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Ohio Lawmakers Consider Sports Betting Fee for Stadiums, School Athletics

By: Charlotte Burke • April 24, 2026 • Columbus, OH
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(COLUMBUS) - Ohio lawmakers are weighing a proposal to add a new fee on sports betting wagers to fund stadium projects and school athletics.

Senate Bill 199 would place a 2 percent fee on total wagers placed in the state and direct the revenue into a new sports gaming fund.

Under the proposal, about 98 percent of the money would go toward a sports venue redevelopment fund, with the remaining 2 percent allocated to interscholastic athletics programs.

Supporters say the measure could generate roughly $200 million each year and create a dedicated funding source for stadium development and upgrades.

The bill also calls for the creation of a commission to review funding requests based on factors such as facility use, economic impact, and lease agreements.

The legislation is still in the early stages and will continue through committee hearings before any potential vote.