PlayUp initially partnered with Jack Casino in Cleveland as its online sports betting arm. Still, PlayUps application was rejected after an investigation uncovered some suspicious activity with its slots+online slots machine game.
According to the OCCC, PlayUp was accused of accepting illegal casino bets from Ohioans after April 16, 2015.
Additionally, PlayUp allegedly used affiliates to promote the product to residents of Ohio and falsely claimed that it was legal to play within the Buckeye State borders.
“The general terms of that settlement agreement are that PlayUp will withdraw its mobile management services provider application, and agrees not to seek any gaming-related license in the state of Ohio for a period of four years. In addition, prior to seeking any license application, they will approach the Commission at least 90 days before submitting that application to review any product plan product offerings in the state.
“In addition, PlayUp will offer restitution to Ohio consumers who use the PlayUp platform to engage in illegal conduct or illegal wagering. Those consumers who experienced losses will receive restitution through this process of approximately $30,000. And in addition, PlayUp will pay a $90,000 monetary sanction to the state of Ohio.” according to an OCCC statement.
betJack Enters Ohio Sports Betting Markets
Jack Casino Cleveland had big plans for PlayUp. Instead, the casino launched its own Ohio betting app called betJack and handled $12.7 million in bets through the app and its brick-and-mortar shops in 2023.
betJack attributes some of its success to a betJack Training Program it launched in late November of 2022. The program was partly designed to acclimate Ohio residents to legalized sports betting websites and apps and promote its betJack app.
Ohio sports betting companies have accepted $1.75 billion in wagers through its first two months of legalization and, due to its recent success, could become a top-five sports betting state by the end of 2023.
