Ohio lawmakers are attempting to snuff out the state’s online sports betting sector with a new bill. While critics say it would hurt the economy, proponents argue that this is a necessary measure to safeguard the local sports sector.
HB 971 Could Mark a U-Turn on Online Betting
The proposed ban on online sports betting was outlined in House Bill 971. Submitted on July 1, the bill seeks to backtrack on the legalization of online sports betting and end the activity. If the bill passes, in-person wagers at brick-and-mortar casinos would remain the only legal type of betting.
Outlawing online sports betting isn’t HB 971’s only objective, though. In addition to that, the bill seeks to prohibit live betting and parlay bets. Additionally, HB 971 includes provisions to completely end college sports betting and ban the controversial player prop bets.
Further objectives include capping the maximum individual bet at $100, preventing consumers from wagering more than eight times a day, banning betting on credit or borrowed funds, limiting sports betting ads, and introducing new restrictions on bonuses and incentives.
While HB 971 outlines some incredibly drastic measures, its proponents argued that it is necessary to prevent sports betting from expanding further. Sponsors asserted that the sports sector has become dominated by betting to the point where it exposes players to the risk of harm. Because of that, the measure has been dubbed the “Save Ohio Sports Act.”
Rep. Jonathan Newman explained that one of the biggest problems with online betting is that most players do not win. According to statistics cited by him, approximately 95% of Ohioans make deposits, not withdrawals.
Other proponents insisted that it is crucial to get betting under control and overturn its unchecked growth.
While HB 971 has a long way to go before it can pass into law, its drastic solutions make it an interesting bill to follow.