The state of Ohio has voted to boost its tax rate on sports wagering from 10% to 20%, which is a significant step for the state’s sports betting business. The decision was made as part of a budget agreement negotiated by the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate for fiscal year 2024-2025. Governor Mike DeWine signed the law shortly after the budget went into effect, following his prior request to raise the tax rate just a month after Ohio legalized sports betting.
The plan to raise the tax rate gathered pace after the Ohio House of Representatives issued its budget in April, which did not contain the tax rate increase for sports betting. However, on June 15th, the Senate modified the budget and included the tax rate hike clause.
In January, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) announced the debut of 16 internet platforms and 13 retail locations, including notable national operators such as Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. The state now has 18 active sports betting sites, which is adding to the market’s expansion.
Ohio’s sports betting market has produced approximately $507.08 million in taxable revenue since its debut in January. This revenue would have resulted in more than $50.7 million in taxes under the former 10% tax rate. The tax revenue would have more than doubled to $101.4 million under the new 20% tax rate.
According to the state, the increased tax rate will generate an additional $100-$135 million in tax revenue per year. The majority of this revenue will go to the Sports Gaming Profits Education Fund, with the remaining 2% going to the Problem Sports Gaming Fund.
While the tax hike is expected to provide major financial benefits to the state, several critics are concerned about possible negative implications. Some critics claim that the higher tax rate will make it impossible for smaller platforms to operate in Ohio. Americans for Tax Reform has called the proposed tax increase a “tax risk,” claiming that Ohio businesses are already on track to fulfil revenue expectations even without the proposed tax increase.
Former Ohio congressman Dan Dodd emphasized the potential impact on licensing costs and the likelihood of fewer operators in the state.
Aside from the tax rate change, the budget includes a clause that allows state regulators to impose forced self-exclusion for bettors. This action can be filed if persons have made threats of violence or harm relating to sports gaming, aimed at individuals participating in athletic activities before, during, or after the events.
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