State Reps. Newman, Lear Introduce Save Ohio Sports Act

State Representatives Johnathan Newman (R-Troy) and Beth Lear (R-Galena) yesterday introduced the Save Ohio Sports Act, legislation that proposes reforms to separate fair competition from high-stakes wagering by banning manipulative betting formats, eliminating all collegiate sports betting, and restricting predatory industry practices.

The proposed legislation introduces nine measures, five focused on consumer protection and four focused on sports integrity, aimed at regulating the sports betting industry and minimizing gambling-related harm.

"Monetizing addiction to fund public education is the wrong direction for Ohio. Who wins when predatory gambling preys on the vulnerable? It's not our schools; that's for sure!" said Newman. "It's the trillion-dollar big gambling companies who win. How is this good for Ohio?"

"Gambling is the number one addiction that leads to suicide - online gambling companies are in an aggressive pay-to-play game with the Ohio Legislature, hoping to expand their profits on the backs of Ohioans with the 'carrot' of providing extra tax money for the government. This legislation makes it clear: our kids, their physical and mental well-being, are not for sale," said Lear.

This bill awaits a number and committee assignment.