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Ohio Should See New Sports Betting Bill in April
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The march to legalized sports gambling in Ohio continues, as the Ohio Select Committee on Gaming concluded its hearings today and noted a new sports betting bill would likely be introduced in several weeks.
State Sen. Kirk Schuring (R), chairman of the committee, adjourned today’s meeting after a total of nine hearings and over 50 witness testimonies since early February.
Schuring said he expects a bill to be introduced in April and will work closely with Senate Majority Leader Matt Huffman to draft the document. Details on how sports betting will be offered, either through the state lottery system or through numerous licenses, have yet to be finalized. The bill will likely also include language on the legalization of e-bingo for state gamblers.
“I’ll be working with each individual member, looking for their input and suggestions on how we will build a bill,” he said.
The bill will likely be introduced and then referred back to the Select Committee on Gaming for additional hearings, Schuring said.
Earlier this month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine noted the legalization of sports betting in the state is “inevitable.”
More Competition For Horse Racing
The final hearing saw three live testimonies, two of which concerned the legislation of e-bingo, and six written testimonies regarding sports gambling. Renée Mancino, executive director of Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, and Dave Basler, executive director of Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, both stressed the need for a sports gaming revenue share if sports betting is legalized in Ohio.
Legal sports wagering will undoubtedly be competition for state gamblers and will cut into revenues for tracks and horsemen. An average gambler looking to spend $100 at the track will likely be splitting half of his potential track wagers with professional sports, Basler said.
“Win or lose, horse racing loses on this proposition. That’s our request, that we receive a portion of the sports wagering to make up for the dilutive effect it’s unquestionably going to have if sports wagering is passed,” he said.
Regulatory Writer and Editor for XLMedia. Sports. Gambling. Not necessarily in that order. Follow him on Twitter @rlinnehanxl