Ohio GOP Push to Ban Online Sports Betting Gains

Summary:

• Ohio Republicans have introduced a new bill in an attempt to ban online sports betting.
• Retail betting would remain, but prop bets, parlays, and college wagers would be prohibited.
• Critics warn the move could cut tax revenue and push bettors to offshore sites.

Ohio state lawmakers are once again challenging the state’s sports betting framework, and their latest proposal could significantly reshape the market.

Republican legislators Gary Click, Johnathan Newman and Riordan McClain have introduced the “Save Ohio Sports Act” a package of measures aimed at eliminating online sports betting while keeping in-person wagering legal.

The proposal comes just over three years after online betting launched statewide on New Year’s Day 2023, following its legalization in December 2021.

The trio behind the act discussed the plan during a press conference, describing it as an effort to address growing concerns around gambling practices.

If given the green light, the legislation would remove online betting and ban prop bets, parlays, and in-game wagering while also prohibiting college sports bets.

Other measures the three state representatives have in mind refer to limiting the amounts of money and time spent on wagering, banning the funding of betting accounts using credit cards, restricting promotions, and imposing harsher advertising rules.

“We Applaud the Legislature”

Groups of supporters, including the Center for Christian Virtue have voiced support for the new bill, explaining that modern-day betting platforms trigger addiction and financial harm.

Meanwhile, the Campaign for Fairer Gambling has taken a more measured stance, emphasizing the need for stronger regulation rather than an outright ban.

Brianne Doura-Schawohl of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling said,

We applaud the legislature for taking these growing concerns seriously, prioritizing consumer welfare above all else.

Opponents argue that removing online options could drive players toward offshore platforms that lack consumer protections and responsible gambling safeguards.

The matter has represented a political flashpoint in Ohio, with Governor Mike DeWine previously pushing for higher taxes and stricter controls, and high-profile integrity cases involving players from the Cleveland Guardians also intensifying scrutiny.