Ohio Sports Betting Revenue Increases by 15.8% in April Amid Regulatory Scrutiny
April 15, 2019 Aleksandra Zolotic
Though the bill that pushes forward sports betting legislation in Ohio seems to be standing quite good chances, still there are many concerns that it may encounter various obstacles on the way. Two state representatives, namely, Brigid Kelly and Dave Greenspan, submitted a new bill which promotes the idea of having sports wagering as regular. Their bill…
…was introduced about less than a month after another one, Senate Bill 111 was presented by Senators, John Eklund and Sean O’Brien. However, the main reason for doubts about its success is the fact that it hasn’t been put before any committees so far.
The new bill 149 from Kelly and Greenspan would allow the Ohio Lottery Commission to be the body in charge. But with the idea to make things work well, they required an 11-member board which would do the research and give recommendations. Seven of them would be appointed by the Governor, two by the Senate and two by Commission. The main idea is to ensure that…
…at least three have specific experience in this industry. As for the first bill, SB111, there is a suggested fee of $100,000 (£76,000/€88,000) for establishments interested in offering sportsbooks. That includes 11 casinos and racinos. Those venues would have to secure the license, and if they do so, the tax for them would be 6.25% GGR from sports wagering.
It’s interesting to point out that PASPA overthrow. The rising number of states has been putting in plenty of effort to have this officially accepted. For example, some neighboring states such as …
… Kentucky is in the consideration phase.
Besides promoting regulation, the Ohio bill will also focus on one significant aspect for the industry, or to be precise, consumers- problem gambling . Besides 10% as a proposed tax for sports wagering, one-fifth of the money raised will be invested into a fund which will help people with these issues. As Greenspan comments:
“At its core, this bill is intended to provide additional funding for public education in Ohio by making sports betting legal. The format and structure of the bill provide clarity as to the authority overseeing sport betting in Ohio while providing flexibility to address opportunities and challenges facing this newly legalized industry.”
Source:
“New sports betting bill filed in Ohio”, igamingbusiness.com, April 10, 2019.
It’s nice to hear that lawmakers put an accent on helping people with gambling problems.