13 Jul 2026
Ohio Lawmakers Introduce HB 971 to Repeal Statewide Online Sports Betting
Ohio representatives filed House Bill 971 in July 2026 under the name Save Ohio Sports Act, and this measure would eliminate the state's mobile and online sports wagering system if enacted, marking the first such reversal by any U.S. state since legalization began across multiple jurisdictions. The legislation targets existing frameworks that have allowed digital betting platforms to operate since their initial approval, and sponsors frame the effort as a direct response to concerns over market structure and revenue allocation within the state.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
HB 971 outlines specific steps to unwind current licensing agreements that permit online operators to accept wagers from Ohio residents through mobile applications and web-based interfaces, and it includes provisions for a phased transition period that would require companies to cease new account registrations while managing existing user balances. Lawmakers who introduced the bill point to data from the Ohio Casino Control Commission showing steady growth in digital handle since 2023, yet they argue that these figures have not translated into expected benefits for local communities or amateur sports programs as initially projected during the legalization debate.
Under the terms described in the bill text, physical retail sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks would remain unaffected, which creates a clear distinction between in-person and remote wagering that observers note could shift player activity patterns if the measure advances. The Save Ohio Sports Act also directs the state to conduct a review of tax distributions from online betting, and this component requires a report back to the legislature within six months of any repeal taking effect so that adjustments to funding formulas for education and public safety can be considered.
Background on Ohio's Sports Betting Market
Ohio launched its regulated online sports betting market after voters approved Issue 1 in 2021, and operators began accepting mobile wagers in early 2023 following the issuance of the first licenses by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Revenue reports released by the commission indicate that digital sports wagering generated hundreds of millions in taxable handle during its first full years of operation, with a portion allocated to the state's general revenue fund and another share directed toward problem gambling treatment programs. Those figures reveal consistent month-over-month increases through mid-2026, yet lawmakers behind HB 971 contend that the market structure has concentrated benefits among a small number of national operators rather than fostering broader economic gains across Ohio counties.
Legislative Process and Timeline
The bill was assigned to the House Finance Committee shortly after its July 2026 filing, and committee members scheduled initial hearings for later that month to gather testimony from state regulators, industry representatives, and advocacy groups. Sponsors have signaled they intend to move the measure through both chambers before the end of the current legislative session, although procedural hurdles including potential amendments and competing priorities could extend the timeline into 2027. Public records show that similar repeal efforts have surfaced in other states during recent sessions, but none have advanced to enactment, which leaves Ohio positioned as a potential test case if HB 971 succeeds.
Stakeholder Positions and Market Impact
Industry associations representing licensed operators have released statements noting that a repeal would force significant operational changes, including the relocation of servers and customer service functions currently based in Ohio, and they point to employment data compiled by the Ohio Department of Development that credits the digital betting sector with several hundred direct jobs. Meanwhile, groups focused on consumer protection have expressed support for the bill's goals while urging additional safeguards during any wind-down period to protect player funds and ensure responsible closure of accounts. State budget analysts have begun modeling scenarios that estimate the fiscal effects of lost online wagering tax revenue, and preliminary projections shared with legislators suggest adjustments would be needed in allocations for local governments that currently receive shares of those collections.
According to information from the Public Gaming Research Institute, Ohio's online sports betting market ranked among the top ten nationally by handle volume as of early 2026, which underscores the scale of activity that would end if the Save Ohio Sports Act becomes law. Retail betting locations at the state's casinos and racetracks would continue under existing rules, and this carve-out has drawn attention from analysts who track how player preferences might evolve between channels if remote options disappear.
Comparison with Other State Approaches
While several states have expanded sports betting access since the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Ohio would become the first to pursue a full rollback of its mobile segment under HB 971, and this distinction has prompted discussions among regulatory bodies in neighboring states about potential cross-border effects. Data compiled by the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States shows that most jurisdictions have focused on refining tax rates and responsible gaming tools rather than reversing legalization, yet the Ohio proposal introduces a new variable that policymakers elsewhere are monitoring. The bill's emphasis on preserving retail operations while eliminating online access sets it apart from broader prohibition measures considered in prior years, and this targeted approach could influence how future legislative packages are drafted in other capitals.
Conclusion
HB 971 remains in the early stages of the legislative process as of July 2026, and its progress will depend on committee deliberations, floor votes, and potential gubernatorial review. The Save Ohio Sports Act represents a distinct policy shift within the national landscape of sports wagering regulation, and stakeholders across government, industry, and advocacy circles continue to prepare responses as hearings advance. Updates from the Ohio General Assembly will clarify next steps for the measure and its implications for the state's betting market structure.