Ohio’s lawmakers may be near a deal on sports betting soon, say several legislators. They have been working on this issue for two years and there are competing bills in both houses.
According to Senate President Matt Huffman, “There are really one or two big issues which I think are fairly clear and fairly understandable and I am optimistic.”
A sticking point is what entities would be allowed to host sports betting. The state’s professional sports organizations and casinos are lobbying for that plum. But other establishments, such as bowling alleys, don’t want to be left out.
One proposal would allow up to 25 operators to host mobile sports books and 40 brick and mortar establishments to offer retail. Another bill would allow self-service kiosks.
