Save Ohio Sports Act Reaches House in Mobile Betting Pushback
A ban on mobile sportsbooks in Ohio is set to bring big changes to the state’s three-year-old betting industry.
Bill HB 871, the Save Ohio Sports Act, would impose severe limits on sports betting in Ohio, which has been legal since 2023.
Gamblers would be limited to just eight bets per day. Plus, there would be a blanket ban on college sports betting if the law passes.
At a Glance:
- HB 971 — Save Ohio Sports Act — would limit the state’s fledgling betting industry
- Proposals include $100 maximum wagers and 24-hour bet limits
- College sports betting to be completely outlawed
- In-play betting and parlays also to be banned
Ohio lawmakers pushing back on legalized sports betting
A group of mainly Republican lawmakers in Ohio is behind the Save Ohio Sports Act (HB 971). It would result in the biggest anti-gambling measures seen in a regulated state to date.
Ohio is one of nearly 40 U.S. states with legal sports betting. However, the Save Ohio Sports Act would almost undo everything imposed since online sportsbooks went live on Jan. 1, 2023.
The proposed restrictions on online sportsbooks include:
- Sports betting to be restricted to retail sportsbooks
- A complete ban on mobile and online sportsbooks
- A $100 limit on all wagers
- Bettors limited to eight wagers every 24 hours
- A ban on college sports betting
- A ban on all player props and parlays
Sports betting to be restricted to retail sportsbooks only
Gamblers in Ohio would be limited to visiting a regulated casino to place bets if a ban passed. This would bring Ohio in line with Mississippi and other states that allow only retail betting.
Beth Lear, one of the Republicans behind the bill, said, “Online gambling companies are in an aggressive pay-to-play game with the Ohio Legislature, hoping to expand their profits on the backs of Ohioans with the ‘carrot’ of providing extra tax money for the government.
“This legislation makes it clear: our kids, their physical and mental well-being, are not for sale.”
Retail sportsbooks in Ohio
Ohio currently licenses some of the largest sports betting operators, including Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM. Plus, operators control the main retail sportsbooks spread across Ohio.
Casinos, racinos, and sports venues can all host retail sportsbooks. These include:
- BetMGM (MGM Northfield Park, Great American Ball Park)
- Barstool Sportsbook (Hollywood Casino Columbus, Dayton Raceway)
- Caesars Sportsbook (Eldorado Scioto Downs, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse)
- Bally Bet (FirstEnergy Stadium)
Player props ban would follow Indiana
Ohio expanded its sports betting industry a year or so ago, with much more freedom in what bettors can wager on.
However, some lawmakers obviously feel the expansion has gone too far.
The Save Ohio Sports Act will restrict college sports betting. Some states had already put limits on betting on college leagues. However, Ohio currently permits outrights, in-play markets, and player props.
Following Indiana’s college sports ban, Ohio would ban player props and bets on NCAA games outright.
Prop bets are special wagers that have no bearing on the game’s outcome. For example, you can bet on a player’s Total Rushing Yards or points scored during a single game.
In fact, the NCAA had requested the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) ban college sports props last week. The NCAA has been on a campaign since the start of the year to put pressure on gaming commissions to ban such betting.
