Ohio
Anticipated launch date: January 1, 2023
Ohio’s strength is in its numbers, as the Buckeye State ranks seventh in population, with nearly 12 million residents.
Also, working in the state’s favor is a thriving sports culture that includes two NFL franchises (Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals), the Cleveland Guardians of the MLB, The NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL. Throw in two MLS teams and more than a dozen Division 1 college programs, including Ohio State.
Another factor working in Ohio’s favor is its southern neighbor’s failure to legalize sports betting. Ohio shares a lengthy border with Kentucky, including the heavily populated Cincinnati metro area.
Working against the state is its median household income, which falls in the bottom half of states. However, the other positive factors should easily offset the low median income.
Read more of our Ohio sports betting coverage here.
Maryland
Anticipated launch date: December 2022
With 6.3 million residents, Maryland is the least populated state of the three. However, Maryland is at or near the top in most economic indicators, including topping the list for median income.
Maryland doesn’t possess a lot of professional sports teams, but the state certainly has a storied sports history and a rabid fanbase. The Terrapin State has two professional teams, the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles and the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. However, many Marylanders also root for the Washington Commanders of the NFL, with the team playing its home games in Landover, Maryland. Washington DC also provides Maryland residents with a few other rooting options, including the Washington Wizards of the NBA, the Washington Nationals of the MLB, and the Washington Capitals of the NHL.
Maryland is surrounded by legal sports betting states. Still, a monopoly has led to a lackluster performance in DC, and bettors in the nation’s capital could make the trek to Maryland for more sports betting options.
Read more of our Maryland sports betting coverage here.
Massachusetts
Anticipated launch date: H1 2023
Massachusetts falls in the sweet spot between Ohio and Maryland. The Bay State ranks 15th in population (7.1 million) and 3rd in median income. Comparing Massachusetts to Maryland, the Bay State has a 13% population advantage and trails Maryland by just 3.5% in median income.
Massachusetts also boasts several of the most storied franchises in sports and a fanbase that rivals any locale.
Massachusetts professional teams consist of:
- Boston Bruins – NHL
- New England Patriots – NFL
- Boston Red Sox – MLB
- Boston Celtics – NBA
The state also has the MLS’s New England Revolution and over 100 colleges, including Boston College, Harvard, BU, Northeastern, and UMass.
The industry has been bullish on Massachusetts from the very beginning. The optimism comes from the already listed factors, coupled with the performance of the state’s lottery. The Massachusetts Lottery ranks first in the nation in per capita spending, indicating Bay Staters like to gamble and have the money to do it.
Read more of our Massachusetts sports betting coverage here.
