Ohio sports betting bill approved by House and Senate
The Ohio sports betting bill now goes to governor Mike DeWine for his consideration.
US.- The Ohio General Assembly has passed a bill legalising sports betting in the state after striking a deal. After three years of debate on the topic, both the House and Senate voted to approve House Bill 29. The bill is now in the hands of Governor Mike DeWine, who has said he will support sports betting legislation.
If DeWine signs the bill, state lawmakers think that it will take an additional year before residents in Ohio can place bets on sports. According to the bill, the state will start issuing licences on April 1 with a target to be ready for launch on January 1, 2023.
HB 29 proposes three types of sports betting licences:
- Type A licences for state entities that have the ability to bank a bet, such as the state’s 11 casinos and racinos.
- Type B licences for future brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
- Type C licences for sports betting kiosks in retail establishments with D-class liquor licenses.
The bill allows for 65 licences in total: 25 online sports betting licences and 40 retail sportsbook licences. Sports betting activities in the state will be overseen by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
The Senate approved the measure by 30-1, while The bill cleared the House in a 72-12 vote.
See also: Ohio casinos and racinos take in $178.8m in November
