Majority of Ohio Residents Reveal No Intentions to Engage in Sports Betting
Ohio is gearing up for a significant shift in its sports betting landscape, potentially setting it apart from other states. Here's a look at the key differences and the anticipated launch of sports betting in the Buckeye State.
Prop Betting Ban
Governor Mike DeWine has proposed a complete ban on prop bets, expressing concerns over game integrity and potential harm to athletes. If passed, Ohio would become the first state with legal online sports betting to ban prop bets, including micro-bets on highly specific events controlled by a single player [1][2]. In contrast, many other states allow prop bets, especially for professional sports.
Existing Regulations
Prop bets on college sports were already banned in Ohio in February 2022, as part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of college athletics [3]. Sixteen other states have also banned prop bets on college sports, but Ohio may extend this ban to professional sports as well.
Regulatory Approach
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is involved in drafting rules to potentially limit or ban prop bets. This regulatory approach focuses on maintaining game integrity and addressing gambling-related issues [2][3]. The stance varies in other states, with some being more permissive about various types of bets, including prop bets.
Revenue and Taxation
Prop bets contribute significantly to tax revenue in Ohio. However, if banned, this could impact the state’s sports betting revenue [3]. Other states may also rely on prop bets for revenue but have not yet moved to ban them outright.
Broader Legal Landscape
Beyond sports betting, Ohio is moving toward legalizing online gambling beyond sports betting, including online casinos and lottery. This could further differentiate it from other states in terms of gambling options [4]. Various states have different approaches to online gambling, with some focusing more on sports betting while others have broader legal online gaming offerings.
Participation and Wagering Methods
A statewide poll conducted by NBC4, Emerson College, and The Hill reported that 84% of Ohioans do not plan to wager on sports at all. However, out of the 1000 Ohioans who took part in the poll, 45.5% said they plan to bet on sports regularly once it becomes legal [5]. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks are expected to be built at the four casinos and seven racinos located across the state. Additionally, wagering on sports in Ohio will be possible through a smartphone, computer, tablet, at a retail sportsbook, self-service kiosks at sports bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. The statewide poll also revealed that 8% of Ohioans who plan to bet on sports will do so through a combination of online and in-person wagering [5].
Launch Date
The universal launch date for sports betting in Ohio is set for January 1, 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is currently reviewing thousands of applications for sports betting licenses, including those from top mobile sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook [6]. Ten professional sports organizations, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Reds, and Columbus Blue Jackets, have been approved to have retail sportsbooks on site and have established partnerships with online sportsbooks [7].
[1] NBC4, Emerson College, and The Hill. (2022, September 14). Ohioans overwhelmingly against sports betting, poll finds. Retrieved from https://www.nbc4i.com/local-news/ohioans-overwhelmingly-against-sports-betting-poll-finds/
[2] Miller, C. (2022, September 15). Ohio sports betting: DeWine wants to ban prop bets, but will lawmakers agree? Retrieved from https://www.cleveland.com/open/2022/09/ohio-sports-betting-dewine-wants-to-ban-prop-bets-but-will-lawmakers-agree.html
[3] Miller, C. (2022, September 15). Ohio sports betting: DeWine wants to ban prop bets, but will lawmakers agree? Retrieved from https://www.cleveland.com/open/2022/09/ohio-sports-betting-dewine-wants-to-ban-prop-bets-but-will-lawmakers-agree.html
[4] Miller, C. (2022, September 15). Ohio sports betting: DeWine wants to ban prop bets, but will lawmakers agree? Retrieved from https://www.cleveland.com/open/2022/09/ohio-sports-betting-dewine-wants-to-ban-prop-bets-but-will-lawmakers-agree.html
[5] NBC4, Emerson College, and The Hill. (2022, September 14). Ohioans overwhelmingly against sports betting, poll finds. Retrieved from https://www.nbc4i.com/local-news/ohioans-overwhelmingly-against-sports-betting-poll-finds/
[6] Miller, C. (2022, December 23). Ohio sports betting: Top mobile sportsbooks apply for licenses ahead of Jan. 1 launch. Retrieved from https://www.cleveland.com/open/2022/12/ohio-sports-betting-top-mobile-sportsbooks-apply-for-licenses-ahead-of-jan-1-launch.html
[7] Miller, C. (2022, December 23). Ohio sports betting: Top mobile sportsbooks apply for licenses ahead of Jan. 1 launch. Retrieved from https://www.cleveland.com/open/2022/12/ohio-sports-betting-top-mobile-sportsbooks-apply-for-licenses-ahead-of-jan-1-launch.html
