BetJack promised to match up to $20,000 in total bets placed during the first two hours of legal sports wagering in Ohio, which began on January 1 at midnight.

The funds will help Special Olympics Ohio provide year-round training and competition for its 20,000 athletes throughout 88 counties.

Jessica Stewart, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ohio, said: "These funds will allow our athletes to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills, and friendship."

Brian Eby, President of Jack Entertainment, said: "We will continue to move forward with supporting this mission through the many diverse organisations within our state and look forward to having a positive impact throughout Ohio."

BetJack started off the new year while taking its first bet from Special Olympics Ohio's Chief Development Officer, Christine Hoyer, at the BetJack sportsbook at Jack Cleveland Casino.

Christine bet $68 on the Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA championship. The wager celebrated the year 1968, in which the organisation was founded.

During the state's first day of sportsbook betting, Ohio players placed thousands of online wagers with BetJack, and the platform's bricks-and-mortar facilities at Jack Cleveland Casino. Jack Thistledown Racino also welcomed crowds with amenities, including 30'+ video screens and a dozen 85" TVs at each property.