Ohio mulls first-of-its-kind betting bans for individuals who harass athletes
Change introduced as part of 2023-24 budget targets bans against bettors who “threaten violence or harm” against individuals
Ohio has introduced first-of-its-kind legislation to ban individuals found to have harassed athletes from betting in the state, becoming the first jurisdiction to do so.
The change, included as part of the state’s 2023-24 budget, introduces language to existing statutes that would see individuals “who threaten violence or harm against persons who are involved in sporting events” barred from placing bets.
To enforce these bans, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) would add the individual concerned to its self-excluded list, effectively stopping them from placing any form of regulated bet in the state.
Individuals names would also be shared with all sportsbook operators in the state, with a requirement they do not accept bets from said person.
However, the amendment does not specify criteria on the threat itself or give the OCCC guidance on how these individuals are to be identified, the medium through which any threat can be made/identified, or the length of time they are to be excluded from placing bets.
Ohio’s 2023-24 budget also included a 10% increase in its taxation of sports betting, which translates to 20% of gross gambling revenue.
In addition, the budget also commits the Ohio legislature to a broadbase study of the impact of gambling on the state, together with making recommendations on potential changes to state laws.
Some might consider the study to be premature, given the state has only had legalized sports betting for seven months, however the study is not limited to sports betting, but all encompassing.
Dubbed the “Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio”, the study will be carried out by an 11-member panel to be made up from both sides of the political aisle and will deliver its report by June 30, 2024.
The panel will consist of three Republican House representatives, three Senate-based Republicans, as well as one Democrat each from both the House and Senate, and three members named by the chairmen of the OCCC, Ohio Lottery Commission, and Ohio State Racing Commission.
The study will focus on all aspects of gambling in the state and will likely commence its operation later this year, before formally disbanding upon delivery of its report in June 2024.
Earlier this month the OCCC introduced another first-of-its-kind piece of gambling legislation banning operators from offering “unrelated consumer transactions”. This was implemented after concerns were raised about marketing practices being used by Fanatics Betting & Gaming in the state.