Ohio Lawmakers Propose Strict Sports Betting Restrictions

Lawmakers aim to rein in online gambling and advertising to address addiction concerns

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:10pm

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A moody, cinematic painting depicting a lone sports betting kiosk in an empty urban setting, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative, melancholic mood that reflects the complex social issues surrounding the expansion of legalized sports gambling.A nostalgic painting evokes the complex societal tensions surrounding the growth of the sports betting industry in Ohio.Sandusky Today

Three Ohio Republican lawmakers are introducing legislation to place new restrictions on the state's sports betting system, including stopping online/phone gambling, limits on wagers, banning the use of credit for betting, and limiting advertisement. They argue that gambling is highly addictive and threatens the integrity of sporting events.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns about the negative social and financial impacts of widespread sports betting, including high rates of addiction, suicide, and damage to families. However, the lawmakers will likely face opposition from the gambling industry and some lawmakers who supported the original legalization of sports betting in Ohio.

The details

The legislative proposals include: 1) Restricting sports betting to only Ohio's casinos, effectively prohibiting online/mobile betting; 2) Placing limits on the amount and frequency of wagers Ohioans can make; 3) Banning the use of credit cards and other forms of debt to place bets; 4) Limiting the advertising and promotional incentives that sports betting operators can use; and 5) Prohibiting in-game bets, wagers on college sports, and parlay bets.

  • In 2021, Ohio passed legislation legalizing sports betting in the state.
  • The lawmakers are still finalizing the legislative language, but they expect to file two proposals in the coming weeks.

The players

Riordan McClain

Ohio state Representative, R-Upper Sandusky, one of the lawmakers introducing the sports betting restriction legislation.

Gary Click

Ohio state Representative, R-Vickery, one of the lawmakers introducing the sports betting restriction legislation.

Johnathan Newman

Ohio state Representative, R-Troy, one of the lawmakers introducing the sports betting restriction legislation.

Dr. Chris Tuell

Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of Hope, who discussed the high rates of suicide and other harms associated with gambling addiction.

Aaron Baer

President of the Center for Christian Virtue, who compared sports betting to the addictive nature of illegal drugs.

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What they’re saying

“The fact is that most betters do not win. That means roughly 95% of Ohioans who are betting make deposits, not withdrawals.”

— Riordan McClain, Ohio state Representative, R-Upper Sandusky

“Is it really worth the taxes that we gain to risk people's lives, their mental health, their personal well-being, their families, their homes? I don't think it is.”

— Gary Click, Ohio state Representative, R-Vickery

“When you combine the addiction of gambling with the addiction one of these devices, it's synergistic in a bad way. It multiplies upon itself.”

— Gary Click, Ohio state Representative, R-Vickery

“The comparisons to drugs here are so unbelievably obvious. Where they're like, hey, just come get a taste, right? And then, you'll see you like it, and then you'll come back for more and more.”

— Aaron Baer, President of the Center for Christian Virtue

“Therefore, language that restricts sports betting only within casinos, rather than on a phone while sitting alone at night could prevent that. Those are lonely moments, and they can intensify as one dwells on their own thoughts and there is no one there to help that person find help.”

— Tony Coder, CEO of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation

What’s next

The lawmakers are still finalizing the legislative language, but they expect to file two proposals in the coming weeks - one focused on consumer protections and the other on sports integrity. They will then need to navigate the legislative process to get the bills passed.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the societal impacts of expanded sports betting, with lawmakers seeking to balance economic benefits against concerns over addiction, mental health, and the integrity of sporting events. The outcome of this legislation could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues.