Ohio's Dialogue on Legalized Sports Betting Progressing Slowly
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As we step into August 2025, sports betting is now fully legal and operational in Ohio. After years of discussion, the legal framework was established by HB 29, signed into law in December 2021, and sports betting officially launched on January 1, 2023. However, the journey towards legalization was not without its challenges, and certain issues continue to be debated by Ohio lawmakers and regulators.
One of the main points of contention is the restriction on certain types of player-specific prop bets and in-game microbets. Governor DeWine, at the request of Ohio regulators, is considering banning so-called "microbets," such as bets on the outcome of individual pitches in MLB games. This proposal targets highly specific player-related bets "completely controlled by one player," while broader prop bets may still be permitted. The rule is expected to go into effect possibly mid-September 2025 or later, following a public hearing with a 30-day notice and legislative approval.
Another ongoing debate is the allocation of unclaimed sports betting account funds. Senate Republicans have proposed these funds be earmarked for sporting projects, such as a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns. Meanwhile, taxation remains a key legislative topic, with the initial 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue having been doubled to 20% mid-2023 following Governor DeWine's push.
Despite these ongoing discussions, Ohio does not have vocal groups in opposition to legalizing sports betting, unlike some states. The conference committee, set up to iron out differences between the House and Senate versions of the state's sports betting bill, is working diligently to reach an agreement. The amended bill, passed by the Senate in June, revised HB 29 to allow for up to 78 licenses, added a population-based cap on the number of master licenses in certain counties, and increased the licensing fee to up to $2 million for the biggest operators.
Entities such as Ohio-based sports franchises, casinos, racinos, and lottery-based kiosks are eager to be part of the sports betting market. However, the number of mobile licenses and eligibility for application are among the remaining issues to be resolved in the sports betting bill.
Sen. Kirk Schurring, who chairs a select committee on gaming, has consulted with various stakeholders including bowling alley owners and pro sports teams. Schurring stated that progress is being made in the attempt to legalize sports betting, but it may not happen this year. The conference committee is aiming for floor votes in both chambers by the end of the month.
Ohio's journey towards legalizing sports betting has been marked by perseverance and compromise. As the legislative process continues, Ohioans can look forward to a fully operational sports betting market, subject to ongoing discussions on key issues such as player-specific live prop bets (microbets), allocation of unclaimed betting funds, and taxation policies.
[1] Ohio Capital Journal. (2021, December 22). DeWine signs sports betting bill into law. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.ohiocapitaljournal.com/news/dewine-signs-sports-betting-bill-into-law/
[2] Cleveland Plain Dealer. (2023, January 1). Ohio sports betting officially launches. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.cleveland.com/sports/2023/01/ohio-sports-betting-officially-launches.html
[3] Columbus Dispatch. (2025, July 15). Ohio lawmakers debate sports betting rules. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.dispatch.com/news/20250715/ohio-lawmakers-debate-sports-betting-rules
[4] Cleveland.com. (2025, August 3). Ohio Senate passes revised sports betting bill. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.cleveland.com/politics/2025/08/ohio-senate-passes-revised-sports-betting-bill.html
[5] Associated Press. (2023, June 1). DeWine pushes for higher taxes on sports betting in Ohio. Retrieved August 1, 2025, from https://www.apnews.com/article/ohio-sports-betting-dewine-taxes-b474b2866687d34f42e790c72855551e
Sports-betting enthusiasts in Ohio eagerly await the potential ban on microbets, such as wagers on individual pitches in MLB games, which targets highly specific player-related bets. The proposed rule is expected to go into effect later in September 2025 or beyond, following a public hearing and legislative approval.
The debate over the allocation of unclaimed sports betting account funds continues, with Senate Republicans suggesting the funds be earmarked for sporting projects like a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns, while taxation remains a key legislative topic, with the rate on sports betting revenue having been doubled to 20% mid-2023.
