Topic: Sports Betting Legalization in Ohio
Proposed Legislation Advocates for the Approval of Land-Based and Mobile Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohio is gearing up to join the sports betting market, with a bill introducing legal brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and mobile betting platforms. The state, which has remained untapped in active legislation, looks set to define its regulatory framework in 2019, following the filing of Senate Bill 111. This comprehensive legislation could catapult Ohio into one of the nation's most lucrative markets.
Notably, Governor Mike DeWine supports the legalization of sports betting. Last year, a 15-word shell bill indicated the Ohio legislature's desire to take up the issue this year. Senate Bill 111, weighing in at 146 pages, outlines an industry-friendly approach to online sports betting, allowing for mobile and digital platforms.
Ohio's neighbors, like Pennsylvania and West Virginia, have sportsbooks already in place, and Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky are actively discussing their regulatory framework. To remain competitive, Ohio will consider allowing remote registration. Initial apprehensions about mobile betting have given way to a more open perspective as Senator John Eklund learns more about the industry's security measures and integrities.
The proposed tax rate on sports betting revenue remains at 6.25%, a figure initially introduced in 2023 and maintained following a rejection of Governor DeWine's attempt to double the rate in 2025. Operators will pay a $100k application fee. Casinos and licensed video lottery facilities are eligible to apply, but online-only sportsbooks, such as FanDuel or DraftKings, might need to find partners with existing license holders. The Buckeye State has until the end of the year to pass this legislation, giving it ample time to establish itself in the sports betting market.
Sources
- https://t.co/1LFxgR87NT - John A Pappas (@yanni_dc) March 14, 2019
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/abaigeo/2021/05/03/ohio-passes-sports-betting-tax-double-but-sets-local-deal-with-native-american-casinos/?sh=37915acd7c34
- https://www.wstrc.com/ohio-sports-betting/
- https://www.ohio.gov/go/sports-gaming
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/abaigeo/2021/05/03/ohio-passes-sports-betting-tax-double-but-sets-local-deal-with-native-american-casinos/
- Chairman Mike DeWine of Ohio supports the legalization of sports betting, which could potentially make Ohio one of the nation's most lucrative sports betting markets.
- The tax rate on sports betting revenue in Ohio is 6.25%, a figure that was initially introduced in 2023 and has since been maintained, despite a previous attempt to double it in 2025.
- Operators setting up in Ohio will have to pay a $100k application fee and may need to partner with existing license holders, such as casinos and licensed video lottery facilities, to offer sports betting services.
- Remaining competitive with neighboring states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Ohio is considering allowing remote registration for mobile betting platforms.
