Ohio Republicans Propose “Save Ohio Sports Act” to Severely Restrict Sports Betting
Ohio lawmakers are pushing for a dramatic overhaul of the state’s gambling landscape. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, House Republicans announced the “Save Ohio Sports Act,” a legislative package designed to curb gambling addiction by removing the ease of access provided by mobile devices and tightening regulations on how bets are placed.
- Online Ban: The proposal would eliminate online sports betting, requiring all wagers to be placed in person at casinos.
- Betting Restrictions: Prop bets, parlays, and in-game betting would be made illegal.
- College Sports: All betting on college athletics would be banned.
- Financial Limits: The act would prohibit the use of credit cards to fund accounts and cap individual wagers at $100.
The Drive for Consumer Protection
The initiative is led by Reps. Gary Click, Johnathan Newman, and Riordan McClain. During a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse on April 6, 2026, the lawmakers argued that the current “loosely regulated market” has negatively impacted the fiscal and mental health of Ohioans.
Rep. Gary Click emphasized that while the goal isn’t to remove legalized gambling entirely, there is an urgent need to protect citizens from “predatory advertisements and predatory gambling.” Rep. Riordan McClain highlighted the danger of 24/7 access, stating that the combination of addictive gambling and modern mobile technology has created significant problems for many.
Proposed Restrictions and Enforcement
The “Save Ohio Sports Act” seeks to implement a “no debt to bet” rule, effectively banning credit card funding for betting accounts and prohibiting financial lures offered by platforms. The legislation would tighten advertising rules, specifically banning sports betting advertisements during games.
If passed, the legislation would grant the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) the authority to bring civil charges against sports betting platforms that fail to comply with these new mandates.
The Economic Impact and Political Tension
The proposal faces significant opposition from the sports betting industry, which argues that such restrictions will push bettors toward offshore sites that lack consumer protections and responsible gambling programs.
The financial stakes for the state are substantial. According to the OCCC’s February revenue report:
- Total sportsbook revenue was $69.8 million, but only $372,550 came from retail (in-person) locations.
- The state collected approximately $14 million in tax revenue; without online wagering, that figure would have dropped to about $75,000.
Ohio sportsbooks are currently taxed at 20% of adjusted gross revenue.
Executive Sentiment
The legislative push aligns with sentiments from Governor Mike DeWine, who has expressed regret over signing the 2021 law that legalized sports betting in Ohio. Following recent scandals involving professional athletes, DeWine has urged the OCCC to eliminate prop bets entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will sports betting be completely illegal in Ohio?
No. The proposal would allow sports betting to continue, but it would be restricted to in-person wagering at casinos, eliminating the ability to bet via mobile devices.
What specific types of bets would be banned?
The legislation would ban proposition (prop) bets, parlays, in-game betting, and all bets placed on college athletics.
How would the “no debt to bet” rule perform?
This rule would prohibit users from using credit cards to fund their betting accounts, aiming to reduce impulsive gambling behavior.
Looking Ahead
As the exact language of the bills is refined, the “Save Ohio Sports Act” sets the stage for a major confrontation between state lawmakers and the gambling industry. The outcome will determine whether Ohio maintains its current high-revenue digital model or pivots toward a highly restricted, retail-only system to prioritize public health over tax revenue.
Related reading