Ohio Lawmakers Seek to Restrict Sports Betting

Proposed bills would end sports gambling outside of casinos and ban wagers on college games

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:04pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of vibrant colors, conceptually representing the turbulent state of sports betting regulation in Ohio.As Ohio lawmakers seek to rein in the rapid expansion of sports betting, the state's gambling landscape faces an uncertain future.Columbus Today

Three conservative state lawmakers in Ohio, backed by faith-based and mental health advocates, are drafting two bills to dramatically reform the state's sports betting laws. The proposed legislation would limit how much and how often Ohioans can gamble on athletic events, ban the use of credit cards for sports betting, and prohibit gambling on college games and individual athlete performances.

Why it matters

The lawmakers and advocacy groups argue that the current sports betting landscape in Ohio, which legalized the activity in 2021, has led to increased gambling addiction and concerns about the integrity of athletic competitions. They believe these new restrictions are necessary to protect consumers and the state's sports culture.

The details

The consumer-focused bill would eliminate sports gambling online outside of casinos, where the majority of bets are placed, and further restrict advertising. The integrity legislation would ban proposition bets on individual athlete performances and combined wagers. Both bills would also end all gambling on college sports games.

  • In 2021, Ohio lawmakers legalized sports betting in the state.
  • A 2022 survey found that one-in-five Ohioans are considered at least 'at-risk' gamblers.
  • In 2023, calls to the state's gambling hotline rose significantly.

The players

Rep. Riordan McClain

A Republican state representative from Upper Sandusky, Ohio who is drafting the proposed sports betting reform bills.

Rep. Gary Click

A Republican state representative from Vickery, Ohio who is drafting the proposed sports betting reform bills.

Rep. Johnathan Newman

A Republican state representative from Troy, Ohio who is drafting the proposed sports betting reform bills.

Aaron Baer

The president of the Center for Christian Virtue, a faith-based advocacy group supporting the sports betting reform bills.

Lawrence Funderburke

A former professional and Ohio State University basketball player who is leading the Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization, which is backing the sports betting reform bills.

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What they’re saying

“The dollars lost to gambling are taken from families, taken from kitchen tables across the state of Ohio.”

— Rep. Riordan McClain, Republican State Representative

“The idea is for Ohioans to be 'able to enjoy a football game and not (wonder), 'Is this rigged?'”

— Aaron Baer, President, Center for Christian Virtue

What’s next

The proposed bills still need to be introduced and go through the legislative process in the Ohio General Assembly. If passed, the new sports betting restrictions would go into effect at a future date.

The takeaway

This effort to reform Ohio's sports betting laws reflects growing concerns about the societal impacts of expanded gambling, including increased addiction and threats to the integrity of athletic competitions. The outcome of these bills will shape the future of sports wagering in the state and set an example for other states considering similar measures.