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Unlike quite a few states whose legislatures have recessed for the year, Ohio's lawmakers are working through the summer....and this means there is a good chance sports betting could be legalized by the upcoming football season....or maybe by the Playoffs. Finalized versions of either bill won't be prepared until September.
Sports betting was legalized in the U.S. at the state level back in May though internationally licensed wagering firms, including Pay Per Head call centers, have long thrived in the Buckeye State. While Ohio and other states can now offer legalized sports betting, they must first amend current laws. Most stipulate that the activity is still illegal.
Two bills were recently introduced. Senate Bill 316 and House Bill 714 do enjoy bipartisan support.
“We’re going to work together with the Senate and the house to come up with a comprehensive bill,” state representative Dave Greenspan said. “It’s one issue, it’s one policy we’ve got two chambers and we’re going to work collectively and collaboratively to come up with a program that we believe will be in the best interest of the residents of Ohio and help promote our economy as well.”
The good news is that there is similarities between both bills.
It remains to be seen whether Ohio's original aggressive stance on sports wagering will come to fruition. Some early observers suggested bets would be available, not just in casinos, but at gas stations, convenience stores and bars. That is probably just a pipe dream.
“My thinking right now is we already have casinos and racinos set up,” explains Democratic state senator Sean O’Brien, co-sponsor of Senate Bill 316. “I’d kind of like to keep it in those institutions because they are set up for gaming. I’m not sure we want it in every 7-Eleven and every bar.”
Gambling911.com can already confirm that there is significant interest in sports wagering among Ohio's eastern most populous as inquiries have ticked up substantially in this region for nearby West Virginia alternatives.
Ohio's neighbor has already legalized the activity at its five casinos, one of which is a mere hour outside of Youngstown (the Mountaineer Casino).
For now Ohio residents will likely only have the international sports books to bet with this football season.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
