A coalition of Republican legislators in Ohio has put forth a bill aimed at prohibiting online sports betting while imposing stringent regulations on how, where, and how much residents can wager. This initiative, known as the Save Ohio Sports Act, was unveiled on April 8 at the Statehouse by Representatives Riordan McClain, Gary Click, Johnathan Newman, and Kevin Ritter, along with addiction specialists and public health advocates. The bill is now set to be reviewed by the Ohio House.
If passed, the legislation would mandate that all legal sports betting occur in person at the state’s four casinos that are constitutionally sanctioned, effectively eliminating app-based betting. Sports betting has been permitted in Ohio since December 2021 and officially launched in January 2023, covering both retail and online platforms.
Since the launch, online betting has surged, making up over 98% of all wagers, with total bets exceeding $10 billion in 2025.
Proponents of the bill argue that the expansive reach and ease of access to digital betting pose risks that overshadow any tax revenue benefits. McClain noted that the majority of bettors ultimately lose money, with only a small fraction experiencing long-term profits, while most continue to deposit funds without significant returns.
The proposed legislation includes restrictions on betting behavior, such as a maximum wager limit of $100 and a cap of eight bets per day, all confined to casino locations. Credit card usage for betting would also be prohibited, aligning with the “no debt to bet” philosophy advocated by supporters.
Additionally, several betting formats would be banned, including in-game wagers, parlay bets, and prop bets tied to individual player performance. Betting on college sports would also be outlawed. Furthermore, sportsbooks would be prohibited from offering promotional incentives like free bets, and advertising would face stricter regulations, including bans during live broadcasts and at sports venues.
Click raised concerns about whether the financial benefits justify the potential risks, questioning, “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?”
Supporters of the bill include the Center for Christian Virtue, the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and addiction specialists from the Lindner Center of Hope, who argue that aggressive marketing and constant access contribute to harmful gambling behaviors.
Aaron Baerdrew, President of the Center for Christian Virtue, likened the issue to substance addiction, warning that promotional offers can serve as gateways that encourage repeated gambling engagement.
Clinical experts have also highlighted the severity of gambling-related harm. Dr. Chris Tuell, Clinical Director of Addiction Services at the Lindner Center of Hope, remarked, “This is Narcan. We don’t have a spray for problem gambling. We don’t have a pill for problem gambling.”
Supporters further emphasized the dangers of isolated gambling linked to mobile devices. Tony Coder from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation stated that confining betting to physical venues could mitigate harm by reducing late-night, solitary betting behaviors that can exacerbate distress.
Lawmakers have also expressed concerns regarding the integrity of sports. Newman pointed out that the current system lacks adequate safeguards, asserting that clearer limitations are necessary to address emerging risks. Click added that the combination of mobile access and gambling heightens the likelihood of compulsive behavior.
While the sponsors recognize that sports betting will continue to be legal, their aim is to implement stronger consumer protections and curb excessive participation. This proposal follows previous attempts to tighten regulations, including an unsuccessful effort last year to limit specific prop bets.