Ohio to Propose Sports Wagering Regulation by April's End
Following nearly two months of hearings, the Ohio Senate Select Committee on Gaming concluded its discussions on sports betting legislation on Wednesday. The upcoming bill, set to drop by the end of April, will be the result of collaborative efforts by individual senators and their input on the bill's development.
According to committee chair Sen. Kirk Schuring, further hearings will not be necessary as the legislative process continues. The bill's introduction is expected within the next few weeks before being referred back to the committee for further review.
Although nothing is certain in the legislative process, Governor Mike DeWine's previous statements indicate a likelihood of sports betting becoming a reality in Ohio. At a March 1 press conference, DeWine stated, "Sports gaming is already in Ohio, Ohio is just not regulating it...sports gaming is certainly coming to Ohio."
At the second-to-last hearing, the committee was presented with an unexpected proposition by Renee Mancino, executive director of the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association and the Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Organization. Mancino advocated for the Ohio State Racing Commission to oversee sports betting regulation, arguing it would be more appropriate given that sports wagering is not a "game of chance."
Mancino also suggested requiring operators to offer horse racing alongside sports betting, as is commonly seen in Las Vegas. This would help maintain the presence of horse racing in the wake of Ohio's potential expansion into sports betting, according to Dave Basler, who also testified on behalf of the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association.
As the committee's hearings have concluded, attention now turns to drafting the bill. Key factors to consider will involve regulatory oversight, stakeholders, and rules regarding collegiate sports betting. Governor DeWine's pronouncement of sports gaming being "inevitable" in Ohio indicates a potential impact on the state's resolution.
One proactive step taken by an Ohio sports team is the Cleveland Cavaliers' partnership with Betway, announced last week. With the bill in development and stakeholders weighing in, the race is on to determine the shape of sports betting in Ohio.
The upcoming sports-betting bill, a result of collaborative efforts among individual senators, will soon be introduced, with the Ohio State Racing Commission potentially overseeing regulation, as suggested by Renee Mancino. Stakeholders and rules regarding collegiate sports betting are key factors to consider in drafting the bill, with Governor DeWine's stance on sports gaming indicating its likely implementation. The sports-betting market in Ohio might soon see operators offering both horse racing and sports wagering, as proposed by the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association, similar to the common practice in Las Vegas.
