Answer:

In May of 2018, the United States Supreme Court struck down the federal law that prohibited the vast majority of states from regulating sports betting. Since then, at least twenty states have legalized sports betting within their borders.

Ohio has not yet passed such legislation but it is on the verge.

The Governor previously stated that sports betting is coming to Ohio and that it is just a matter of working out a few key public policy questions. The Governor wanted to make sure any legislation addressed problem gambling, whether betting on collegiate sports will be allowed, and which regulatory body should govern the process. Two gaming bills failed to pass last legislative session so a new approach was needed.

Earlier this year, the legislature began holding hearings before the newly created Senate Select Committee on Gaming. Those hearings have culminated in an omnibus gaming bill that, if approved, will authorize sports betting, both at brick and mortar facilities and through mobile betting. As currently proposed, bettors will be able to place bets on professional sports, motor racing, collegiate sports, the Olympics, esport events, and possibly more.

While this is welcome news, Ohio bettors will still have to wait a little bit longer to place their wagers. Under the current proposed bill, the earliest Ohioans could place a sports bet is January 1, 2022. Make sure to check back regularly for updates on the bill’s progress.