Seeking the Good of Our Neighbor, April 2026
The Policy team has remained steadfast in our mission to protect Ohio families as we approach a busy Primary season. Building on the momentum from our recent legislative wins, we are now turning a significant portion of our attention to a new bill, the Save Ohio Sports (SOS) Act. This critical legislation is designed to restore integrity to our athletic traditions and shield Ohioans from the predatory tactics of the gambling industry. As digital betting markets increasingly saturate the phones of young people, the SOS Act serves as a vital "speed bump," separating fair competition from the high-stakes, impulsive wagering that fuels addiction, harassment, and family breakdown.
The Act introduces common-sense safeguards to ensure the game remains about the athletes, not the bookmakers. Key provisions include a total ban on collegiate athletic wagering and the elimination of high-risk formats like prop bets, which often lead to the targeted harassment of student-athletes. Furthermore, the legislation establishes "No Debt to Bet" protections by prohibiting credit card use for gambling and mandates that all sports betting occur within physical, constitutionally authorized casinos rather than in the household through addictive mobile apps.
We are encouraged by the shifting tide of public sentiment, as 65 percent of Americans now express deep concern over widespread gambling addiction and its impact on families. Our team is committed to the principle that Ohio’s state budget must not be balanced on the backs of addicted citizens. When our neighbors are ensnared by the "addiction by design" of predatory gambling, their divine stamp within them is obscured, hindering their ability to flourish in the life and purpose God intended for them. Please keep the Policy team in prayer as we prepare to formally introduce this legislation.
Romans 12:10 (ESV)
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
