Ohio lawmakers have approved a bill that will establish a regulatory framework for online and retail sports betting in the Buckeye State.
Yesterday, house representatives approved final changes to House Bill 29 that covers three sports wagering gaming levels with each lasting for an initial period of five years.
The three levels of sports betting included in the bill are:
- Type A — Mobile sports betting license
- Type B — Retail sports betting operators
- Type C — Sports betting kiosks, lottery retail agents
According to the legislation, the Ohio Casino Control Commission will provide regulatory oversight for the sports betting industry while the Ohio Lottery Commission will also have a regulatory role with respect to kiosks and sports betting at retail lottery agents.
Speaking of the bill, Sen. Niraj Antani, R-Miamisburg said:
“As the main sponsor of the original bill this year, I am very pleased we finally passed this bill to legalize sports betting. Ohioans want to be able to bet on sports and they will now finally be able to. Whether it’s rooting on the Buckeyes or the Bengals, sports betting will add that additional fun factor in enjoying sports.”
Sen. Kirk Schuring, R-Canton added:
“This is much more than a sports gaming bill, it’s an economic development bill that addresses an issue already happening. This will make it legal, and generate not only business development but revenue for the state.”
The bill has now been sent to Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk and once signed into law, the license application and approval process can begin. While the bill gives no set date for a launch, it does state that Ohio sports betting must launch no later than January 1st, 2023.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.