Ohio is close to approving – and will be under pressure to do so – sports betting legislation in 2020, after neighboring states all approved the measure recently.
And to that end, the state was busy in 2019 with hearing and amendments and discussions around legal sports betting for Ohio’s sports-crazed residents. It was in discussion in March, before Covid-19 sidelined talks until the measure passed the House in May.
Lawmakers have made it a priority and they want a decision in the legislature, not in a referendum. Ohio Rep. Dave Greenspan has stated the urgency in getting the rules organized and a bill to the governor before the end of 2020. That won’t allow Ohio bettors to enjoy football season, but it could see them profit from college football bowl season, the Super Bowl and reboots of the new NBA and NHL seasons.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
It’s close, but not expected until later in 2020 for the reasons outlined above. The good news is that there seems to be bipartisan support for sports betting, as neighboring Illinois and Michigan have both adopted the measure and will start vacuuming sports betting dollars away from Ohio state tax coffers. Ohio bettors are permitted to have wagering accounts in other states, but can only wager while they are physically within the borders of those states. That is easier to do in some places than in others, but underscores the need to expedite the measure.
Where can I bet at Ohio sportsbooks?
Each Ohio sports betting proposal making the rounds call for casinos and racetracks to offer the service, along with provisions to offer mobile betting through partnerships with online operators. That would mean the following facilities would be first in line to offer sports betting or forge partnerships.
Casino | City |
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center | Anderson Township |
Hollywood Casino Columbus | Columbus |
Hollywood Casino Toledo | Toledo |
Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway | Dayton |
Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Race Course | Austintown |
Jack Cincinnati Casino | Cincinnati |
Jack Cleveland Casino | Cleveland |
Jack Thistledown Racino | North Randall |
MGM Northfield Park | Northfield |
Miami Valley Gaming | Turtlecreek Township |
Scioto Downs Racino | Columbus |
What about mobile sports betting apps in Ohio?
Both bills embrace the idea of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps for Ohio residents. So, rules around this will be determined, but the good news for Ohio is that there is so far no objection to this inclusive and convenient method of sports betting.