(COLUMBUS) - Ohio House Republicans are pushing a sweeping plan to sharply restrict sports gambling just three years after the state legalized it.
The proposal, called the Save Ohio Sports Act, would effectively end mobile and online sports betting in Ohio by requiring wagers to be placed in person at the state's casinos. It would also cap individual bets at $100, limit how often people can bet, ban credit card wagering and eliminate promotional free bets.
A second bill in the package would ban prop bets, parlays, in-game betting and all wagering on college sports. Supporters say the legislation is aimed at reducing gambling addiction and protecting mental health as sports betting becomes more deeply embedded in daily life.
Backers of the measure point to a sharp increase in calls to Ohio's gambling helpline since legalization, along with concerns that easy smartphone access has accelerated risky betting behavior.
The plan faces a steep climb at the Statehouse, however. Ohio now generates significant tax revenue from legal sports betting, and much of that wagering currently happens through mobile apps. Critics argue the proposal goes too far and would simply drive bettors to neighboring states or unregulated markets.
The legislation is still in the proposal stage and has not yet moved through both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly.