Three Ohio House Republicans on Tuesday introduced a sweeping proposal that would eliminate online sports betting and impose some of the nation’s strictest wagering limits, marking the most aggressive attempt yet to overhaul the state’s young betting market.
Reps. Gary Click, Riordan McClain and Johnathan Newman unveiled the Save Ohio Sports Act at the Statehouse alongside addiction specialists, suicide‑prevention advocates and problem‑gambling experts. The bill would require all sports wagers to be placed in person at one of Ohio’s four casinos and would ban prop bets, parlays, in‑game wagering and all betting on college sports.
“This predatory business model is designed to weaponize data and create lifelong addiction,” the Center for Christian Virtue said in a statement supporting the bill, warning that Americans are on pace to lose “a staggering $300,000 every minute” to gambling interests by 2030.
Strict Limits on Bets, Advertising and Funding
The legislation would cap individual wagers at $100 and limit bettors to eight bets per day. Credit‑card deposits would be prohibited, and operators would be barred from offering promotional incentives such as “free bets” or “risk‑free bets.”
Sports betting advertising would be banned during live game broadcasts and inside professional sports venues.
The proposed online betting ban is the most consequential change. According to Ohio Casino Control Commission data, sportsbooks generated $69.8 million in revenue in February, with retail locations accounting for only $372,550. Eliminating online wagering would reduce monthly state tax revenue from roughly $14 million to about $75,000.
Prop Bets, Parlays and College Wagering Would Be Eliminated
The bill would outlaw prop bets — wagers on individual player statistics — as well as parlays and in‑game betting, which supporters describe as the most addictive forms of wagering. All college sports betting would also be prohibited.
Ohio legalized sports betting in December 2021 and launched the market on Jan. 1, 2023. Gov. Mike DeWine doubled the state’s betting tax from 10% to 20% within the first six months and has pushed for additional restrictions, particularly after Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted in November on federal pitch‑fixing charges.
Industry Expected to Fight Proposal
Sports betting operators are expected to oppose the bill, arguing that sweeping restrictions would drive bettors to offshore markets with no consumer protections. Responsible‑gambling groups have generally favored tighter regulation rather than an outright ban.
The Center for Christian Virtue and the bill’s sponsors are urging Ohio residents to contact their state lawmakers as debate over the proposal begins.
