POLITICS

Ohio Republicans Propose Major Restrictions on Sports Betting

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Wednesday, three Republican state representatives unveiled the Save Ohio Sports Act at the Statehouse, proposing to ban mobile sports betting, prohibit in-game, prop and parlay wagers, cap individual bets at $100, and ban credit-card wagering and certain advertising practices. The bills, introduced this week by Reps. Riordan McClain, Gary Click and Johnathan Newman, elicited comments from Gov. Mike DeWine expressing regret over prior legalization and from addiction specialists; the legislation now moves to committee review with potential amendments and votes in coming weeks.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Three years ago: Ohio legalized mobile sports betting, enabling phone wagering statewide.
Following legalization: increased public concern and commentary about gambling addiction and promotional incentives emerged.
This week (Wednesday): Reps. McClain, Click and Newman introduced the Save Ohio Sports Act at a Statehouse press conference.
The proposed bills: ban online/mobile wagering, limit bet types, cap individual wagers, ban credit-card bets, and restrict advertising.
Next steps: the legislation will go to committee review and could be amended before potential floor votes.

Why This Matters to You

If you're an Ohioan who enjoys sports betting, these proposed changes could limit your options. You'd no longer be able to bet on your phone, place certain types of bets, or use a credit card. Check the status of the Save Ohio Sports Act to stay informed.

The Bottom Line

This legislation could drastically change sports betting in Ohio. It's a response to concerns about addiction and aggressive advertising. If you're concerned about the impact of gambling, consider voicing your opinion to your local representative. Worth forwarding if you know someone who enjoys a friendly wager.