Last updated: June 1, 2020

Status: With discussions ongoing, it looks like sports betting in Ohio is set to become a reality in the near future.

ETA: Sports betting could get signed off and be up and running by late 2020.

 

Ohio Sports Betting Timeline

Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act should be struck off for violating the 10th Amendment of the Constitution, Ohio has been making moves to legalize sports betting.

The first sports betting bill was introduced to the Senate in March and included provisions for state-wide mobile and online wagering. A second bill was filed in the House within a matter of weeks; however, this time it did not include any legislation to allow mobile betting.

This glaring difference was set to be a bone of contention between stakeholders but the issue seems to have been resolved swiftly. Reports state that House bill has been amended to include mobile betting, move that will please those hoping to operate in the region.

According to the Senate’s bill, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) would regulate sports betting, while the House bill names the Ohio Lottery as its preferred regulator.

The debate is set to continue and could mean that members of the public in Ohio could legally be able to wager on sports events by 2020.

 

Ohio Betting History

Anti-gambling laws were implemented in Ohio as early as the late 18th century with fines for breaches of the law shared between the state and private enforcement companies. The ban covered all form of gambling, including lotteries.

The prohibition era was followed by a period a constitutional amendment that legalized pari-mutuel betting at racetracks. Remote betting and electronic lottery games were introduced to the racetracks at a later date.

A state lottery was launched in 1973 and like many states, Ohio also moved to legalize charitable gaming. From 1975 onwards, proceeds from bingo and raffle games being diverted towards good causes.

Commercial casinos did not arrive in the state until 2009 following an amendment that allowed four licenses to be issued in each of the state major cities. As well as table games, these casinos also feature slot machines and poker.

 

Is sports betting legal in Ohio?

Sports betting is not legal in Ohio but it could become a reality by late-2020.

 

Who controls sports betting in Ohio?

Right now, there are no sports betting activities to control. However, depending on which bill gains traction or becomes subject to amendments, any future sports betting activities in Ohio would be controlled by either the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) or the Ohio Lottery.

 

What is the legal age to bet on sports in Ohio?

An age limit of 21 or over is expected to be set for sports betting in the state.

 

Where can I bet on sports in Ohio?

Sports betting is not currently available anywhere in Ohio. However, legislation to allow it has been filed.

 

Who are the current operators/licensees in Ohio?

Currently, there are no sports betting operators in the state.

 

Which operators currently offer legal sports betting in Ohio?

No operators currently offer legal sports betting in the state.

 

Is mobile and app sports betting available in Ohio?

Both sports betting bills now propose mobile wagering. This means mobile sports wagering could arrive in late 2020.

 

How much is sports betting worth in Ohio?

According to research by Oxford Economics, Ohio could rake in more than $9 billion in gross annual revenue with the tax on profits going to the state.

 

What is the tax rate for Ohio sports betting?

Gross revenue is likely to be taxed at a rate of 6.25%, with licensees paying a $100,000 fee.