Center for Christian Virtue Backs Major Sports Betting Overhaul
The Save Ohio Sports Act addresses the public health crisis stemming from legalized sports betting
COLUMBUS–Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) will join State Reps. Riordan McClain, Gary Click, Johnathan Newman and other gambling reform advocates for a press conference in support of the Save Ohio Sports Act tomorrow, April 8, at the Ohio Statehouse. The legislation aims to mitigate the public health crisis associated with legalized sports betting in Ohio.
WHAT:
Save Ohio Sports Act press conference
WHEN:
1 pm, Wednesday, April 8
WHERE:
Harding Senate Briefing Room, Ohio Statehouse
1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215, Room 106
WHO:
State Rep. Riordan McClain, R-Upper Sandusky (District 87), Save Ohio Sports Act bill sponsor
State Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery (District 88), Save Ohio Sports Act bill sponsor
State Rep. Johnathan Newman, R-Troy (District 80), Save Ohio Sports Act bill sponsor
Aaron Baer, President, CCV
Tony Coder, CEO, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
Brianne Doura-Schawohl, CEO, Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC
Lawrence Funderburke, founder of the Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization, former professional basketball player, and former Ohio State University basketball player
Dr. Chris Tuell, Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of Hope, and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
RSVP:Members of the media who wish to attend are asked to RSVP to Amy Natoce at amy@natocecomms.com.
The legalization of sports betting in Ohio has created a public health crisis impacting our families, our mental health, and the integrity of our live sports. The national annual social cost of problem gambling has risen to $14 billion. Beyond the financial toll, the mental and social consequences of sports betting addiction are staggering. Nine million American adults suffer from gambling addiction, and 96 percent of those affected also face a co-occurring mental health issue.
To combat this growing crisis, CCV is backing the Save Ohio Sports Act. The proposed legislation focuses on two key areas related to legalized sports betting: sports integrity and consumer protection.
To maintain the integrity of live sporting competitions, the bill imposes bans on in-game betting, proposition and parlay bets, and completely bans wagers on collegiate athletics.
The consumer protection aspects of the legislation prohibit the use of debt to place bets, the use of financial lures, and the showing of sports-betting ads in venues and during live broadcasts. The legislation also limits wager amounts to $100, and the number of wagers to eight in a 24-hour period. Additionally, it requires that sports bets only be placed in person at one of Ohio’s four authorized casinos.
Rep. Kevin Ritter, R-Marietta (District 94), is also sponsoring the legislation.
Speaker Biographies:
Riordan McClain
Riordan McClain is serving his fourth term in the Ohio House, representing the 87th District, which includes Crawford, Morrow, and Wyandot counties, as well as part of Marion County. He serves as majority whip for the 136th General Assembly and sits on the General Government, Small Business, Technology and Innovation, and Transportation committees.
A Wyandot County native, McClain brings more than a decade of private-sector experience in finance, marketing, and operations to his legislative work.
Gary Click
Gary Click is serving his third term in the Ohio House, representing the 88th District, which includes Sandusky and Seneca counties. A former pastor and longtime community leader, Click brings more than 30 years of ministry experience to his work in public service. He chairs the Community Revitalization Committee and the Ohio Christian Legislators Caucus and serves on several key committees, including Ways and Means, Education, and Children and Human Services.
Known for his conservative leadership and community focus, Click has been active on issues including education, public safety, and substance abuse recovery.
Johnathan Newman
Johnathan Newman is serving his first term in the Ohio House, representing the 80th District, which includes Miami County and southern Darke County. He serves as vice chair of the House Agriculture Committee and sits on the Community Revitalization, Education, and Transportation committees.
A longtime pastor and community leader, Newman brings more than 25 years of ministry experience and a background in counseling to his work. He has been an advocate for pro-life causes and community support initiatives and holds degrees in theology and sociology.
Aaron Baer
Aaron Baer is the President of CCV, where he leads the advocacy for life-changing legislation in Ohio. His work is centered on expanding school choice, protecting religious freedom, and advancing pro-life initiatives. Prior to his leadership at CCV, Baer served as a Policy Advisor to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich and worked with the Center for Arizona Policy.
A graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, Baer is a frequent media contributor. His insights have been featured on CNN, NBC Nightly News, and in national publications including USA Today.
Tony Coder
Tony Coder is CEO of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, where he leads statewide efforts to reduce suicide, expand prevention programs, and increase awareness and training.
With a background in behavioral health policy and public service, he previously held leadership roles with the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities, Smart Approaches to Marijuana, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. He holds a degree in communications from the University of Toledo.
Brianne Doura-Schawohl
Brianne Doura-Schawohl is the founder and CEO of Doura-Schawohl Consulting LLC, a global government relations firm focused on responsible gambling policy. She previously served as vice president of U.S. policy and strategic development for EPIC Global Solutions and as legislative director for the National Council on Problem Gambling. With more than a decade of experience in public policy, advocacy and government affairs, she advises federal and state lawmakers, regulators and industry stakeholders on complex gambling issues.
Doura-Schawohl has been recognized as a top lobbyist by The Hill and her work has been featured in outlets including ABC News, Bloomberg, CNBC, The New York Times and The Washington Post.
Lawrence Funderburke
Lawrence Funderburke, known as “Mr. Fundy,” is a former professional basketball player, author and speaker focused on leadership, financial empowerment and bridging cultural divides. Drawing on his life experiences, he works to help individuals and communities find common ground and build stronger futures.
Funderburke co-leads several organizations with his wife, including the Lawrence Funderburke Youth Organization, impacting more than 30,000 youth and adults through programs in life skills and holistic wellness.
Dr. Chris Tuell
Dr. Chris Tuell is Clinical Director of Addiction Services at Lindner Center of Hope and an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. A licensed clinical psychotherapist and addiction specialist with more than 40 years of experience, he has led treatment programs across clinical and community settings and helped develop integrated care for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Dr. Tuell is a nationally recognized expert who has presented widely and been featured in major media outlets, including The New York Times, NBC News, Fox News and Reuters.
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As Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
