Ohio Sports Betting

In July 2018, five Ohio state senators formally introduced a bill to "express the intent of the General Assembly to develop and enact legislation legalizing sports wagering."

In March 2019, Gov. Mike DeWine declined to include Ohio sports betting revenue in his budget proposal, but said he expected it to be operational by the end of the two-year budget period.

In April 2019, Ohio lawmakers introduced a new bill to legalize and tax sports betting in Ohio, in which the proceeds would pay for education and running the program under the state lottery.

Under the proposal, sport bettors could place in-person wagers in state casinos and racinos, as well as at veterans and fraternal organizations. The bill does not include online or mobile bets.

In May 2020, the House passed a bill to allow retail and online sports betting via casinos and racinos and kiosks at veterans and fraternal organizations. But the legislation never made it to the governor's desk.

In 2021, a bill to legalize sports wagering suffered a similar fate when it reached the House.

In May 2022, the Ohio Casino Control Commission prepared its rules for sports betting and then in early May announced that it will start accepting license applications for sports wagering licenses.

In January 2023, mobile and retail sports betting officially launched in Ohio. Authorized operators include online, casinos, sports arenas, bars, restaurants and other standalone sportsbooks.