Ohio: JACK Entertainment unveils new details of launched free-to-play betJACK sportsbook app

Cleveland-based gaming company JACK Entertainment has launched betJACK, a free-to-play sports betting app catering to Ohio’s fans ahead of the sports market’s opening. The product is set to engage bettors and make them have “a preferred sportsbook” before real-money sports gambling becomes legal in the Buckeye State.

"This is a game-changer for Ohio sports fans," said Brian Eby, President of JACK Entertainment, the parent company of JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino. "From gridirons to 4-irons, hat tricks to hook shots, goal lines to line drives, betJACK is running up the score in Ohio. Jack Entertainment is Ohio's gaming company."

The app was first unveiled early last month and is now available as a “Training Camp” for Ohio fans who want to practice their skills with a free experience before real betting becomes available next year.

Each day they log in, customers will receive 100 tokens to make simulated bets on any team in every sport featured in the product. The tokens can’t be traded for real money, but they do allow players to win virtual trophies, seats on the leaderboard, “and plenty of bragging rights.”

Introducing 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗝𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽.

An app for Ohio sports fans to practice sports betting for free 💪

Sign Up 📲: https://t.co/qdyp0nemA6 pic.twitter.com/vWuop0Dol8

— betJACK (@betJACK) April 5, 2022

The betJACK app lets players challenge friends to bet duels and track their stats on bets, winnings, and wager patterns, a press release explains. It also allows fans to check into The Sports Parlor, a weekly sports podcast featuring what JACK Entertainment calls “the biggest headlines and newsmakers from Ohio's sports teams.”

"We're thrilled that betJACK is the only sportsbook app with real insight into the Buckeye State," said Adam Suliman, Vice President of Sports & Digital Gaming, JACK Entertainment. "We know how much Ohio fans love their local teams. They've been waiting to legally bet on sports here for years instead of having to drive across state lines. betJACK is finally giving them their shot."

To create branding for the new platform, JACK Entertainment explains it has tapped Stern Advertising, a full-service advertising and communications agency that has been headquartered in Cleveland for 68+ years.

Sportsbook construction is under way @JACKCleCasino ✅

Wanna start betting on sports for free today?

Download betJACK Training Camp app to get started! 📲: https://t.co/UzphhUQncv pic.twitter.com/4zL8lVovEq

— betJACK (@betJACK) May 21, 2022

According to a press statement, through this agreement, the two Ohio-based companies leveraged their “deep knowledge of the Buckeye State” to customize a sportsbook tool for local sports fans. Players will enjoy hometown news, game time information, and special promotions crafted with Ohio's sports fans in mind.

The sportsbook was designed in partnership with product developer Shape Games, and offers various betting options from spreads, money lines, over/under, and parlays, plus in-game betting. The app also features many how-to guides that explain sportsbook betting options and lingo.

betJACK is now available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play. The sports wagering platform is available in both desktop and mobile versions, and there is also a website available, featuring more info about the betJACK brand and sports betting news.

Wanna see our new betJACK Training Camp app in action?@NickPedone12 bet some tokens @MACSports Championship Game🏆 pic.twitter.com/1EWwU9qOnD

— betJACK (@betJACK) April 5, 2022

Real-money sports betting in Ohio is set to launch before January 1, 2023, as mandated by the sports bill approved in December last year. Earlier this month, the Ohio Casino Control Commission announced that it will begin accepting sports betting license applications in June.

Once sports betting is legalized, the betJACK app will be converted into a real-life betting product. As a real-money sportsbook would, the application allows fans to wager on a large number of sporting events. These include NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, international soccer, e-sports and rugby, among other leagues and competitions. 

In addition to its mobile wagering operations, JACK Entertainment is also set to launch retail sports betting via two brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall. The two venues will feature Las Vegas-style sportsbooks with video walls, comfortable lounge chairs and a range of assorted amenities.