Sports betting is set to begin at Hollywood Gaming in Austintown on Sunday, January 1.

The first legal sports bets in the Mahoning Valley can be placed at 12:01 a.m. at the brand-new Barstool Sportsbook.

The area will be located at the upper level of the venue and will feature sports betting counter with four ticket writers where players can place bets.

The counter will take its first bets at 12:01 a.m. New Year's Day and reopen at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 2, 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7 and at noon Tuesday through Friday. 

In addition, 10 self-serve kiosks will be available 24 hours a day and located throughout the gaming floor.

Hollywood Gaming Vice President and General Manager, Rob Swedinovich says he's excited to implement sports betting into the casino which could bring in a new crowd of people.

"Our team has done an incredible job bringing this project together, which we believe only enhances the region's top entertainment destination," Swedinovich said.

The former Skybox restaurant is currently being renovated to complement the Barstool Sportsbook brand (pictured below) and will reopen as a feature destination within the sportsbook prior to the Super Bowl. 

 

 

 

 

 

The restaurant will feature a variety of new menu items among some old favorites, as well as a new 28x8 inch video wall and over 100 televisions.

Hollywood Gaming isn't the only venue in the Valley taking part in sports betting. Nearly 50 bars and restaurants throughout the Valley will be participating including Castaway Craig's in Lake Milton.

"We've created kind of a sports theme where we've got multiple TVs on both sides. We're hoping to get that Cleveland-Pittsburgh rivalry, some Browns backers and other things on a weekly basis where we have those guys hooting and hollering," said Castaway Craig's owner, Shane Nesbitt. 

Castaway Craig's will be offering sports betting as early as January 3.