BetJack, an Ohioan gaming company, has made a $20,000 donation to Special Olympics Ohio to celebrate the launch of sports betting in the Buckeye State. Several operators, including Barstool, Caesars, BetMGM and FanDuel went live in the state on January 1.
BetJack claims to be the only sportsbook brand actually headquartered in Ohio, unlike these multi-state operators. The $20,000 gift came after the company offered to match the amount in total bets placed via BetJack during the state’s first two hours of legal sports wagering.
Special Olympics Ohio President and CEO Jessica Stewart commented: “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."
BetJack partnered with this charity organization to support its mission to promote inclusion within sports in the Buckeye State. The funds will assist Special Olympics Ohio in providing year-round training and competition for its 20,000 athletes throughout 88 counties.
Jack Entertainment CEO Brian Elby explained the motivations for this donation, saying: “At the center of our core beliefs as a company is the 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."
The sportsbook rang in the new year by accepting its first bet from Special Olympics Ohio's Chief Development Officer, Christine Hoyer, at the BetJack sportsbook at Jack Cleveland Casino. She placed a $68 wager, symbolic of 1968 – the year in which the charity was founded.
