Ohio House Considers Drastic Scale Down of Sports Betting

One of the country’s largest sports betting markets could be disappearing in 2027.

A group of Republicans in the Ohio House proposed the Save Ohio Sports Act in the chamber this week. It covers two separate bills, both of which propose drastic changes to the state’s sports betting market. The legislation is aimed at protecting Ohio bettors and the integrity of the sports they love.

The Act’s introduction comes a few months after Governor Mike DeWine referred to his support of sports betting as one of his biggest regrets. 

Prop Bets, Parlays, Live Betting at Risk

The first proposal of the Save Ohio Sports Act calls for a massive scale-back of the wagers sportsbooks can offer. If passed, it would ban the following bets from being offered:

• All prop bets
• All bets involving college athletics
• Live-betting
• Parlays

While bans on the first three bet types have been proposed in other states, Ohio is the first to consider a ban on parlays seriously. These multi-leg wagers are massively popular for their large payouts, but also lose at a high rate, making them a key revenue generator for sportsbooks. 

Online Betting Ban Proposed 

The second bill included in the Act goes much further in cracking down on sports betting. If passed, it would enact a ban on online sports betting. That means operators would be forced to exit the market, and bettors would be forced to place wagers at retail locations.

There is a growing belief that mobile betting was a step too far for US markets. The ability to bet using a mobile device is fueling the growth of problem gambling, but removing the temptation could put an end to the issue. While some bettors will make the trip to visit a retail sportsbook, many would likely find another way to spend their money.

In addition to the online betting ban, sportsbooks would not be able to accept wagers using credit cards. They would also be barred from offering promo bets, though those are far less common with retail betting.

States Getting Serious on Problem Gambling

The Save Ohio Sports Act will face strong opposition, including from the Sports Betting Alliance. However, its mere introduction is a warning shot across the bow of the entire industry.

The year is still young, but Ohio is already the third state to propose drastic changes to its sports betting market. Colorado and Kentucky both saw growing support for similar crackdowns. While they remain unlikely to pass as-is, lawmakers have found common ground on less drastic changes that will help address problem gambling.

The momentum to limit sports betting in the US means sportsbooks will need to decide how to respond. Either support the changes and remain in good standing with states, or turn their focus to the federally protected prediction industry.