Ohio Sports Betting Bill Unveiled by State Lawmakers

A New Era: The Introduction of the Ohio Sports Betting Bill

In a significant move that has reshaped the landscape of sports gambling in the Midwest, Ohio lawmakers unveiled the long-anticipated Ohio Sports Betting Bill in 2021. This legislation, which aimed to regulate and introduce sports betting across the state, marked a pivotal moment for gaming enthusiasts and operators alike. Now, looking back from 2026, we can evaluate the bill’s impact and the changes it brought to Ohio’s gaming scene.

House Bill 29 (HB 29) was passed by both chambers of the Ohio Legislature in December 2021 with bipartisan support and signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, legalizing sports betting effective March 23, 2022, with operations launching January 1, 2023.

Breaking Down the Ohio Sports Betting Bill

At its core, the Ohio Sports Betting Bill was designed to create a structured and regulated environment for sports betting within the state. Spearheaded by members of the Ohio Select Committee on Gaming, the bill outlined a comprehensive framework that would govern how sports betting could be conducted, managed, and taxed. The legislation focused on two primary licenses—License A and License B—each catering to different facets of the sports betting ecosystem.

License A and License B: A Dual Approach to Sports Betting

The bill authorizes 25 Type A licenses for mobile sports betting (primarily for casinos and racinos, allowing up to 50 skins), up to 40 Type B licenses for retail sportsbooks (with preferences for professional teams and population-based limits), and Type C licenses for kiosks at liquor-licensed businesses.

License A was tailored for existing casinos and racinos, granting them the ability to offer mobile betting platforms. This provision aimed to leverage the existing gaming infrastructure, allowing these establishments to expand their services into the digital realm. On the other hand, License B targeted professional sports teams, offering them the opportunity to develop on-site sportsbooks for proposition bets, thereby enhancing the live sports experience for fans.

Both licenses allowed for up to 20 sublicenses or “skins,” enabling a broad participation from various entities in the sports betting market. The initial licensing fee was set at $1 million, with the renewal terms still under discussion at the time of the bill’s introduction. Additionally, a 10% tax on all sports betting revenue was instituted, with the Ohio Casino Commission overseeing the program’s administration.

Collegiate Betting and Regulatory Oversight

One of the bill’s critical discussions centered around collegiate bet eligibility, a decision that was ultimately left to the discretion of the Ohio Casino Commission. This approach underscored the bill’s intent to create a regulated yet flexible framework that could adapt to the evolving landscape of sports betting.

As the bill transitioned from proposal to law, the Ohio sports betting scene witnessed a transformation, with the market officially opening on January 1, 2022. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ohio’s gaming history, one that was met with enthusiasm and anticipation by both operators and bettors.

A 10% tax applies to sports gaming receipts (revenue after winnings), with 2% allocated to problem gambling assistance; recent changes increased the rate to 20% and prohibited prop bets on individual college athletes effective March 1, 2024.

The Path Forward: Implementing the Ohio Sports Betting Bill

Following the bill’s announcement, the Ohio Select Committee on Gaming, under the leadership of state Sen. Kirk Schuring, embarked on a series of hearings to refine and finalize the legislation. Schuring emphasized the bill’s adaptability, expressing a commitment to achieving a consensus that would benefit all stakeholders involved.

The committee’s efforts culminated in a regulatory framework encompassing over 200 bullet points, illustrating the depth and complexity of the bill. Schuring’s vision was to introduce guardrails around sports betting, ensuring a safe and equitable market that would bolster Ohio’s gaming industry.

Concerns and Considerations for Small Business Operators

Despite the bill’s comprehensive scope, concerns were raised regarding the inclusion of small business operators in the sports betting market. Initial reactions from representatives of the Bowling Centers Association of Ohio highlighted apprehensions about the bill’s provisions for smaller entities. However, the legislation’s final language aimed to balance the interests of both large and small operators, ensuring a diverse and dynamic sports betting ecosystem.

In parallel, discussions about a separate sports gaming program administered by the state lottery addressed the need for smaller-scale betting options, such as a $20 cap on bets without odds. This initiative demonstrated the lawmakers’ intent to create an inclusive sports betting landscape that catered to various market segments.

Conclusion: The Impact of the Ohio Sports Betting Bill

Since its inception, the Ohio Sports Betting Bill has significantly influenced the state’s gaming industry, introducing a regulated market that has attracted both domestic and international operators. The dual-license approach has facilitated a vibrant sports betting scene, offering diverse options for bettors and establishing Ohio as a key player in the national sports gambling arena.

As we reflect on the bill’s journey from proposal to implementation, it’s clear that the Ohio Sports Betting Bill has paved the way for a prosperous and sustainable gaming ecosystem. The legislation’s success underscores the importance of thoughtful regulatory frameworks that protect interests while fostering growth and innovation in the sports betting sector.