Some Loose Ends In Gambling Bill

Some Ohio casinos and racinos could be left with losing tickets…if the state Senate’s sports betting legislation…giving professional teams priority for obtaining a brick-and mortar sports book licenses…is ultimately enacted. We reported the bill was passed by the Senate and sent to the House for consideration. It assigns the 30 total sports books to counties, based on population. If professional sports teams in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati all decided to apply for licenses…casinos and racinos in those counties would be shut out at the sports betting window of opportunity in the Senate’s bill. The original Senate proposal, introduced in early May, excluded casinos and racinos altogether. An omnibus amendment, added to the bill the day of the Senate vote…prescribed the licensing limits and priority status for professional sports teams. Insiders say it is likely the House will seek numerous changes to the Senate version.