Ohio Sports Gambling Plan Proposed by Legislator

Unlike its other neighboring states, sports gambling in Ohio is illegal. Making sports wagering legal would be an expansion to the gambling industry. But the question is, which would be a better option? Sports gambling in the hands of the Ohio Casino Control Commission or under Ohio Lottery Commission?

 

A Westlake Republican, Representative Dave Greenspan is co-sponsoring a House Bill with Cincinnati Democrat Brigid Kelly. He said that it would take six months after the governor’s signature for the betting to start. But he was unsure how long it would take to work out a deal in the legislature. The delay is caused by the differing views between Greenspan and Chardon Republican Senator John Eklund. Their difference of opinion on which state commission to regulate sports wagering is the possible cause of the delay.

Greenspan believes that treating wagering on sports as a game of chance and hence lottery was the legal way for Ohio to expand into sports gambling. On the other hand, Eklund believes that the casino commission has expertise in regulating the gambling industry. He and Warren-area Democrat Sean O’Brien introduced a Senate plan that would put control in the hands of the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The competing proposals are in agreement that sports wagering would take place in Ohio.

 

Will sports gambling be a part of the Lottery Commission?

 

Greenspan said that according to a part of the advice received from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, ‘sports gambling is a game of chance, and hence it could be treated as a lottery.’ Greenspan added that a game of chance is a game in which the gambling has zero impact on the outcome of the event. A set of skill is when you have the opportunity to determine the result of the event.

 

Greenspan current plans in the bill propose the following.

–       Permit remote sports wagering at Ohio’s casinos and racinos. Personal devices such as phones to be used.

–       Permit sports wagering at neighborhood fraternal and veteran’s organization halls licensed by the lottery.

–       Allow wagering on sports, both pro and college. It will also include games played by Ohio teams.

–       Sports league will be offered the option of obtaining Ohio wagering data free of charge. This is to enable them to monitor activity on their sports.

–       State profits to be allocated to education.

 

Greenspan continues to adjust his plans, and the language in his proposal to ensure that possible expansion into sports gambling in the state of Ohio can benefit those who need it.