Playtech enters US retail betting scene via Ohio partnership with Gold Rush

Playtech Plc will make its ‘US retail debut’ in Ohio having struck a new betting terminals supplier partnership with Gold Rush LLC. 

The FTSE250 technology group will supply its retail kiosk terminals and management systems to 50 Ohio-based Gold Rush Gaming and Amusement locations.

Dealmakers seek to activate the partnership ahead of this Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII final featuring the Philadelphia Eagles vs the Kansas City Chiefs.

The alliance is branded as ‘strategically significant’ for Playtech – one that will initially expand its sports betting network in the Midwest, as Ohio launched its long-awaited wagering regime in January 2023.

Playtech’s US MD Jonathan Doubilet commented: “This partnership will bring our extensive experience in retail sports betting to the US market for the first time.

“We’re confident that Ohio is the ideal place to start, leveraging our expertise and strong track record to deliver self-service betting kiosks across the state. We’re excited for this type of gaming to expand and look forward to introducing further products across the growing US market.”

The partnership seeks to expand to +100 Midwest locations, as Gold Rush operates subsidiaries which currently service the video gaming market in the states of Ohio and  Illinois.

Ohio represents one of the largest distributed retail sports betting markets of any state outside Nevada, with the Ohio Lottery having approved over 1,200 host locations to date.

Rick Heidner, Owner and Manager of Gold Rush, added: “We are very pleased to partner with Playtech and leverage our joint expertise to launch kiosks in Ohio, a new and exciting market. 

“We will bring innovative content and best-in-class software to new players across the state. Our partnership is going from strength to strength, and we look forward to more exciting moments for our growth across the US in the near future.”