Gold Rush Gaming’s Ohio Sports Betting Kiosks to be Powered by Playtech

Two experienced gaming companies are making their first ventures into the US retail sports betting market, and they’re doing it together.

Rick Heidner (center) stands between Anthony Rizzo and Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs at a June 2018 fundraiser Heidner hosted for Rizzo s foundation. Heidner s Gold Rush Gaming business is launching sports betting kiosks in Ohio. (Image: ARizzo44/Twitter)

Earlier this week, gambling technology company Playtech announced it was serving as the software and systems management provider for Gold Rush Amusements. The Illinois-based company was one of seven applicants approved by the Ohio Casino Control Commission to install sports betting kiosks across the state.

For , the expansion into sports betting comes after the company has been in business in Illinois as a video gaming terminal operator since 2012. Gold Rush has machines in nearly 700 locations across that Midwestern state.

Our partnership is going from strength to strength, and we look forward to more exciting moments for our growth across the US in the near future, Gold Rush Owner Rick Heidner said in a statement.

A release from Playtech said Gold Rush is expected to have more than 50 kiosks operational across the state before Sunday’s Super Bowl. The company’s Ohio network is expected to reach more than 100 locations eventually. A spreadsheet from the Ohio Lottery showed 32 kiosk locations were available as of Saturday.

Playtech Eyes Growth in US Market

Playtech has been involved in the US market for a couple of years, primarily in . It has studios in Michigan and New Jersey, which serve as locations for its live-dealer casino games it provides for iGaming operators in those states.

That includes Parx Interactive, bet365, and 888 Holdings.

Jonathan Doubilet, Playtech’s US managing director and vice president of operations, said in a statement that the Isle of Man-based company sees more opportunities for growth in America.

“Through this partnership, we will bring our extensive experience in retail sports betting to the US market for the first time,” Doubilet said. “We’re confident that Ohio is the ideal place to start, leveraging our expertise and strong track record to deliver Self-Service Betting Kiosks across the state.”

About Ohio Sports Betting Kiosks

When Ohio lawmakers approved sports betting more than a year ago, they included kiosks as a way to allow certain businesses across the state to participate in the market.

Unlike brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, which can only be located in certain highly populated counties, kiosks can be installed in any county. They’re available to state lottery retailers that hold specific liquor licenses.

Those licenses are primarily held by bars and restaurants. However, golf courses, bowling alleys, and have received approval to host kiosks.

According to the Ohio Lottery, 844 retailers across the state have kiosks available at their locations. More are coming, as the state’s e-licensing portal shows hundreds more have applied.

The kiosks offer a limited sports betting menu. Only point spread, moneyline, and totals (over-under) wagers are allowed. Parlays are also limited to no more than four legs, and the state’s sports betting law states no one can bet more than $700 in a calendar week through the machines.

Like physical sportsbooks and mobile apps, kiosk betting is only available to people 21 and older in Ohio.