Ohio continues to debate sports betting

Two bills have the state of Ohio divided on if and how to regulate the sports betting segment.

US.- The US continues to update its gaming regulations and more and more states are passing legislation to do so. That’s why Ohio is considering sports betting legalisation and how to enforce it.

There are two competing bills in the state legislature that would authorise the segment. Both arrived over a year after PASPA was revoked and would have the Governor’s support.

One bill, HB194, would give the Ohio Lottery Commission the power over sports betting. Moreover, the Ohio Casino Commission would have investigative responsibilities. It calls for a 10% tax on sports betting to fund education and gambling addiction programs.

SB111 would give the Ohio Casino Commission total control over sports betting instead. 

“Obviously, the debate is really becoming who regulates it and how,” Rep. Niraj Antani said. “I think there’s a compelling argument that perhaps the lottery is the constitutional way to do it. I am for a free market so if we are going to do it then it should not just be at casinos.”

“We’re definitely missing out. It’s lost revenue to other states where people are gambling on sports,” Rep. Phil Plummer added. “Unfortunately, it’s already going on in the black market. We might as well control it.”