Ohio state representatives Johnathan Newman and Beth Lear introduced legislation this week, July 2026, aimed at banning online sports betting and implementing new restrictions on wagering within the state.
The proposed measure, known as House Bill 971 or the “Save Ohio Sports Act,” seeks to eliminate all online sportsbooks, mandating that all legal sports wagers occur exclusively in person at Ohio’s four authorized casinos. If enacted, this bill would mark one of the most significant attempts by a U.S. state to reverse a regulated online sports betting market since its launch in Ohio in January 2023.
The bill outlines several key changes. It would prohibit placing bets on collegiate sports, as well as in-game wagers, proposition bets, and parlay bets. Individual wagers would be capped at $100, and bettors would be limited to a maximum of eight wagers within any 24-hour period. Furthermore, the legislation would ban the use of credit cards or borrowed funds for placing bets and introduce restrictions on financial inducements and sports betting advertisements in venues and during live broadcasts.
“Monetizing addiction to fund public education is the wrong direction for Ohio.”
Supporters of the bill argue that these provisions are essential for enhancing consumer protection, mitigating gambling-related harms, and addressing concerns related to the rapid growth of online sports betting. Representative Newman’s statement highlights this perspective.
This legislative effort comes as online wagering has overwhelmingly dominated Ohio’s sports betting landscape. In May, online platforms accounted for 98.5% of all sports betting activity in the state.
House Bill 971 is currently awaiting a number and committee assignment in the Ohio House of Representatives. Should it advance and become law, it would fundamentally reshape the sports betting market in Ohio, shifting revenue and activity entirely to retail casino locations and significantly altering the betting options available to players. This move could also set a precedent for other states grappling with the expansion of online gambling.
Key takeaways
- Ohio House Bill 971 proposes to ban all online sports betting in the state.
- The bill would require all sports wagering to occur in person at Ohio’s four authorized casinos.
- New restrictions include limits on bet types (no collegiate, in-game, prop, parlay bets), a $100 wager cap, and a maximum of eight wagers per 24 hours.
- The use of credit cards or borrowed money for betting would be prohibited.
- This is a significant attempt to roll back a market where online betting accounts for 98.5% of the handle.
What is the “Save Ohio Sports Act”?
It is proposed legislation, House Bill 971, introduced by Ohio Representatives Johnathan Newman and Beth Lear, aimed at banning online sports betting and implementing strict new wagering rules.
How would this bill impact sports bettors in Ohio?
Bettors would no longer be able to place wagers online. All sports betting would be restricted to in-person at licensed casinos. Additionally, certain bet types like collegiate sports, in-game, prop, and parlay bets would be banned, and daily wager limits would be enforced.
What is the current status of the bill?
House Bill 971 is awaiting a number and committee assignment within the Ohio House of Representatives.
