‘This is great;’ Sports betting legalized in Ohio in time for Bengals vs. Bills game – WHIO TV 7 and WHIO Radio

DAYTON — Sports betting is legal here in Ohio, and the big money is at stake as the Bengals host the Bills on Monday Night Football.

>>Photo: Barstool Sportsbook opens at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway

Jon Bedell of News Center 7 was in Dayton, Hollywood on Monday and says the sportsbook counter inside is a first for the Miami Valley.

The Bengals-Bills game has also attracted a lot of interest and betting.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new sportsbook took place Monday morning at Racino, Dayton. This is the only brick-and-mortar sports counter in the area.

Bedel reports that he has been betting since 12:00 a.m. Sunday when legal sports betting was officially introduced to Ohio.

Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, four states bordering Ohio, already have legal sports betting.

Chris Kirshner, president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, said, “I didn’t want to see state dollars and local dollars cross the border.” It’s great to keep it, but more importantly, it’s great to have this entertainment option here.”

>>Bengals host Bills on Monday Night Football, chances to win AFC North

Bedell says one of the Bengals’ biggest games of the year begins on day two of legal sports betting here in Ohio.

“Whoever wants to bet tonight is the Bengals vs. the Bills,” Kirshner told Bedell. “The Bengals are our hometown team here in the Dayton area.”

Did Monday’s Bengals-Bills game impact Hollywood Dayton’s new gambling business?

Dave Schleter, Hollywood Dayton Sports Manager, said: “Regionalism has an absolute impact on it. But there’s also a lot on board with this game.”

>>‘I’m thrilled;’ Ohio is one of at least 30 states that have legalized sports betting.

The Ohio Casino Regulatory Commission regulates betting at sportsbooks like Hollywood Dayton.

Bedel reached out on Monday to ask how much money was wagered in Ohio during the first 24 hours of legal sports betting in Ohio.

The Ohio Casino Regulatory Commission won’t know sports gambling revenue figures until January figures are released at the end of next month, a spokeswoman said.

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