Ohio bill would ban mobile sports betting, curb ads

Ohio lawmakers filed legislation that would ban mobile and internet sports betting statewide and impose new limits on sports wagering advertising. The proposal would end remote wagering through apps and websites and reserve legal betting to licensed, in-person locations such as casinos and racetracks.

The bill would require clearer risk disclosures in advertising, bar promotions that target people under 21 and prohibit promotional incentives such as bonus bets and free-to-play offers.

Sponsors say the proposal responds to concerns about problem gambling and the ease of placing bets on smartphones. They argue removing mobile access would make it harder to place impulsive wagers and would reduce betting promotions on social media, television and during live sports broadcasts.

Opponents, including industry representatives and some lawmakers, say restricting online wagering would reduce state tax revenue from mobile betting, undermine contracts held by licensed operators and cost jobs in the gaming and technology sectors. They warn a ban could push some consumers to unregulated offshore sites and that advertising limits could raise legal and constitutional issues.

The bill assigns the state gaming commission to oversee the new rules, audit marketing practices and issue fines for violations. It directs a portion of enforcement penalties to fund gambling treatment and prevention programs. Sponsors referenced public health reports and constituent complaints about aggressive sports-betting ads and late-night mobile wagering.

If enacted, the measure would reverse earlier state legislation that legalized statewide sports wagering and authorized mobile platforms. Since legalization, mobile apps have handled the majority of wagers in states that allow remote betting and advertising for sportsbooks has expanded across broadcast and digital channels.

Legal and regulatory questions are likely if the bill advances. Licensed operators may challenge advertising and platform restrictions in court, and regulators would need to define key terms such as what constitutes advertising that targets minors and how to measure promotional frequency on digital platforms.