Plannatech Gets Ohio License for Prime Sports: Restart After Bankruptcy

Prime Sports is set to return to Ohio's sports betting landscape, thanks to state regulators granting Plannatech, its new owner, a mobile sports betting license. After a brief hiatus, the path is now clear for continued operations in a crucial U.S. state. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) approved Plannatech's mobile sports betting license, paving the way for the restart.

Plannatech had already served as the platform provider for Prime Sports, which also operates in Kentucky and New Jersey. Regulators in those states had already approved the change of ownership. Plannatech also operates Betcris in Arizona. The return to Ohio is not without its backstory, as Prime Sports filed for Chapter 11 reorganization in the U.S. last November.

Numbers and facts

While Prime Sports was forced to temporarily pause betting operations in Ohio earlier this year, it had already processed significant amounts. In December 2023, nearly $4.5 million in wagers were accepted. Just one year later, in December 2025, this figure climbed to over $22 million. This placed Prime Sports ninth among the state's 13 licensed operators. This total was comparable to Hard Rock Bet and close to Caesars and theScore.

Plannatech CEO Adam Bjorn expressed confidence after the OCCC decision. He emphasized that only a few bettors withdrew their funds, while many accounts still held balances. He used the X platform (formerly Twitter) to inform customers about the temporary pause and rebuild trust.

"My goal, having been in this industry for a very long time, has always been pretty much the same: to build a place where players, customers, like myself, have a place to be able to wager freely and openly without the restrictions that many operators around the world give. I believe regulation should channel customers into safe, transparent markets and not inadvertently push them away." - Adam Bjorn, CEO at Plannatech

Bjorn had initially hoped to have all approvals in place before the FIFA World Cup. Although this didn't quite materialize, he views the timing of the Ohio reinstatement as "perfect timing," with the first American football games just a few weeks away. Prime Sports' reorganization was approved by a U.S. bankruptcy court in May 2026, after Plannatech committed to taking over the operations. Prime Sports' estimated assets were between $1 million and $10 million, but liabilities ranged from $50 million to $100 million. Plannatech also obtained a license in Arizona in August. Plannatech is headquartered on the Isle of Man.

Background

Prime Sports' strategy under Plannatech is not to challenge industry giants like FanDuel or DraftKings. Instead, it aims to offer a solid "meat-and-potatoes" option that promises a better customer experience. Bjorn highlighted that 99% of players are recreational and often encounter difficulties with other providers. He advocated for a community-based structure where players have direct access to the CEO and issues are handled quickly, rather than waiting for hours in live chat.

The situation in Ohio reflects a broader trend in the U.S. sports betting market. In Kentucky, Prime Sports was also granted a service provider license on December 10, where it partnered with Churchill Downs. The U.S. Senate is also considering stronger federal regulation of online gambling, as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed in 2018, and individual states have since taken over regulation. This could lead to a more uniform approach to player and consumer protection, as there are still many differences between states.

Why it matters for German players

Developments in the U.S. are indirectly relevant for German players, as they influence the global dynamics of the online gambling market. In Germany, strict rules apply since the GlüStV 2021 (German State Treaty on Gambling 2021). This means that players here are only allowed to bet with providers who hold a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL - Joint Gaming Authority of the Federal States). The GGL whitelist lists all legal providers.

For players in Germany, this means a high standard of protection. This includes a bet limit of 1 Euro per spin on online slot machines and a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euro, which is controlled via the central monitoring system LUGAS (Cross-State Gambling Supervision System). These measures are intended to prevent gambling addiction and ensure a safe gaming environment. Providers without a GGL license are illegal in Germany and offer no player protection. Therefore, German players should only use licensed German online casinos and betting providers.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For GGL-licensed casinos and betting providers in Germany, the reports from Ohio, Kentucky, and Arizona show the importance of complying with regulatory standards for survival and success in the gambling market. The detailed checks and approvals by gambling authorities in the U.S., similar to the strict GGL supervision in Germany, illustrate the trend towards more transparency and player-centricity.

GGL-licensed casinos also have to undergo regular strict controls. The focus on player protection, fair gaming conditions, and the fight against illegal gambling is particularly strong in Germany. A transparent and trustworthy approach, such as Plannatech's promise for Prime Sports - with direct access to executives and rapid problem-solving - is also crucial for German online providers to retain players long-term and strengthen trust in the regulated market. Foreign licenses, such as those from Malta (MGA) or Curaçao, do not offer the same level of protection as a German GGL license.