Jack Entertainment's betJACK live in Ohio, sportsbook donates $20K to celebrate launch

JACK Entertainment's sports betting app betJACK celebrated the start of sports betting in Ohio with a $20,000 donation to Special Olympics Ohio. betJACK, which bills itself as the only sportsbook brand headquartered in the state, says it used its official launch "to highlight the local community."

The $20,000 gift comes after betJACK promised to match up to that amount in total bets placed via betJACK during the first two hours of legal sports wagering in Ohio, which began at midnight on January 1.

Jessica Stewart, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ohio, said: "We're grateful betJACK selected Special Olympics Ohio as its first philanthropic partner, as they celebrate this monumental launch while celebrating the community they call home. These funds will allow our athletes to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills, and friendship."

Additionally, Brian Eby, President of JACK Entertainment, commented: "At the center of our core beliefs as a company is a principle that we do well by doing good. We will continue to move forward with supporting this mission through the many diverse organizations within our state and look forward to having a positive impact throughout Ohio."

According to a press statement, betJACK partnered with the organization "to support its mission to advance inclusion within sports within the state of Ohio." The funds will help Special Olympics Ohio provide year-round training and competition for its 20,000 athletes throughout 88 counties.

Aside from its betJACK app, the firm currently also offers two sportsbooks in Northeast Ohio. betJACK rang in the new year while taking its first bet from Special Olympics Ohio's Chief Development Officer, Christine Hoyer, at the betJACK sportsbook at JACK Cleveland Casino. Christine bet $68 on the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA championship.

The wager celebrated the year 1968, in which the organization was founded. During the state's first day of sportsbook betting, Ohio players placed "thousands of online wagers" with betJACK. Additionally, the platform's bricks-and-mortar facilities at JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino also welcomed capacity crowds with luxury amenities, including 30'+ video screens and more than a dozen 85" TVs at each property, according to the company.