As Ohio’s sports betting industry continues to expand, a new set of legislative proposals is generating significant debate. The Save Ohio Sports Act, introduced by a group of Republican lawmakers, aims to significantly limit the scope of legal sports betting in the state. The proposed legislation is primarily focused on curbing gambling addiction and reducing the risks associated with easy access to betting.

Major Changes to Betting Formats and Limits

The bill introduces several restrictions that would affect both online and land-based sports betting in Ohio. If passed, the bill would limit the amount an individual can bet to $100 per wager and restrict bettors to no more than eight bets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the legislation mandates that all bets must be placed in person at one of Ohio’s authorized casinos, putting an end to mobile sports betting.

As reported by Fox 8 News, these changes are part of a broader effort to impose more control over the gambling environment and reduce the speed at which bets can be placed. “If you’re going to place a bet in Ohio, you’re going to be at one of the casinos. No more on your cellphone, just anywhere,” said Aaron Baer from the Center for Christian Virtue, an organization that supports the bill.

One of the bill’s main goals is to address the growing concerns about gambling addiction. Lawmakers argue that gambling accessibility and aggressive marketing have contributed to a rise in addiction-related issues, particularly among younger individuals. “We are subsidizing and we are financing mental health issues here in Ohio,” said Rep. Gary Click, one of the bill’s sponsors. Calls to Ohio’s gambling helpline have surged dramatically since the legalization of sports betting in January 2023, with over 10,000 calls recorded in 2024.

The bill also takes aim at prop bets, parlay bets, in-game wagers, and betting on college sports, which lawmakers say increase the temptation for bettors to engage in high-frequency gambling. According to the proposal, banning these formats will reduce the frequency of quick and repetitive betting activities. Additionally, sports betting advertising would be prohibited during live broadcasts of professional games and within professional sports venues.

Concerns Over Economic Impact

Despite the focus on addiction prevention, some Ohioans and industry experts are concerned about the potential economic consequences of these restrictions. Ohio’s sports betting market has been a major revenue generator, bringing in over $1 billion in sports betting revenue in 2025, with the majority coming from online betting. Critics of the bill argue that these changes may drive bettors to illegal gambling sites, which could deprive the state of valuable tax revenue.

Paige Newbrough, a Columbus resident who enjoys gambling, expressed frustration with the proposal. “I can control myself. We’re all adults. We’ve already been doing it,” she said. Others, like Brian Yamokoski, acknowledged the need for limits but are wary of restricting betting too much. “There’s got to be a limit at some point, but I mean, if you do it responsibly, I could see why people would be like, ‘Okay, well, yeah, that’s too big of a limit.’”

As Ohio moves toward finalizing its sports betting laws, lawmakers are facing mounting pressure to strike a balance between regulating the market and maintaining its economic benefits. The Save Ohio Sports Act is currently making its way through the Ohio House of Representatives, where it will undergo further scrutiny and potentially be amended before it becomes law. The debate surrounding these proposed changes reflects the broader conversation happening across the U.S. about how to manage the rapidly growing sports betting industry in a way that protects consumers while still reaping economic benefits.

While the bill aims to safeguard against the negative impacts of gambling addiction, its potential to disrupt Ohio’s sports betting market has raised concerns about unintended consequences. As the state continues to grapple with this issue, the conversation around responsible gambling and the regulation of sports betting is likely to evolve. The bill is expected to be debated and potentially revised in the coming months as more stakeholders weigh in on its impact.