Should Ohio approve sports betting and expand gambling in the state? Editorial Board Roundtable – cleveland.com

A bill passed by the Ohio Senate would open the door to legal betting on professional, college, Olympic and other sports.

The legislation still needs to win approval in the Ohio House and the signature of Gov. Mike DeWine before it can become law.

But DeWine has been reported as saying that he believes sports betting in Ohio is inevitable.

The question is whether its the right thing to do.

The legislation would authorize the Ohio Casino Control Commission to set up a three-tier licensing system:

The bill would impose a 10% tax on the net revenue from sports gambling received by license holders. After deductions for tax refunds and administrative costs, 98% of the money would be transferred to a fund to be used for K-12 public and private education. Two percent would go to the Problem Sports Gaming and Addiction Fund.

The legislation, despite overwhelming support in the Senate (it passed 30-2), is not without detractors.

The Fair Gaming Coalition of Ohio, a coalition of bars, taverns, restaurants, bowling alleys and other businesses that sell Ohio Lottery products, says 10,700 businesses across the state could handle this through the lottery kiosks set up through Keno.

The group doesnt like that the proposal would limit enhanced products to Ohios existing casinos and greatly restrict who can offer sports betting.

Public education advocates in the coalition worry that marketing and promotion costs run up by online apps and casinos could ultimately lead to less money going to schools.

Should Ohio, which was slow to allow casino gambling, expand to allow sports betting as many of its neighbors have? Should pro sports get preferential treatment for licenses? What will this mean for integrity of athletics? And is it proper for the state to raise money from an activity that could lead to other societal woes, such as gambling addiction?

Our Editorial Board Roundtable offers its rulings.

Victor Ruiz

Victor A. Ruiz, editorial board member:

Gambling is already legal in Ohio (lottery, casinos, skill-based games, etc.) so the argument that it can lead to addiction and other woes makes no sense. We need more funding for our schools, which this may provide. We need to ensure that the funding is equitably distributed, so that the communities that need it the most benefit.

Ted Diadiun

Ted Diadiun, columnist:

Gambling on sporting events, particularly on college and other amateur sports, is a scourge on the athletic scene. There is nothing positive about it, and it encourages all kinds of unsavory and illegal mischief. I know its here to stay but giving it official governmental imprimatur can only encourage its spread and further invite criminal behavior. Terrible idea.

Leila Atassi is the managing producer for the public interest and advocacy team at The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

Leila Atassi, managing producer, public interest and advocacy:

While I dont see the allure of gambling, I appreciate that legalizing sports betting would lead to a lucrative revenue stream for Ohio schools. That said, I agree with the Fair Gaming Coalition that licenses should be distributed fairly for the thousands of businesses that are eligible to participate.

Lisa Garvin

Lisa Garvin, editorial board member:

A gamblers going to gamble, so the state should benefit from that. However, I dont want to see betting kiosks at every bar and restaurant, so licenses for those should be limited. Its unfair and borderline unethical if the MLB, NBA and NFL teams control the only retail sportsbook locations. What about college teams and other sports?

Mary Cay Doherty is a teacher at Magnificat High School in Rocky River.

Mary Cay Doherty, editorial board member:

Its a sure thing. Sports betting is coming to Ohio. So, it is better that the General Assembly set the rules than special interest groups via citizen-initiated statutes or constitutional amendments. And ethically, gambling tax revenues are no different than those from tobacco and alcohol sales. But isnt the fox guarding the henhouse if pro teams facilitate betting on games they play?

Eric Foster is a columnist for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

Eric Foster, columnist:

Legalizing sports betting and spending revenue on education is a great idea. This will not cause some downward spiral of corruption in athletics. Widespread corruption already exists. However, the devil is in the details. Why limit the number of licenses? Such limitations encourage backroom deals and business monopolies. They should limit marketing and promotion costs reimbursement. More money for kids.

Thomas Suddes

Thomas Suddes, editorial writer:

Gamblings reality: In the end, the provider (casino; online betting or game systems; states) is always the one sure winner. But given that neighboring states have begun to offer sports betting, theres probably no good reason why Ohio shouldnt.

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Should Ohio approve sports betting and expand gambling in the state? Editorial Board Roundtable - cleveland.com