Sports Betting Bill Represented in Ohio

Ohio lawmakers consider the introduction of a new sports betting bill. The expected proposal could legalize land-based and online sports betting operators. As reported, two local senators John Eklund and Sean O’Brien have put forward possible changes. The bill (SB111) will permit 11 Ohio casino and racino operators to offer sports betting services to local customers.

SB111 is the introductory sports betting bill proposed by the Ohio Senate. It could allow remote sign-up services for players.

Entry Conditions

All operators who want to provide sports betting services should pay an authorization fee of $100,000 (€75,000/€88,300). Each provider with an obtained license could initiate the partnership with other operators for sports betting purposes.

According to the proposed bill, casinos and racinos would have to pay a tax rate of 6.25% on total income from sports betting. The bill omits the prescriptions regarding integrity fees for professional sports competitions.

Prior to this proposal, Ohio was the only American state without sports betting regulation since the PASPA repeal from the last year. With this step, local senators want to legalize a highly demanded services in the US market.

SB111 Details

The state-of-the-art bill consists of several important details:

• All bettors should be older than 21
• Employees of sports betting businesses cannot take part in bets
• Sports operators can have mobile apps together with the online website
• Website hosting server of the operator should be within legal US facility, operated by sports betting provider
• Online customers should open accounts under their names

On the other hand, the Ohio Casino Control Commission will regulate:

• Issuance of the certificates for sports betting purposes
• Conditions for becoming a sports betting operator
• One-time $10,000 fee for the certificate purposes
• Costs of $100,000 payable to Commission after five years of operation
• Possible contracts with licensed management providers for sports betting purposes, involving an online pool

Other American States

Ohio is the latest US state which legalized sports betting services. As a reminder, Pennsylvania approved sports wagering several months ago, when Hollywood Casino and Parx operator tested their innovative systems. West Virginia has already passed the bill on sports wagering services in August 2018. The other two states which became closer to complete sports betting legalization are Kentucky and Indiana.

Reacting on the claims, senator Eklund said:

“It doesn’t matter if you’re first or last. The object is to be the best.”

Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof reacted:

“I don't think the legislature has the power to regulate sports betting. It should be decided by the voters in a constitutional amendment. I wouldn’t vote for a constitutional amendment to legalize sports betting because I am not interested in expanding gambling in Ohio.”

Comment: USA getting closer to entire sports betting legalization…

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Source:

“Senators introduce sports betting bill in Ohio”, igamingbusiness.com, March 15, 2019.

“New sports betting bill introduced in Ohio Senate”, yogonet.com, March 15, 2019.