Ohio Lawmakers Propose Sports Betting Ban, But Prediction Markets Unaffected

The 'Save Ohio Sports Act' would prohibit online sportsbooks but not internet prediction markets, raising concerns about unintended consequences.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A conceptual illustration featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in muted teal, orange, and indigo, representing the complex and shifting landscape of sports betting regulations.The proposed Ohio sports betting ban could inadvertently boost unregulated prediction markets, raising concerns about consumer protection and sports integrity.Troy Today

Ohio state lawmakers have announced plans to introduce the 'Save Ohio Sports Act,' which would make online sports betting illegal again in the state. However, the proposed legislation would not affect internet prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, which some experts and courts have recognized as a form of sports gambling. Critics argue this could lead to a proliferation of less-regulated betting options for Ohioans.

Why it matters

The proposed sports betting ban highlights the ongoing debate around the regulation of emerging financial technologies like prediction markets. While lawmakers aim to protect consumers and the integrity of sports, critics warn the bill could have unintended consequences by driving Ohioans to use less-regulated betting platforms.

The details

The 'Save Ohio Sports Act' would prohibit online sportsbooks, ban wagers on college sports, and restrict in-game betting, proposition bets, and parlay bets. It would also limit sports betting advertisements and cap individual wagers. However, the legislation would not address online prediction markets that offer sports event contracts, which some have recognized as a form of sports gambling. Industry experts say this could lead to prediction market companies essentially operating as unregulated sportsbooks.

  • The Ohio General Assembly voted to legalize sports gambling in December 2021.
  • State Reps. Gary Click, Riordan McClain, and Jonathan Newman announced the 'Save Ohio Sports Act' on April 9, 2026.
  • The lawmakers said the legislative package will be split into two bills, with one focusing on consumer protections and one dealing with sports integrity.

The players

Gary Click

Ohio state representative who voted against legalizing sports gambling in 2021 and is sponsoring the consumer protection bill.

Riordan McClain

Ohio state representative who voted against legalizing sports gambling in 2021 and is co-sponsoring the 'Save Ohio Sports Act.'

Jonathan Newman

Ohio state representative who is co-sponsoring the 'Save Ohio Sports Act.'

Aaron Baer

President of the Center for Christian Virtue, which supports the proposed sports betting restrictions.

Matt Schuler

Executive Director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which is analyzing options while the legal battle over prediction markets continues.

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What they’re saying

“That is all the same from CCV's perspective, and that's something we're interested in, but this bill is specifically for sports betting companies.”

— Aaron Baer, President, Center for Christian Virtue

“They're just going to offer their product, and they're not going to pay any taxes ... there's no set-aside for responsible gaming funding.”

— Dan Dodd, Sports betting lobbyist

“I think there would be a lot of unintended consequences if this is what the state of Ohio was left with — a sports betting-like product with no oversight from the state itself.”

— John Pappas, State advocacy director, iDevelopment and Economic Association

What’s next

The lawmakers said the 'Save Ohio Sports Act' will be officially introduced in the coming weeks. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is also assessing its options as the legal battle over prediction markets continues.

The takeaway

The proposed sports betting ban in Ohio highlights the complex regulatory landscape surrounding emerging financial technologies like prediction markets. While lawmakers aim to protect consumers, critics warn the legislation could have unintended consequences by driving Ohioans to use less-regulated betting platforms.