Ohio Warns Licensees Against Supporting Prediction Markets

The Buckeye State is ramping up its efforts to force prediction platforms into Ohio’s sports betting market.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has sent letters to licensees that work with prediction platforms offering sports markets in the state. This includes everything from fantasy contest operators to certified independent testing labs, and warns them against continuing to support the controversial industry.

In the letter, the OCCC said it was “deeply concerned” that these partners continued to work with prediction operators. Given the state’s recent win in the Six Circuit, the regulator insists that sports markets are operating illegally.

The regulator sent cease-and-desist letters to ten prediction platforms that offer sports markets. The majority of platforms failed to respond by last Friday’s deadline, despite the court ruling supporting Ohio’s efforts.

Licensees will have until October 30 to respond, and may risk losing their own licensing with the state if they don’t comply.

New Jersey has asked the US Supreme Court to rule on the legality of sports markets, but there is no timetable for when it will review the case.

Ohio Steps Up Its Fight

Ohio has hoped the Sixth Circuit ruling would force prediction platforms to halt all sports markets after being ordered to do so. However, the industry has largely refused to comply, daring Ohio to find another way to shut down its sports markets.

That strategy may have backfired, with Ohio now targeting its partners, who help support operations in the state. If those cut ties to the industry, some platforms could go dark.

The move is a clear escalation from the OCCC, but it could draw more lawsuits from operators. This would give them another chance at earning injunctions, which would force the regulator to halt all enforcement action until the lawsuits are settled. 

While the prediction industry has already spent a fortune on lawsuits, it can’t afford to let Ohio set a precedent other states could follow.