Ohio Introduces HB 971 to Ban Online Sports Betting

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Fri Jul 03, 2026, 7:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Ohio Introduces HB 971 to Ban Online Sports Betting

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Ohio lawmakers have formally introduced House Bill 971 (HB 971), known as the Save Ohio Sports Act. This new bill marks one of the most aggressive proposals targeting US online sportsbooks in recent years.

The legislation seeks to eliminate legal online sports betting in Ohio while imposing sweeping restrictions on retail wagering. If enacted, the bill would reverse a market that launched in January 2023 and quickly became one of the nation's largest regulated sports betting jurisdictions.

Supporters argue the proposal will reduce gambling-related harm and curb excessive betting. However, critics warn the legislation would damage the regulated market, reduce tax revenue, and drive bettors toward offshore operators.

HB 971 Would Dramatically Reshape Ohio's Sports Betting Market

HB 971 would prohibit all online sports betting platforms operating in the state. Licensed retail sportsbooks at Ohio casinos would remain legal, but they would face extensive new restrictions.

The proposal would establish a statewide ban on player proposition bets and live, in-play wagering markets. In addition, sportsbooks could only offer traditional single-game wagers because parlay betting would no longer be permitted.

The legislation also introduces strict wagering limits for customers. Individual bets could not exceed $100, while each bettor would be limited to eight wagers during any 24-hour period.

Furthermore, the bill would eliminate all college sports betting markets, regardless of the sport or event involved. That prohibition extends to every collegiate competition, removing a significant portion of the current betting catalog.

HB 971 also introduces new advertising rules for Ohio gambling operators. Under the proposal, gambling brands could not display advertisements within the venue of a collegiate sporting event or athletic competition. 

Sportsbook advertisements would also be prohibited during broadcasts of live sporting events, significantly reducing promotional opportunities for licensed operators.

Lawmakers Say the Bill Protects Consumers from Gambling-related Harm

Representative Jonathan Newman introduced HB 971 alongside several Republican co-sponsors, including Representatives Jennifer Gross, and Beth Lear.

The sponsors argue that Ohio expanded sports betting too quickly and underestimated its long-term social costs. Newman has questioned whether gambling revenue should fund public programs if it contributes to financial hardship and addiction.

Supporters also cite concerns over sports integrity and the growing accessibility of online wagering through mobile devices. They believe stricter regulations will reduce impulsive betting and better protect vulnerable consumers.

The proposal follows previous comments from Governor Mike DeWine, who has expressed regret over signing Ohio's sports betting legislation in 2021. Although DeWine has not endorsed HB 971 directly, he has repeatedly supported restrictions on player proposition betting because of integrity concerns.

Supporters Believe the Proposal Prioritizes Public Welfare

Backers of the Save Ohio Sports Act argue that limiting legal wagering will help reduce gambling addiction and financial losses. They also believe removing online betting will decrease constant exposure to gambling products through mobile applications.

Supporters further contend that advertising restrictions will reduce gambling's visibility among younger audiences. By eliminating sportsbook promotions at college venues and during live sporting broadcasts, they hope to lessen the normalization of sports betting.

Some advocates also argue that limiting wagers and banning high-risk betting formats could encourage more responsible gambling habits among those who continue using retail sportsbooks.

Industry Opponents Warn of Unintended Consequences

Opponents argue HB 971 would severely disrupt Ohio's regulated sports betting market while providing little benefit to consumers.

Industry stakeholders note that mobile sportsbooks account for roughly 98.5% of Ohio's total betting handle. Eliminating online wagering would therefore remove the overwhelming majority of legal betting activity in the state.

In addition, opponents point to the potential financial impact on the state. Ohio collected more than $200 million in sports betting tax revenue during 2025, and a repeal of online wagering could significantly reduce future public funding generated through the regulated market.

What's Next for HB 971?

HB 971 has now entered the legislative process and awaits committee assignment in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Lawmakers will review the proposal through committee hearings, where supporters, industry representatives, regulators, and public stakeholders are expected to provide testimony. The bill must receive committee approval before advancing to votes in both legislative chambers.

Should the legislation ultimately become law, Ohio would become the first U.S. state to repeal legal online sports betting after previously authorizing a regulated market.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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