CANTON, Ohio — Michael Crawford is the President and CEO of the Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company. He's looking over renderings of the new shops and sports book being built. 

What You Need To Know

  • The state has approved sports betting for the Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Company.

  • The resort now has sports betting approved before the grand opening. 

  • The resort will have on-site sports betting and mobile betting. 

​“We will be the only retail sports book in Stark County, which is one of the biggest counties in Ohio," Crawford said. "The plan is to create a really one of a kind immersive sports book that’s cutting edge, allows guests to be placed right into the sport.”

The resort is now approved for sports betting, which was legalized late last year. Crawford said it’s ideal to have approval ahead of time, and it could be a windfall with all the big sporting events in Ohio. 

“I think it gives us sort of the runway we needed to express and get our guests excited about having a retail sports book, and as part of our Hall of Fame Village destination which has always been our goal," Crawford said.  

Crawford said they now have two different licenses: a mobile license and a retail license. He believes the on-site sports book gives another reason for fans to visit. 

“We see a dramatic return into the physical spaces," Crawford said. "People are social beings. Sports fans are sports fans. They wanna cheer for or against the teams that they’re playing with.” 

The sports book will be right next to the Hall of Fame stadium, so fans will likely see it as they make their way around the resort. Crawford said this makes their sports book unique, because of the overall football theme of the resort. 

“I’m inside, I’m having a great immersive experience," Crawford said. "Food and beverage placing a bet and I’m watching a game on television that’s being played a hundred yards away from me in a pro-caliber stadium.” 

Crawford said the mobile betting will go live through the resort’s app on Jan. 1, since that’s when sports betting becomes legal In Ohio. They’re aiming to finish the on-site sports book in time for the Hall of Fame enshrinement game.