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Industry Expert Reveals Key Factors Responsible for Ohio’s Sports Betting Success Forecasted in 2023

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At the beginning of January up to 12 million Ohioans will be able to wager online across a multitude of sports, markets, players and outcomes, and our research shows that a combination of factors, plus fortuitous timing, will unite to create THE best offering any US consumer will have, nationwide. And that’s just based on the data alone. The industry in 2023 promises to start with a real bang, despite being a year that many commentators have already written off in so many ways.
The world may be suffering financially due to a ‘perfect’ storm of inflation, energy costs and conflict, but one thing is certain: online wagering, a traditionally recession-proof industry, has so far remained largely unscathed and is likely to remain that way. For example, just last week New York recorded its third consecutive month of online sports betting revenue growth with player spend also rising, but while larger states enjoy a great run of numbers, it is Ohio that will soon be lapping them… and with almost half the population.
The quarterly BonusFinder.com study, Bonus Index, tracks the 24 regulated US States’ and Canadian Provinces’ quarterly performance, and how favorable each one is for consumers, reveals that Ohio will be the number one US Sports Betting state for consumers in 2023.
The Bonus Index measures factors including number of licenses, approved licensees, and average bonus offerings across all licensed brands to calculate an overall score. By focusing on the consumer experience and competition among operators to attract those consumers BonusFinder.com can identify which states will be the long-term winners.
Looking at the evidence we firmly believe the ‘Buckeye State’ will soar higher than a flock of Cardinals from January 1 2023.
Brands: Expected to have up to 25 approved operators – the largest number of licensees (second only to Colorado) in the US sports betting market
Bettors: Up to 12 million die hard sports fans with an accelerating appetite for betting
Buckeyes, Browns, Bengals: Combined seven professional and major college teams across the MLB, NBA, NHL and the NFL, including one of the country’s most prestigious college football teams
Our figures show that these combination of factors mean Ohio will immediately leapfrog its biggest rivals, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Brands
The big hitters such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars will all be there spending millions in marketing dollars to attract ‘Buckeyes’ to bet but the choice for consumers will be so much wider than anywhere else in the US.
Disruptive brands such as Betr, from YouTube star Jake Paul, offering the instant gratification of microbetting on every possible moment, will be available as an alternative. Will the next play be a run or a pass? Will the next drive be a touchdown, field goal, punt or turnover or will the next at-bat be a single, double, triple, home run, walk, or out?
The opportunities are endless and Ohioans will be one step ahead of other states when it comes to how and what to bet on.
Bettors
Pennsylvania, previously in the top five of the Bonus Index, dropping to 17th in our most recent analysis, collected $793m in betting revenue in January 2022. It only has one million more adults than Ohio, the seventh most populated US state, meaning the state’s revenue potential is enormous.
In addition, Ohio bettors have shown a growing appetite for betting and gaming with latest figures from the state’s Casino Control and Lottery commissions showing a rise in land-based casino and racino figures, with its combined 11 facilities reporting $188.6m in revenue in September.
Buckeyes above the Browns or the Bengals
Research from BonusFinder.com carried out in December this year found that Ohioans passion for, and engagement with sport is among the highest in the country, with the state boasting two NFL franchises (Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals), NBA playoff hopefuls, the Cleveland Cavaliers, two teams in the Major Baseball League (Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds) and Columbus Blue Jackets playing in the NHL.
Our survey of 1,001 Ohioans found that almost 20% more people were fans of college football team, the Ohio State Buckeyes (45.5%), than NFL franchise the Cincinnati Bengals (26.6%), while 20% said their partner supporting the same team as them is more important than their political beliefs.
The state also boasts some of the greatest US sporting heroes of all time. Asked to select their greatest local heroes, more than a third (35.8%) told us their sporting icon was Ohioan LeBron James followed by legendary athlete Jesse Owens (14%) and Pete ‘Charlie Hustle’ Rose, member of the infamous Cincinnati ‘Red Machine’ team that dominated 1970s baseball.
The Browns or the Bengals may not be favorites for the SuperBowl but all the right pieces are in place for Ohio to become the best online betting consumer state in all the US and its timing could not be better.
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Interviews

Sweepstakes’ next chapter: Exploring global potential, US regulations and player preferences

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Sweepstakes’ next chapter: Exploring global potential, US regulations and player preferences

 

Sweepstake casinos have seemingly come out of nowhere to dominate the discourse across the US. We spoke to a number of providers who have entered the space to see what their expectations are, and how far the sweeps vertical can go alongside the traditional casino experience.

With/ Rory Kimber, Commercial Director at LuckyStreak, Daniel Mitton, Chief Business Development Officer at Sweepium and Allan Turner CEO at Cogniplay

 

What games are best received by sweepstake customers? Traditional games or more gamified titles such as boosted multipliers or big jackpot games?

RK: I would say that for live dealer, it’s a traditional genre of games that are popular with sweepstakes casinos players, and as we’ve seen, particularly Blackjack. US players are more likely to play in land-based casinos, so the authentic and human aspects of live dealer games naturally resonate well.

We’ve seen a big uptake of all our core games, which was gratifying, but that’s not to say the gamification aspect doesn’t play a role, as our leaderboards and tournaments are popular and very effective, particularly with this segment of players that are looking for more than just gameplay.

In slots it seems to depend on the brand; some operators bring in players who want traditional maths and features but an increasing number are seeing strong performance from new games with unique features that never lose your attention for a second. The providers that create games with sweepstakes players in mind will be more likely to see success.

AT: What we’re seeing is that players seem to lean towards games that feel quite traditional and familiar to them in most cases. Although, they often come with features like fixed jackpots that scale with your bet, which adds a bit more excitement to their playing experience. I would say that users are gradually getting more experimental over time, and as the prevalence of non-US based games providers increases on sweeps sites, with them applying the sweeps mechanic to their games, innovation is certainly speeding up, and this is being embraced by users.

DM: What we’re seeing from the U.S. audience is a clear preference for high-energy, feature-rich games. Titles that include interactive mechanics, boosted multipliers, or big-event style moments consistently drive the most engagement. These kinds of experiences are more immersive, more social and they give players a sense of momentum and excitement.

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That said, traditional slots and classic-style games still play an important role especially as an entry point for new users. Over time, players really respond to content that feels fresh, dynamic and packed with surprises. It’s not just about spinning, it’s about participating in an entertainment experience.

 

 

Do you tweak titles to be unique to sweepstake casinos, or does the same product respond well on traditional online casinos and social?

AT: Right now, we mostly work with studios to handle any tweaks, though in general, the classic versions of games tend to perform well across different platforms. One area that we do see more interest in the sweeps market, is in things like fishing and shooting-style games, which have a real captive audience in the US, due to the history of fish table games in the market. One tweak that a lot of brands are employing is asking their game providers to create branded games for them, which in a lot of cases tends to perform very well, particularly for the more well-known brands.

RK: We tweak our games to be compliant first and foremost, but in terms of the actual gameplay in the Live games, it’s pretty much the same.

For social casinos in particular, there are necessary changes because the number of coins people win can be enormous, so that requires some thought too. For slots, we’ve seen our providers make sure the fastest gameplay settings are defaulted, along with all their features enabled that some regulated markets don’t allow, but really a lot of the time the gameplay experience is comparable.

That being said, providers who build sweepstakes and social titles from the ground up do go about things in a different way and have those players front of mind throughout the development process and that has been successful.

DM: We’ve found that the core product translates well across both traditional online and sweepstakes platforms especially when it comes to high-quality, well-designed games. The fundamentals of engaging gameplay, strong visuals and smooth mechanics resonate just as strongly with sweepstakes players as they do in real-money or social environments.

That said, there are subtle but important differences in how players engage. In sweepstakes, we tend to see more interest in longer session times, progress-based features and community-driven elements, which slightly shifts how we position and present the content. For example, boosted multipliers and timed events do especially well in the sweeps format because they align with that desire for ongoing entertainment and personal achievement.

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Ultimately, a strong core game can succeed in both spaces. It’s about making the right adjustments to match player expectations keeping the experience fresh and engaging.

 

Do you think sweeps will become as popular throughout Europe as they are in the US?

RK: I think the elephant in the room is regulation. Sweepstakes are a popular product but are inextricably linked to what local regulation allows. For European markets where the real money industry has experienced  stringent regulations I believe there is a space for sweepstakes casinos to come in and give players an experience more comparable to what they enjoyed a few years ago. I’m no expert on the legalities of sweeps in each of these jurisdictions but I’d be very surprised if they don’t gain a foothold in the European market somewhere.

DM: There’s definitely potential but the dynamics are different. In the U.S., the appeal of sweepstakes is closely tied to accessibility and the ability to engage across most of the country, on a state by state basis. That’s given the model a unique edge in the U.S. market.

In Europe, where the digital entertainment and gaming landscape is already well-established, the path might look different but I do think there’s room for growth, especially in areas where lightweight, low-barrier gaming experiences are in demand. The key will be localization, cultural relevance and regulatory framework. The model works best when it speaks directly to the habits and preferences of each market.

AT: Personally, I think it’s all about how market conditions change in Europe in the coming years, particularly with regards to regulation. In the US sweeps has become particularly popular because it has filled the void left by the fact there are still so few regulated states for real-money gaming. Does this void exist in Europe in the same way? Well, no, not in most countries, not now anyway. However, should regulators continue their current path to over-regulation, who knows how that will end up. There are already several sweeps’ sites operating in a few European markets, that are already quite over-regulated, and that trend could well continue apace.

 

Sweepstake casinos have shot to popularity in a swift time frame. Where do you think they’ll be in 5 years’ time?

AT: This is the billion-dollar question on everyone’s lips right now, with regards to sweeps, it’s certainly a question we get asked a lot! Obviously, there is a lot of noise about sweeps at the moment, and a huge number of variables to consider, and its’ anyone’s guess how it will all turn out in the end. Ultimately there is a huge demand in the US for online gaming products, and it seems logical, as part of free market economic theory that unless regulated gaming can progress much more quickly than it is now.

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RK: Well again the obvious answer is what US regulators do – both in terms of the speed of opening up new states to online casinos, to how they respond to the growth of the sweepstakes sector. If things carry on largely the same I can see sweepstakes being at a similar level in terms of market share, perhaps even growing as more providers and new operators enter the market and improve the product offering.

I think overall it will be a balance, as certain areas in the US close off sweepstakes, other markets round the world will open up, so I see a steady path ahead on a global level – although perhaps not a repeat of the explosion we’ve just witnessed. Social is a different kettle of fish: I believe it will continue to grow rapidly and become linked in more interesting ways with the acquisition activities and  loyalty programmes of real money gambling companies, whether they be land based or online.

DM: Looking five years ahead, I see sweepstakes platforms evolving into full-scale entertainment hubs. The future isn’t just about gameplay, it’s about creating connected, content-rich environments that bring together digital experiences, creator-driven events and community engagement.

We’re building platforms where people don’t just come to play, they come to interact, explore and be part of a larger digital culture. That could mean live-hosted experiences, interactive tournaments or even crossovers with music, sports or media. The sweepstakes format is incredibly flexible and that gives us the ability to adapt fast and scale with the culture. In short, we’re not just part of the digital entertainment world, we’re helping shape where it’s going next.

 

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Canada

High Roller and Playtech Announce Strategic Partnership

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High Roller and Playtech Announce Strategic Partnership

 

High Roller Technologies and Playtech announced a strategic partnership for Ontario, Canada, that will see Playtech provide its industry-leading technology to power High Roller’s platform and premium brand, ensuring a seamless, high-quality experience for players in the region.

Ben Clemes, Chief Executive Officer at High Roller, said: “Collaborating with Playtech in Ontario is an exciting step for High Roller as we continue to grow and evolve. Playtech’s well-established technology will be instrumental to our mission of providing a world-class entertainment experience for our players.”

Sergey Harutyunyan, Chief Revenue Officer at Playtech, said: “We are delighted to partner with High Roller as they expand into Ontario. Playtech’s technology is designed to support operators in regulated markets, and we look forward to working together to provide High Roller’s players with safe, innovative, and engaging gaming experiences.”

Ontario represents a key market for both companies, featuring a robust regulatory framework and fast-growing player base. Recently, High Roller announced the submission of its Internet Gaming Operator license application for Ontario, and subject to licensing and regulatory approval, High Roller anticipates launching live operations in H2 2025.

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Latest News

Push Gaming makes landmark US debut in Michigan with BetMGM

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Push Gaming makes landmark US debut in Michigan with BetMGM

 

B2B gaming supplier Push Gaming has officially entered the United States, launching its highly anticipated content in Michigan through a landmark exclusive collaboration with leading operator BetMGM.

The milestone debut marks a significant step in Push Gaming’s global growth strategy, bringing its distinctive, player-first approach to one of North America’s most dynamic iGaming jurisdictions.

BetMGM players in Michigan can soon enjoy a selection of launch titles from Push Gaming, including the highly anticipated Big Bamboo and the action-packed 10 Flaming Bisons. The latter made a strong debut in December 2024 and quickly became a fan favourite across the network.

Additionally, Push Gaming will launch a number of exclusive titles for BetMGM, incorporating MGM Resorts International’s IP, such as MGM Grand Gamble, MGM Emerald Nights and Bellagio Diamonds, alongside Push Gaming’s portfolio of popular titles, ensuring a steady stream of fresh, localised content.

The market entry signals the beginning of Push Gaming’s US journey, with its content exclusively available on BetMGM, uniting two forward-thinking brands that share a deep focus on entertainment, innovation and long-term player engagement.

Widely recognised as a key driver of US iGaming growth, Michigan recorded over $218.5 million in gross internet gaming revenue in March 2025, according to the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).  With strong smartphone adoption, a loyal player base, and a commitment to innovation, the state provides the ideal launchpad for Push Gaming’s long-term ambitions in the country.

The addition of Push Gaming’s proven and popular titles will strengthen an already flourishing market and offer players fresh and compelling gaming experiences.

Push Gaming’s launch in Michigan directly builds on the successful collaboration established with BetMGM in Ontario. Working as a precursor, it demonstrates the robust nature of the relationship across North American markets.

Andy Bentley, COO at Push Gaming, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be live in the US, and Michigan is the perfect place to start. It’s a hugely important and vibrant market, and we’re proud to launch exclusively with BetMGM, one of the region’s most respected and established operators.”

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“This launch is more than just a milestone. It’s a strategic step towards establishing Push Gaming as a market leader in North America. By building on our strong collaboration with BetMGM and delivering standout content, we’re confident we can grow a loyal and engaged player base in the US.”

Oliver Bartlett, Vice President of Gaming Product & Content at BetMGM, added: “A pillar of our content strategy is partnering with exceptional game suppliers like Push Gaming, who have a reputation for high-quality games that have proven to be a hit with players.

“We take pride in being the first operator to bring Push Gaming’s content to the United States, especially in a leading iGaming market like Michigan.”

As BetMGM continues to expand into new markets and introduce new features, responsible gaming remains a key focus. The major brand is continually evolving its commitment to providing resources that help customers play responsibly, including GameSense, an industry-leading programme developed and licensed to MGM Resorts by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.

Through the integration within BetMGM’s mobile and desktop platforms, customers can receive the same GameSense experience they have grown to rely on at MGM Resorts properties nationwide. This complements BetMGM’s existing responsible gambling tools, which provide customers with an entertaining and safe digital experience.

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