Ohio

'More people are coming in': A look back on one year of legal sports betting in Ohio

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

'More people are coming in': A look back on one year of legal sports betting in Ohio

CINCINNATI — One year after sports betting was legalized in Ohio, local bars and restaurants say they’ve seen a boost in business.

“More people are coming in that didn’t come in before,” said Tome Jolevski, kitchen manager at Patrick’s Sports Bar & Grill in Western Hills.

Jolevski said revenue has gone up since sports betting was legalized. Patrick’s has one sports betting kiosk.

“Some people are staying longer, especially when the games are on,” he said.

Some customers, like Mike Dasenbrock, prefer to bet on the kiosks rather than the online apps.

“I don’t have to give a debit card or credit card,” Dasenbrock said. “Keeps me in control.”

Jolevski said the surge of online betting apps hasn’t taken away business. Instead, it’s helped boost the bar’s sales too.

“Just because we got 20-something TVs and we’ll put different games on all of them,” he said.

It’s a sentiment shared by Billy Watson, owner of Kitty’s Sports Grill.

“Mainly online, on your phone, on the different apps, has helped business, but the machine, not as much,” Watson said.

The kiosk hasn’t produced as much of a business boost as Watson had originally hoped.

Watson said the majority of his customers bet on their phones, as opposed to using the kiosk he had set up.

“Like 95% of them are betting on their phone,” he said.

Statewide estimates through November show a significant gap between taxable revenue generated by online sports betting versus retail betting.

Estimates show retail sports betting generated more than $21 million for the state during that time frame, while online betting generated more than $827 million, according to revenue data analyzed from both the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery.

Watson said he has gained new regular customers since sports betting was legalized, including customers from Kentucky who had crossed the river to bet before sports betting was legalized in their state too.

“I was joking with them when it became legal,” Watson said. “Like, ‘I guess I won’t see you guys anymore.’ They’re like, ‘Oh, Billy. You know, we’ll come back.’ So they still come in.”

Both Watson and Jolevski say setting up kiosks has been worth it, but they hope more people consider betting on kiosks in person.

“So you can watch the games, you can mingle with each other,” Jolevski said. “Because it is so much fun to cheer for your teams or other teams.”

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Ohio

Ohio’s first Buc-ee’s to open Monday

Published

9 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

Related video: Electric atmosphere fills Mississippi’s first Buc-ee’s on opening day

HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WTVG) – Buc-ee’s will open its first Ohio location Monday.

The 24/7 travel center chain will open to the public in Huber Heights, just outside of Dayton.

Buc-ee’s is based in Texas and has been expanding across the South and now in the Midwest. The chain is known for its large number of gas pumps and clean bathrooms, and its food options like Beaver Nuggets and brisket.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine plans to attend the grand opening Monday.

Plans are in the works to build the second Ohio location in Mansfield.

Related story: Buc-ee’s sues Milan, Ohio company over trademark infringement

Buc-ee’s is suing an Ohio-based convenience chain, alleging its moose mascot looks too much like Buc-ee’s famous beaver. (Source: WTVG)

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Ohio

April 9 concert pairs Marionaires with Ohio State Marion singers

Published

21 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Press Room

April 9 concert pairs Marionaires with Ohio State Marion singers

Jane Imbody
| Marion Star

The Marionaires and Ohio State Marion’s University Chorus will perform in a joint concert at Morrill Hall Auditorium on April 9. The event is part of the Five Nights on Campus performing arts series, according to a community announcement.

The Marionaires, a barbershop chorus, will showcase their harmonies and timeless sound.

The University Chorus at Ohio State Marion is composed of students from various academic disciplines. Under the direction of Sabina Anderson, the ensemble will perform selections from the Broadway musical “Les Misérables.”

Ticket prices and event details

Ticket prices for the concert are $10 for general admission, $9 for seniors 60 and older and $4 for students in kindergarten through grade 12 and college students. Faculty and staff at Ohio State Marion and Marion Technical College can purchase discounted tickets for $8. Season ticket packages and patron memberships are available, offering discounted rates and exclusive benefits.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or by contacting Jodi Somerlot at 740-725-6156 or somerlot.30@osu.edu.

The concert is sponsored by Marion Technical College, Stifel, UniPrint, Wm. Kay Davis Foundation and iHeart Media. Event partners include the Ohio State University Alumni Club of Marion County and Buckeye Backers.

Doors will open at 7 p.m., with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register for tickets, visit go.osu.edu/fivenights.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

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Ohio

Former Ohio Mr. Basketball reportedly enters transfer portal

Published

1 day ago

April 4, 2026

Press Room

Former Ohio Mr. Basketball reportedly enters transfer portal

Looks like another Ohio State basketball player will be entering the transfer portal.

Colin White, a sophomore forward from Ottawa, Ohio, told 24/7 Sports that he is entering the transfer portal after two seasons with the Ohio State men’s basketball program. White played in 29 games for Ohio State, averaging 0.9 points-per game. Colin appeared in 48 games overall for the Buckeyes and will have two years of eligibility remaining for his college career.

A former Ohio Mr. Basketball and top-125 recruit, White arrived in Columbus with significant expectations after a standout career at Ottawa-Glandorf, where he helped lead the Titans to consecutive state championship game appearances. His local ties and two-way skill set made him an intriguing developmental piece for the Buckeyes, especially on defense and as a versatile wing.

Colin is the second player so far this offseason to hit the transfer portal, Devin Royal being the first. Their teammate John Mobley has declared that he will go to the NBA draft but is keeping the door open to returning back to Columbus next season.

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