Ohio moves one step closer to sports betting after Senate approval
Bill to legalize online and retail sportsbooks heads to House following 30-2 Senate vote
Ohio took a significant step toward legalized sports betting this week, as senate lawmakers voted nearly unanimously in favor of SB 176, which establishes the framework for the rollout of online and retail sportsbooks in the state.
The bill, which underwent a late makeover highlighted by an expansion of the number of licenses that would be offered, now heads to the Ohio House, where the hope is that lawmakers can pass it by the end of the month. The House notably approved a sports betting bill in 2020 before it died in the Senate.
The biggest change in SB 176 pertains to the classes and number of available licenses included in the bill. After initially beginning with 40 licenses – 20 mobile (Type A) and 20 retail (Type B) – the bill has expanded to 25 Type A licenses and 33 Type B licenses.
The 25 mobile licenses would be available to the state’s professional sports teams and casinos/racinos, as well as golf courses hosting PGA Tour events and racetracks holding NASCAR events.
The pro franchises and casinos/racinos, meanwhile, would also be given priority status for the 33 retail licenses, with the additional wrinkle that the Type B licenses would only be available to counties with populations of at least 100,000 people.
Also of note in the amended bill is the unlimited availability of Type C licenses for local bars and restaurants that hold liquor licenses. Such establishments would be permitted to house up to two betting kiosks, with a daily wagering cap of $200 per patron.
Senate lawmakers are hopeful that the House can pass its version of the bill by June 30, which would allow it to get to Governor Mike DeWine’s desk for signing in short order.
In that scenario, the state’s current rollout timeline – Jan. 1, 2022 for license applications, and a full launch of sports betting by April 1, 2022 – would remain on track.