Ohio Authorities to Examine SPIRE Institute's Proposed Sports Wagering Applications
Last Updated: November 14, 2022, 4:01h.
Are you eager to learn about the buzzing sports complex in northeastern Ohio? Look no further! Known as the SPIRE Institute, this multi-purpose venue is set to have its sports betting license applications reviewed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). Once a simple sports complex, SPIRE Institute has now evolved to host athletic events and offer a sports performance training academy for high school and post-secondary students.
Steve Bittenbender
Are you curious to know more about its history and applications? Read on to discover the exciting details!
An Aerial View of SPIRE Institute
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As North America's premier sports enrichment hub, the SPIRE Institute has carved out a niche for itself as a destination for athletes at various levels, including elite-level high school, collegiate, Olympic, and Paralympic athletes. Moreover, the venue welcomes youth travel teams and adult recreational players, providing a diverse range of basketball and soccer leagues.
Shortly after filing for a sports betting license in July, SPIRE's managing partner, Jonathan Ehrenfeld, hinted that their sportsbook would comprise strict security measures to safeguard minors from gambling activities.
Legislation,
The Ohio Legislation and SPIRE Institute
Ohio's lawmakers have shown great interest in encouraging businesses to venture into the sports gambling industry by embracing applicants with a broad reach and influence. Although the betting law gives priority to Ohio's casinos, racinos, and pro sports franchises, it also offers a nod to businesses that attract visitors, such as SPIRE Institute.
Sports Betting,
The Application Process: Type A and Type B Licenses
Under the OCCC, there are two types of licenses for proprietors: Type A and Type B. Type A allows businesses to host an online sports betting operator, while Type B enables them to operate a retail sportsbook. As of the last OCCC meeting on November 2, 21 companies have garnered conditional approval for a Type A license, with SPIRE Institute and Robert L. Stark Enterprises yet to be approved.
Horse Racing.
Type B license applications include 20 conditionally approved companies, with Jecca Franks, OCCC's Director of Communications, confirming that all applicants will be considered.
The Role of Gaming Partners
SPIRE's gaming partner, Out the Gate, has yet to secure OCCC's approval. However, the commission has not approved as many operators as propietors.
SPIRE Institute's Meeting with the OCCC: What to Expect
SPIRE applied, Jonathan Ehrenfeld, the institute’s managing partner, told
With SPIRE Institute scheduled for a 10 a.m. meeting on Wednesday in Columbus, you can follow the proceedings as the OCCC looks into the merits of its application. Beyond SPIRE, the commission will also assess other sports betting applicants, such as Fanatics, Betr, Parx Interactive, and Gamewise, to name a few.
Remember, the objective is to maintain a fair, transparent, and regulations-driven gambling landscape.
Robert L. Stark Enterprises, which applied last month, are the only ones that the OCCC hasn’t approved. The commission has also conditionally approved 20 of the 27 Type B proprietor applicants.
Stay tuned for more updates as SPIRE Institute's application makes its way through the OCCC review process!
- The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is reviewing SPIRE Institute's application for a sports betting license, as highlighted in a recent news article by Steve Bittenbender.
- SPIRE Institute's sportsbook, in partnership with Out the Gate, aims to implement stringent security measures to prevent minors from engaging in gambling activities, as mentioned by SPIRE's managing partner, Jonathan Ehrenfeld.
- The OCCC's review panel, during their meeting, will scrutinize not only SPIRE Institute's application but also those of other applicants like Fanatics, Betr, Parx Interactive, and Gamewise, as indicated in the figcaption of a related news article.