Ohio lawmaker opposes governor’s push to ban prop bets
Ohio lawmaker Rep. Brian Stewart has revealed that he is against Gov. Mike DeWine’s plan to ban prop bets in professional sports.
Stewart argued that prop bets, wagers on specific in-game events, such as the number of touchdowns a player scores, should remain legal in Ohio, mentioning that sports betting has generated US$359 million in state tax revenue since January 2023.
“Ohio legalized sports betting with bipartisan support. It’s a popular activity that adults should be free to enjoy. Prop bets are a big part of that plus they make up a substantial % of Ohio’s tax revenue. They should not be banned [and] I’ll be working to make sure they aren’t,” he wrote on X.
In the past month, DeWine has urged the Ohio Casino Control Commission to prohibit prop bets after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were placed on leave during a gambling investigation, citing threats to athletes and game integrity.
“The harm to athletes and the integrity of the game is clear, and the benefits are not worth the harm. The prop betting experiment in this country has failed badly,” the governor added in a statement.
The commission told NBC4 it iwas reviewing the matter and will announce the next steps soon.
College sports prop bets are already banned in Ohio. Stewart said he would like those reinstated, but does not expect changes under the current leadership.
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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