Ohio Sports Betting Bill – Coming Soon

Ohio Stadium - Image source: Flickr

Good news is on their way for those who live in the Buckeye State, and like to engage in gambling from time to time. The long-awaited legislation on sports betting might be introduced this week already! The Ohio sports betting bill will be presented in front of the Senate during the week. There are several online gambling sites in the US, but sadly, not everyone in the States can enjoy them. There are 50 states altogether, and all of them have different legislations when it comes to gambling. Ohio, for example, had been banning sports betting – but there is a bill that is about to change this. According to Senator Kirk Schuring, who is one of the politicians supporting the idea of the new bill, they are taking some important steps in the case. He claimed that they will present the regulation for discussion in the Senate. Keep reading to find out what we know about the case at the moment.

Gambling in the Buckeye State

Ohio laws define gambling as such: “bookmaking; facilitating schemes or games of chance for profit; betting on schemes or games of chance for one’s livelihood; possession of gambling devices; playing craps; roulette or slot machines for money.” According to letsgambleusa.com: “This definition does not cover all forms of gambling that are available online, but turning poker or casino games into a major source of income is illegal. Participating in unlawful gambling as a player is usually classified as a minor misdemeanor. Most gambling-related matters are covered by Ohio Revised Code, section 2915.01 et seq. and 3769.01 et seq. The minimum gambling age is 18 for horse racing, bingo, and lottery games and 21 for casino-style games.” But what does it say about sports wagering? Since this is the most important question in connection with the new sports betting bill in Ohio. On horse racing, the state is quite permissive. They have racetracks with VLTs. There are seven racinos in the state and one dedicated racetrack with live and off-track betting, and players can also bet over the internet via TVG and TwinSpires. However, sports betting they have not legalized the bill so far, though lawmakers have consensus on several issues.

The Ohio sports betting bill

The bill would allow “all of the local casinos and racetrack-casinos to team up with third-party operators for both retail and online wagering. All licensees would be required to pay a one-time $100,000 fee, but Ohio politicians have decided against introducing an integrity fee. The bill would limit each licensee to just one internet betting platform.” But online sportsbook sites in the US that get licenses, would still benefit! And these sites, like Bovada, can have high hopes now, as Ohio’s governor Mike DeWine said, he expects the bill to pass this year. His claim seems to be legit, since Senator Schuring announced that they will introduce the Senate this Thursday (May 6). However, there is still an open debate about it: who will run it, once implemented? Will it be the Ohio Casino Control Commission or the state lottery?

A long story

They have been working on the bill for quite a time now. According to Schuring: “I’m working very diligently on that, conferring with (Senate Majority Leader) Matt Huffman. It’s right now 250 pages, and I’ll be working on it again today, making some edits.” However, he still believes that it is not perfect yet, this is why he still wishes to have hearings with interested parties. One of the interested parties is the pro sports teams in the state, of course. They have not decided their monopoly on league data. Another open thing is – from the further future – about the legal sports betting sites in Ohio. So, popular platforms, like Bovada can still put themselves up for it!

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