Ohio online gambling safety report gives state low marks

"Researchers say the grade reflects a gap between how easy it is to place a bet and the rules meant to protect people from financial harm or addiction. The scorecard warns that 'operators can offer bets to individuals demonstrating addictive gambling behaviors,' drawing attention to what it calls a major weakness in Ohio's current system."

"According to the analysis, Ohio's framework leans more toward allowing gambling than limiting its risks. The state collected 40 points for restrictions on online gambling but only 14 points for direct consumer protections, with almost no credit for tax structure or age-related safeguards."

"The report also says several policies commonly recommended by public health experts simply do not exist in Ohio law. The scorecard states there are 'no addiction or bankruptcy prevention protections,' and it notes that tools like mandatory loss limits, deposit waiting periods, and tougher advertising restrictions are missing."

Ohio legalized sports betting in 2022, with mobile apps launching in 2023 and quickly becoming the dominant betting method. However, a national scorecard from CASPR gave Ohio a D grade (57/100), ranking it 23rd for online gambling safety. The state's regulatory framework prioritizes enabling gambling over protecting consumers, earning only 14 points for direct consumer protections compared to 40 for restrictions. Critical safeguards are absent, including addiction prevention measures, bankruptcy protections, mandatory loss limits, deposit waiting periods, and advertising restrictions. This gap allows operators to target individuals showing addictive behaviors, and mobile platforms accelerate losses through instant transactions and promotional offers.

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