Ohio Discussion on Legal Sports Betting Advancing Slowly
As of August 2025, sports betting is legal and active in Ohio, regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission with both retail and online sportsbooks operating since January 1, 2023. The state's sports betting tax rate was raised to 20% in July 2023, but proposed attempts to increase it further have been rejected.
However, the major sticking point in Ohio sports betting is the future of player-specific prop bets, which have been under scrutiny due to concerns related to sports integrity and ongoing gambling investigations. Governor Mike DeWine has advocated for a statewide ban on these bets, particularly live player-specific wagers such as touchdown passes by a quarterback or pitches thrown by an MLB player.
This ban has not yet been finalized, with the Ohio Casino Control Commission still drafting rules and holding public hearings anticipated in mid to late 2025. The political landscape is divided on this issue: while DeWine strongly advocates for banning player prop bets, some legislative members, like House Finance Committee Chair Brian Stewart, oppose a total ban given these bets’ popularity and their significant role in sports betting revenue.
The legalization of sports betting in Ohio has been a long-standing consideration, with no vocal opposition from any groups. The absence of Indian tribes in the negotiations has simplified the process. Sen. Kirk Schurring, who chairs a select committee on gaming, has expressed optimism about the progress being made.
The amended bill for Ohio legal sports betting, initially containing 40 brick-and-mortar licenses and 20 digital platforms, was passed by the Senate in June. However, the House failed to concur, leading to the formation of a conference committee. The committee has made progress last week and is working on a compromise.
The bill currently allows for up to 78 licenses, an increase from the initial 40. The licensing fee for the biggest operators in the proposed bill has been increased to up to $2 million. The number of mobile licenses and applicants for them is currently under discussion among lawmakers in Ohio.
A population-based cap on the number of master licenses in certain counties has been added to the bill. The end goal is to pass the conference report and make sports betting legal in Ohio. As of the end of 2021, no legal sports betting has been established in the state.
Like Massachusetts, Ohio is seen as a state where lawmakers are struggling to reach a compromise and move forward with legal sports betting. The conference committee has not yet drafted a new bill or amendment, six weeks after its formation. Schurring has asked the legislative service commission to draft language for a potential bill or amendment, and they are currently at the stage where the drafted language will be presented for others to review.
