Ohio sports betting bill moves out of committee

Steps taken toward legalization despite proposed amendments.

After 16 hearings, bill SB 176 to legalize sports betting in Ohio has made its way to the senate floor, with a vote expected to take place on Wednesday.

However, holdups are likely to take place as voters will have to go through 45 proposed amendments suggested by members of the Ohio Senate.

The bill originally called for two types of licenses for sports bettors: type A for mobile and digital platforms, and type B for land-based establishments. These amendments, however, have suggested a third license be added.

Type C would allow for sports betting to take place at restaurants, bars and nightclubs. A maximum of 20 of these sports betting kiosks would be allowed in the state, with two permitted in one establishment. There would be a $200 per-day betting limit at type C establishments.

Another amendment would see the amount of type As and type Bs allowed throughout the state increased. With type A going from 20 to 25 and type B from 20 to 33.

“The general themes are free-market approach and no exclusivity,” State Senator Kirk Schuring (pictured), chairman of the Senate Committee on Gaming said on Ohio radio. “We want to get this done, both the House and Senate, so we are on the right track to make that happen.”

The committee has been crafting this legislation since the winter and it has been amended several times since it’s unveiling in May, but proponents of the bill still hope to see it passed before June 30.

Henry Moore

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