BetRivers Teams Up for Hall of Fame Village Sportsbook Launch

The Unfulfilled Promise of BetRivers Sportsbook at Hall of Fame Village

For sports enthusiasts and bettors alike, the anticipated opening of a BetRivers retail sportsbook at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio, was an exciting proposition. This collaboration promised to bring together the rich history of NFL legends with the modern thrill of sports betting. However, as we look back from 2026, this venture remains an unrealized dream.

The partnership between Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment and BetRivers, announced with much fanfare in December 2021, was poised to revolutionize the sports betting landscape in Ohio. BetRivers, known for its robust presence in the sportsbook market across ten states, was touted for its outstanding reputation and impressive market performance. Yet, the ambitious plans for a retail sportsbook within a stone’s throw of the Pro Football Hall of Fame have faced indefinite delays.

Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company secured conditional approval for mobile and retail sports betting licenses in 2022, with the BetRivers Sportsbook planned for the Fan Engagement Zone at Hall of Fame Village, but the retail sportsbook plan was ultimately abandoned.

Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles

The Hall of Fame Village completed phase one construction in 2022, including Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, and subsequently secured a $70 million C-PACE loan from Peachtree Group in January 2026 to fund the Gameday Bay indoor waterpark and a Tapestry by Hilton hotel with approximately 180 rooms.

A spokesperson for the Ohio Casino Control Commission revealed that the partnership between Hall of Fame Village’s parent company and BetRivers’ Rush Street Interactive might have dissolved. The reasons behind this split remain speculative, but without this partnership, the project’s future hangs in the balance. The path forward requires securing a new management services provider and navigating the complex web of regulatory requirements—a daunting task for any entity.

This setback is particularly disappointing given the broader vision for the Hall of Fame Village. Michael Crawford, the CEO of Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company, had envisioned a vibrant entertainment complex. This vision included not just a sportsbook but also a waterpark, upscale restaurants, and a variety of attractions designed to draw visitors year-round. The concept of blending sports betting with virtual reality gaming, Topgolf suites, and unique dining experiences promised a dynamic destination.

Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company completed its transition to private ownership on January 5, 2026, when it merged with HOFV Holdings LLC, which is controlled by long-time investor Stuart Lichter, enabling the company to focus on core business initiatives with greater operational flexibility.

The Ripple Effects of Economic Downturn

The project’s slowdown can be partially attributed to the broader economic challenges facing the nation. A recession has taken its toll on the ambitious expansion, with financial strains leading to layoffs and budget cuts within the company. These economic headwinds highlight the vulnerability of large-scale entertainment and betting ventures to wider market forces.

Despite these challenges, the Hall of Fame Village has seen some progress, with new attractions like a Don Shula steakhouse and Benson Stadium hosting USFL games. A groundbreaking for a football-themed indoor waterpark in December marked a significant development milestone. Yet, the absence of the BetRivers sportsbook looms large over these achievements, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the betting and entertainment industry.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Sports Betting in Ohio

While the specific partnership between BetRivers and the Hall of Fame Village may have faltered, the landscape of sports betting in Ohio continues to evolve. BetRivers remains a significant player in the market, and other entities have stepped in to fill the void, offering mobile and online betting options to Ohioans. The state’s legal framework allows for both online and retail betting operations, paving the way for future ventures that could realize the vision of a sportsbook adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Despite the setbacks, the aspiration to create a unique sports betting experience in Canton remains a compelling idea. The blend of sports history, entertainment, and gaming has the potential to attract visitors from across the nation, offering a unique destination for sports fans and bettors alike. As the Hall of Fame Village moves toward completing its ambitious expansion, the possibility of integrating a sportsbook into its offerings remains an enticing prospect—one that could yet come to fruition in the ever-evolving landscape of sports betting.

In retrospect, the story of BetRivers and the Hall of Fame Village is a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in merging sports, betting, and entertainment. It underscores the need for flexibility, resilience, and innovation in navigating the regulatory and economic hurdles that can impact such ventures. As we look to the future, the potential for new partnerships and developments in the sports betting arena remains a space worth watching closely.