Ohio Republican lawmakers have introduced new legislation that could significantly change how sports betting operates across the state.
The proposal, backed by State Representatives Gary Click, Riordan McClain, and Johnathan Newman, aims to place tighter restrictions on sports betting just a few years after it became legal in Ohio. Lawmakers say the goal is to address growing concerns about gambling addiction, aggressive advertising, and the overall impact of online betting.
According to statements made during a Statehouse press conference, the legislation would target several key areas. One of the biggest changes would involve limiting how sportsbooks advertise, particularly when it comes to promotional offers like bonus bets and risk-free wagers. Lawmakers argue that these types of promotions can be misleading and encourage excessive gambling behavior.
Rep. Riordan McClain pointed to concerns about the integrity of sports, saying, “I want to know that the outcome is determined on the field — not by the gambling markets.”
Rep. Gary Click also raised concerns about the impact of mobile betting, stating, “When you combine the addiction of gambling with the addiction of one of these devices… it’s synergistic in a bad way.”
The proposal could also place new limits on how easily Ohioans can access sports betting platforms. While the bill does not appear to fully ban sports betting, it is designed to reduce what lawmakers describe as overexposure and ease of use, especially through mobile apps.
Rep. Johnathan Newman framed the issue as a growing addiction concern, saying, “The American Psychiatric Association now classifies commercialized gambling as being just as addictive as heroin and cocaine.”
The proposal has also drawn support from outside organizations. The Center for Christian Virtue described the expansion of sports betting as a “public health crisis,” pointing to concerns about addiction and the widespread availability of mobile betting.
Sports betting in Ohio was legalized through House Bill 29 and officially launched on January 1, 2023. Since then, the industry has grown rapidly, with major platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings becoming widely used across the state.
If passed, the new legislation would mark one of the most significant changes to Ohio’s sports betting system since its launch. However, the bill is still in its early stages and would need to move through the legislative process before becoming law. It is not known at this time how sportsbooks or industry groups will respond to the proposal.
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