By: Jake Zuckerman, Ohio Capital Journal
The Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would allow Ohioans to place bets on sports.
The bill passed 83-10. It now heads to the Ohio Senate, which has been working on a similar proposal with a different regulatory body and lower tax rate.
The House bill would give oversight responsibilities to the state Lottery, while the Senate bill gives oversight to the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, said after the vote the state constitution requires Lottery oversight for gambling, echoing an argument its sponsors made on the floor.
The House proposal taxes revenue (minus winnings) at 10% and puts the money in a fund under the Department of Education. The Senate proposal levies a lighter 6.25% tax on revenue and puts it all in the state general fund.
If the Senate were to amend the House bill, the two chambers would need to hash out their differences in a conference committee before it goes to Gov. Mike DeWine for passage or a veto.
