The state of Maine is currently debating multiple bills that would legalize sports betting. Ohio is also working towards legalization, but the Senate and House have a different opinion on which organization should oversee gambling.
Maine
The state of Maine has taken notice of other states profiting from March Madness, and now they want in on the fun too. There are two bills currently being discussed to legalize sports betting within the state, and more currently being written.
One of these bills is L.D. 1348, a bill that would legalize sports betting on both college and professional games both online, and at gambling establishments across the state. The bill does carry a hefty fee and tax rate, but a majority of that revenue would go help fund education within Maine. This bill is quite similar to the one that was approved in New Jersey last year.
The other bill being discussed is L.D. 1515. This one only require bettors to be 18 years old, rather than 21 like L.D. 1348 requires. It also would only permit sports bets be placed in-person at either a racetrack or betting parlor. Another key distinguisher is that a majority of tax revenue under this bill would go to help the industry of harnessed race sports within Maine rather than education.
It’s not yet clear which way lawmakers are leaning towards, but they definitely see that other states are profiting from legalized sports betting, and they’re currently missing out. You can expect sports betting to be legalized in some capacity within the year in Maine.
Ohio
Things are starting to heat up between the House and Senate in Ohio when it comes to the topic of gambling on sports. The House wants the Lottery Commission to oversee sports betting, but Senate wants the Casino Control Commission in charge.
The House Bill would mandate a 10% tax on gambling revenue, with a majority of those proceeds going to help fund education for the state. The Senate Bill would only have a 6.25% tax rate, and none of the earnings would go towards education. The House Bill also includes language that would make sports betting available online and in-person.
Even though lawmakers are unable to agree on who should oversee gambling, this means that they at least agree that sports betting should be legal to some extent. Ohio will definitely end up legalizing sports betting within the year.
