Ohio GOP Lawmakers Propose Strict Sports Betting Restrictions

Proposed measures would ban online/mobile betting, limit wager amounts, and restrict advertising to curb addiction and protect sports integrity.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, fragmented painting depicting a sports betting kiosk or mobile device in a dynamic, abstract composition of intersecting geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conveying the chaotic and addictive nature of the industry.As Ohio lawmakers seek to curb the rapid growth of sports betting, concerns mount over its addictive nature and potential impact on the integrity of sporting events.Troy Today

Three Ohio Republican state representatives are introducing legislation to place significant restrictions on the state's sports betting system. The proposed measures would ban online/mobile sports betting, limit wager amounts, prohibit the use of credit cards for betting, and restrict sports betting advertising. The lawmakers argue that gambling is highly addictive and threatens the integrity of sporting events.

Why it matters

Ohio legalized sports betting in 2021, but these Republican lawmakers believe the current system lacks proper safeguards. They are concerned about the mental health and financial impacts of widespread sports gambling, as well as the potential for corruption in sporting events due to increased betting activity.

The details

The proposed legislation would limit sports betting to Ohio's casinos, effectively banning online and mobile betting. It would also place restrictions on wager amounts, prohibit the use of credit cards for betting, and limit advertising by sports betting operators. The lawmakers argue that the easy accessibility of online betting, combined with the addictive nature of gambling, can lead to severe personal and financial consequences for many Ohioans.

  • Ohio legalized sports betting in 2021.
  • The new legislation is being introduced in April 2026.

The players

Rep. Riordan McClain

Ohio state representative from Upper Sandusky, one of the sponsors of the new sports betting restrictions.

Rep. Gary Click

Ohio state representative from Vickery, one of the sponsors of the new sports betting restrictions.

Rep. Johnathan Newman

Ohio state representative from Troy, one of the sponsors of the new sports betting restrictions.

Aaron Baer

President of the Center for Christian Virtue, an organization supporting the proposed sports betting restrictions.

Dr. Chris Tuell

Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of Hope, providing expert commentary on the addictive nature of gambling.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— Rep. Riordan McClain, Ohio State Representative

“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.”

— Rep. Gary Click, Ohio State Representative

“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, 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.”

— Tony Coder, CEO, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation

What’s next

The legislative language for the lawmakers' proposals is still being finalized, but they expect to file two bills: one focused on consumer protections and the other on sports integrity. The bills will then go through the legislative process in the Ohio General Assembly.

The takeaway

As Ohio's sports betting industry continues to grow, these Republican lawmakers are seeking to implement strict regulations to address concerns about addiction, mental health impacts, and the integrity of sporting events. The proposed restrictions reflect an ongoing debate over the societal costs and benefits of expanded gambling access.