Type-C Sports Betting Kiosks Will Go Offline in June
From SportsBettingDime — Intralot, a key player in the sports betting market, is set to exit the Type-C sports betting sector in Ohio, which will result in a significant reduction in available kiosks for bettors.
Ohio has always been a bit of mudhole when it comes to sports betting and it seems mismanagement and bad strategy played into the deal.
One bright spot are VLTs (video lottery terminals. Excerpt:
VLT by IGT
With sports betting kiosks never reaching expectations, Ohio bar, grocery, and restaurant owners are looking to a new form of gaming. Video lottery terminals (VLTs), electronic slot machines that are currently live but illegal in Ohio, could offer a potential lifeline for small business owners in the state, Herf said.
The machines are currently illegal in Ohio, but nearly 40,000 are currently located in gaming parlors throughout the state. Several supporters of the gaming machines testified during the third hearing of Manning’s iGaming bill last week, asking the lawmaker to include legalized VLTs in his legislation and allow them to be placed in state establishments.
“I think the VLTs will work. It’s a totally different game than sports betting. You can mindlessly place a $2 bet, potentially win $100. They will work better. There are many legislators in the state that want to find a way to leverage gaming, but also help people in their districts. Unless you live in a district with a casino or racino, you’re not seeing these revenues. Every district has a bar, a bowling center, a truck stop, a convenience store where these could be. I think they want to help these types of business owners,” Herf said.
Westmeyer agreed, noting that UBETOhio has strong connections with its partners, who have all expressed strong interest in offering VLTs.
With Intralot (operating as Sports Bet Ohio) shutting down its betting kiosks in Ohio by June 22, 2025, the state’s sports betting kiosk market will be reduced dramatically. Intralot is the largest vendor in this segment and currently operates 656 of the 704 active kiosk locations, which accounts for about 93% of the total market41. Once Intralot withdraws, nearly all of Ohio’s Type-C sports betting kiosks will go offline.
After Intralot’s exit, only a few locations will remain operational, specifically those run by UBETOhio. According to UBETOhio’s CEO, the company will continue to operate its kiosks at 48 locations across the state. No other major kiosk operators are expected to remain active after Intralot’s departure, as BetSkyBox exited the market in July 20244.
Key Points
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Kiosk Shutdown:
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Impact on Locations:
- This shutdown will affect most of the kiosks, which are typically located in bars and restaurants across the state, limiting betting options for many users.
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Regulatory Context:
- The Ohio Bar Association has been involved in discussions regarding the implications of this move, highlighting the regulatory environment surrounding sports betting in the state.
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Future of Sports Betting in Ohio:
- The article raises questions about the future of sports betting in Ohio, particularly how this kiosk reduction will affect overall betting activity and consumer access.
Conclusion
The exit of Intralot from the Type-C sports betting market in Ohio marks a significant shift, with many kiosks going offline. This change could have lasting effects on the state’s sports betting landscape, prompting discussions about regulatory responses and future betting options.
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