How soon can I apply for a type C host license once I become a Lottery retailer?
A:  New Lottery retailers must be in active selling status for 90 days before they are eligible to apply for a sports gaming license.

Q:  When can I apply for a type C host license?
A:  Type C sports gaming host applications are available through the State of Ohio licensing website at www.elicense.ohio.gov.  

Q: Once approved, what do type C permit holders have to do start offering sports gaming? 
A: Type C host locations that have been licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission need to enter into an agreement with one of the licensed sports gaming proprietors to offer lottery sports gaming.
 
Each proprietor will offer their own full-service solution to individual host locations based on requirements and guidelines set forth by the Lottery; however, each proprietor will be able to provide their own unique terminal equipment, prize payment capabilities, and field service support.   
 
Q:  Does the Lottery pre-approval guarantee OCCC licensing?
A:  No, the pre-approval is only one part of the qualifying process. In order to apply for a formal license with the OCCC, all host locations must first be pre-approved by the Ohio Lottery. This can be accomplished by completing an Interest form on the “Sports Gaming Interest Form” tab on our website.

Q: Is there a limit on the number of sports gaming kiosks an individual type C host can operate? 
A: The new law allows locations to have up to two self-service or clerk facing terminals unless they are approved by the Lottery to have more.  

Q:  Do I have to select a proprietor partner before applying?
A:  The host application is NOT contingent on having a contract with a proprietor in advance. A contract with a proprietor will be a necessary step for each host to complete eventually to offer sports gaming, however it does not need to be finalized before applying. The Lottery encourages hosts to reach out to potential proprietors in advance of application to get a full understanding of the solutions available. 

Q:  Is there a contract guide to help when negotiating with the proprietors?
A:  The contract for each host location will be made directly with a proprietor partner, not with the Lottery. However, the Lottery has developed a document to serve as a guideline for agreements between hosts and proprietors. This includes important items to consider when coming to an agreement like compensation, contract term, prize payment options, etc. A link to the document can be accessed directly on the Sports Gaming Host tab.

Q: Will my sports gaming proprietor selection affect my traditional lottery license?
A:  No. Each host is able to select any one of the potential type C proprietor applicants available. The proprietor partner you select has ZERO effect on your traditional lottery license. You are not tied to any proprietor based on your existing lottery equipment or other gaming equipment within your establishment. 

Wagers

Q: What happens if the odds change after a QR code is created or bet is placed thru the Sports Bet Ohio companion app? 
A: When creating the QR code on the companion app there is a disclaimer advising the player that the odds are subject to change. The live odds at the time the QR code is scanned, not when the QR code is created, are the accepted odds and will be what is reflected on the bet ticket when the wager is placed. 
 
Q: What happens if a customer brings in a QR code they created on an app before an event starts but I do not scan the QR code until after the event has started?
A: The terminal will state that the wager is no longer available.
 
Q: What are the acceptable payment methods?
A: For Sports Bet Ohio, the payment methods are the same as for traditional Lottery (cash, credit/debit, and vouchers). For other proprietors’ cash or winning ticket vouchers may be used.

Host Information

Q:  What are the eligibility requirements for a retailer location?
A:  To be eligible for a type C sports gaming host license you must meet the following requirements:

• Have a valid Ohio Lottery retailer license (must be active selling status)
• Be in good standing with the Lottery’s rules and regulations
• Must not be a non-profit corporation or association
• Have a valid D-1, D-2, D-5, A-1A or A-1C liquor permit
• Receive a recommendation from the Ohio Lottery to be issued a type C gaming license (received after completing the Interest Form on the OLC website)
• Must pay a non-refundable $1,000 application fee to OCCC at the time of licensing

Q:  How do I obtain a recommendation from the Lottery?
A:  Pre-qualification is the first step in the process for securing a license. If you believe your business meets the above eligibility requirements, visit the Lottery website to complete the interest form at https://www.ohiolottery.com/Sports-Gaming. Once submitted, the Lottery will review your eligibility to verify you qualify for the program. If approved, you will receive a Lottery recommendation via email within 3-5 business days.  

Q:  Will the host need to pay the $1,000 fee upon application and at subsequent license renewals?
A: The host is responsible for a non-refundable $1,000 fee (plus $3.50 service charge) at application with OCCC. The license is valid for a three-year period. At the time of renewal an additional $1,000 renewal fee will be required.

Q:  Is the host required to have a specific square footage or seating available at their establishment?
A: There are no requirements on property size or square footage. The host/proprietor contract agreements will determine what equipment will be offered at each host locations. While the legislation initially calls for no more than two kiosks per location, proprietor’s may formally request additional equipment at a facility subject to approval by the Lottery.

Q:  Can a host transfer their type C sports gaming license?
A:  Type C host sports gaming licenses will be non-transferable as well. In the event a host plans to sell their business, they must notify the Lottery sixty days (60) prior to the sale and a new license will be required for the location.

Q: What is the process for a host to change proprietor partners? 
A: Host locations are required to agree to terms directly with a licensed proprietor partner. In the event a host changes partners, the legislation and rules require notification be sent to both OCCC and the Lottery. That notification will come directly from the newly selected proprietor partner and will include the proposed number of terminals being installed.
 
Q: Will I have to verify age of a customer who wants to purchase sports bet ticket?
A: Yes.  A type C sports gaming host will only accept wagers from a patron who is over 21 years of age and who is physically present on the premises of the facility. Proprietors must have an age verification procedure in place for type C host partnerships, which will include either a physical ID check from staff or a scan/swipe of ID by the player at the kiosk to activate.
 
Q: Do I have to post responsible gambling (RG) information for players?
A: Yes, each proprietor was required to submit a responsible gambling plan. The Lottery will supply responsible gambling materials which includes in-venue materials and the number for the Problem Gambling Help Line. In addition, all wagers will print with responsible gambling message on the back of the ticket.  
 
Q: Who pays for the advertising?
A: The proprietor is responsible for working with each host location on the advertising placed.

Q:  Can you discuss type C host compensation?
A:  HB 29 creates Ohio Revised Code Section 3775.07 (D) which indicates that the type C sports gaming hosts enter into an agreement with the type C proprietors. One component of that agreement indicates that the proprietor partner will provide a full-service solution to the host including some form of compensation. The compensation will vary based on each proprietor agreement; it may include but is not limited to a percentage of revenues, flat rental payments, or the provision of good and services.  This will be paid to hosts by their proprietor partner and will be included as part of the separate contract agreement each host enters into.
 

Cashing/Claiming

Proprietor

Q:  Will there be multiple potential type C proprietor options? 
A:  HB 29 allows the Ohio Casino Control Commission to license up to 20 type C proprietors to offer lottery sports gaming at licensed hosts. 

A type C sports gaming proprietor will be required to offer a full-service retail solution including equipment, maintenance, employee training, marketing, prize processing, and customer service plans. Proprietors will be required to comply with the technical components including equipment certification standards; monitoring and integrity standards; and minimum internal control standards. As of July 15th, seven proprietors have completed a formal application to the OCCC. 

Q:  Does the Lottery have a preferred proprietor vendor for hosts to use? 
A:  The Lottery is solely the regulator for the type C sports gaming program and is NOT promoting any one vendor solution over another. We encourage hosts reach out to all of the potential proprietor applicants available to see what solution best fits their needs. 

Q:  How will retailers find a list of available proprietors? 
A:  The Lottery has posted a list of type C proprietors that have applied for a license with OCCC on the Lottery website (under the Sports Gaming Proprietor tab). The list includes name, website, and basic contact information. 

Q:  Are all proprietors offering the same solution and contract terms?
A:  Each proprietor will offer their own full-service solution to individual host locations. There will be regulations and guidelines all proprietors must follow; however, each proprietor will be able to offer their own unique terminal equipment, prize payment capabilities, and field service support among other things. The host location will contract directly with the proprietor partner that best fits their needs. 

Q:  What equipment options are available?
A:  The equipment will be arranged through the host/proprietor partnerships, and this may vary based on who the proprietor is. The equipment may include both self-service and/or clerk-operated sports gaming terminals. The host and proprietor will make decisions based on their agreements and available equipment offered by the proprietor partner.

Q:  Will sports gaming be available on current lottery terminals, or will it be a separate piece of equipment?
A:  HB 29 indicates that a type C sports gaming proprietor may adapt a lottery terminal, subject to the rules of the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) and Ohio Lottery Commission (HB 29 Lines 1927-1932). The Lottery’s existing gaming vendor has applied to use existing MPTW terminals for sports gaming. At this time, the Lottery is in the process of reviewing all proprietor solutions for suitability in advance of formal licenses being issued by the OCCC this Fall. 

Q:  Will there be a call center for retailers to call for answers and questions?
A:  Each proprietor will be responsible for a customer service solution to the host, that includes the process for calling for service, questions on the equipment, training, troubleshooting, etc. The Lottery sports gaming team is also available for questions as needed at 216-774-0690.

Sports Bet Ohio Hosts Only

A: No, Sports betting is completely separated. On a Photon terminal, you must toggle the button to Sports Bet Ohio that is located on the reporting screen to pull your daily sales, summary, shift and invoice reports. On a Touch and Win you will see Sports Sales, Sports Weekly Invoice and Sports Pay Voucher reports.

A: Sports betting is completely separated. On a Photon terminal, you must toggle the button to Sports Bet Ohio that is located on the reporting screen to pull your daily sales, summary, shift and invoice reports. On a Touch and Win you will see Sports Sales, Sports Weekly Invoice and Sports Pay Voucher reports.

A: Intralot, would need to request another terminal for your location. However, the Lottery will not guarantee additional terminals for sports gaming. Decisions will be based on location, sales and availability.

A: No, Sports betting sweeps will occur every Wednesday.

A: A customer may use the ticket checker to scan a ticket to see if it is a winner at Sports Bet Ohio locations only. Ticket checkers at Lottery only or at other proprietor locations will not read Sports Bet Ohio tickets.

A: Sports Bet Ohio commission is 10% of the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). The calculation will be Retailer GGR=Sports Bets-Refunds-Wins-Bonuses/Free Bets

A: If you have a negative GGR, the retailer balance will be reset to $0 upon the sweep, The following week, you will begin to earn commission again. A negative balance will not negatively impact your business.

A: No, there are no cashing bonuses or cashing commissions for Sports Bet Ohio.

A: There is no claim bonus for Sports Bet Ohio.

A: No, Sports betting will not be used as part of the criteria for qualification of quarterly bonuses.

A: No, Sports betting and Lottery are required to be handled as separate transactions, the gaming system will not allow the two types of gaming to be combined.

A: This includes any leftover money from a cash session that has been left for 24 hours. It can include cash, validated sports tickets, refunds, validated sports vouchers that are added to the balance and recorded exclusively on a sports session.

A: There are 2 cases in sports betting when an incomplete wager happens. 1) the play transaction is completed but the ticket receipt does not print.  If this happens a customer will request assistance of the retailer. The retailer should enter the maintenance menu and navigate to Ticket History. The coupon that did not print will be in pending status. The retailer must select the coupon that was not printed and press Print. The ticket will print, and the customer should be handed the ticket. 1) When something goes wrong and the transaction does not process, it will roll back the transaction and revert everything to before the request. At that point the customer can process a new transaction.

A: Sports bet tickets can be voided for various reasons. When a ticket is voided the customer must be refunded the initial wager amount. The sources of the funds (cash/voucher/credit/debit) do not matter.

A: Voided wagers are reported as refunds when they are paid back to the players. The commission of a refunded ticket is subtracted from the commission of the retailer where the ticket was played, and the refund amount of the voided ticket will be attributed to the retailer where the ticket was refunded.

Financial

Q:  Is there a minimum amount of cash a host must keep on hand?
A:  No. There is not a minimum amount of money a host needs to keep on hand to pay prizes. Host locations will be able to pay prizes on-site in cash. The prize amounts and frequency of prizes paid in cash will be part of the contract agreement each host makes with their proprietor.  

Q: Are hosts required to pay all prizes in cash?
A: No. Hosts are able to pay prizes in cash on-site but are not required to pay all prizes immediately in cash upon validation. Each proprietor will be providing additional options for prize cashing as part of their overall solution to hosts. 

Q:  What prizes are cashable at the hosts? 
A:  Lottery retailers are permitted to pay prizes up to the reportable tax threshold. For traditional lottery products, the retailers cash prizes up to $599. However, each proprietor has the ability to set an adjusted prize payment level for cash payouts with each host they partner with. 

Q:  What cashing options will be available?
A:  The Lottery has outlined multiple payment options for winning wagers under the prize payment rule 3770:3-8-02. This includes but is not limited to prizes paid in cash at a host location (the host location of purchase or other authorized locations of the same proprietor if offered); via mail to the proprietor; via the Lottery Central and/or Regional offices; as a credit voucher played back on the terminal; via the Ohio Lottery mobile app (if offered by the proprietor); or credited back to a credit card, debit card or electronic player account (if offered by the proprietor).