Sports Betting Reform Legislation Introduced in Ohio
Center for Christian Virtue Applauds Introduction of Save Ohio Sports Act
Legislation would strengthen consumer protections, curb predatory sports betting practices
Columbus, Ohio – Center for Christian Virtue today applauded the formal submission of the Save Ohio Sports Act to the Ohio Statehouse, legislation designed to protect Ohio families from the growing harms associated with legalized sports betting.
Sponsored by Reps. Beth Lear (R-Galena) and Johnathan Newman (R-Troy), the bill would establish commonsense safeguards to address the rapid expansion of sports betting while preserving the integrity of athletic competition and protecting vulnerable Ohioans from predatory gambling practices.
Reps. Lear (R-Galena) and Newman (R-Troy) pose with the SOS Act alongside supporters.
"Ohio's experiment with unrestricted sports betting has produced exactly what many feared: rising addiction, mounting financial hardship and an industry that profits when families lose," said CCV President Aaron Baer. "The Save Ohio Sports Act doesn't ban sports betting. It restores commonsense guardrails that put people ahead of gambling profits. We applaud Reps. Lear and Newman for leading on an issue that affects families in every corner of our state."
Representative Newman said, "The NCAA reported that last year, 36% of D1 athletes received abusive communication from folks who wanted to control the game. We want safe online betting. We want to protect our sports. We want to protect our people. But the American Psychiatric Association now classifies commercialized gambling as being just as addictive as heroin. It's also the addiction vice with the worst suicide rates. That's why we want to provide some protections."
Today, he added, "We are people who treasure freedom and liberty. But it isn’t freedom without restraint. It is not liberty without virtue."
Since sports betting was legalized in Ohio in 2023, more than $26 billion has been wagered in the state. Research continues to show increasing rates of gambling addiction, financial distress and mental health challenges tied to expanded gambling access.
The bill would protect the integrity of sports by prohibiting in-game betting, proposition bets, parlay bets and wagers on collegiate athletics. It also includes several consumer protection measures, such as banning the use of debt to place bets, restricting financial inducements, and limiting sports betting advertisements in venues and during live broadcasts.
The legislation would also cap individual wagers at $100, limit bettors to eight wagers within a 24-hour period, and require all sports betting to take place in person at one of Ohio's four authorized casinos.
The SOS Act is supported by a broad coalition of deeply concerned citizens, including mental health professionals, athletes, pastors, prevention specialists, journalists, and gambling policy experts from across the country.
CCV is urging members of the Ohio General Assembly to advance the legislation and enact meaningful reforms that protect Ohio families while restoring integrity to sports betting in the state.
Lawmakers need to hear from you today. The gambling lobby is powerful, but they don't have your voice. It only takes 30 seconds to tell your Senator and Representative to support the Save Ohio Sports Act.
For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or contact@ccv.org. For media inquiries, email media@ccv.org.
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.
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