TOLEDO, Ohio — Ohio Sports fans will be hoping for a lucky year because at midnight, they will be able to legally bet on their favorite teams for the first time ever.
This is a long time coming for fans who will now have new ways to join-in on the action. Officials at Hollywood Casino Toledo are betting on and hoping will add to the area's ongoing economic growth.
In December 2021, Ohio Governor Mike Dewine signed House Bill 29 legalizing sports betting in the state.
In June of this year, it was announced betting would start in 2023, at the stroke of midnight on January 1.
Dozens of signs, banners and screens all previewed the big news at Hollywood Casino Toledo for the ribbon-cutting ceremony late Saturday night before the casino opens up their Barstool Sportsbook location.
Both Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz and Rossford Mayor Neil MacKinnon will place the first bets.
Mackinnon is excited for what sports betting will mean for his city.
"Really excited about a new attraction that will enhance already the top entertainment attraction in northwest Ohio," said MacKinnon.
MacKinnon says he hopes the addition of legal sports betting will drive more tourism and visitors to his city because the casino sits right at the doorstep of Rossford's main business district.
"Visitors here at the Hollywood Casino do drive into Rossford and support our businesses and also the thousand plus people who work here are constantly in Rossford supporting our businesses," said MacKinnon. "So, anything positive that happens at the Hollywood Casino is good for the great city of Rossford, Ohio."
The casino will also include 25 additional barstool betting kiosks around the casino as well open the Barstool Sports App for use.
Mackinnon said if he could have, he would have bet on Michigan to win the National Championship but, unfortunately, they lost to Texas Christian University 51-45.
After midnight, Ohio will be one of 30 states to legalize sports betting. Sports betting at Hollywood casino will go from midnight on Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday morning. Normal hours will be from 10 a.m. to midnight.
In Ohio, problem gambling treatment services are free. Contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 if you need help.