43
Legislation would provide increased oversight of pools, online fantasy sports contests and other money drawings
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
The Ohio Senate launched hearings this week on legislation that would provide increased oversight of pools, online fantasy sports contests and other money drawings.
Sen. Bill Coley of West Chester, a Republican, introduced Senate Bill 356 to provide clarity to state law and needed regulation of forms of gaming that aren’t currently subject to review by any state agency.
“The Casino Control Commission will be right there to supervise operations and to clarify any changes in the rules,” Coley told the Senate’s State and Local Government Committee this week.
“This legislation is necessary to make sure that daily fantasy sports and e-sports that are currently online move forward and that the gaming is done correctly.”
Pools are legal in Ohio as long as 100 percent of the proceeds are distributed as prizes. Those that take a cut of the payments made already are violating Ohio law.
Such games have grown in popularity. Twice in the past year, Queen of Hearts games offered at Northeast Ohio businesses have ended with prizes totaling more than $1 million, including $3.4 million in a September drawing at a Garrettsville bowling alley.
The game has been deemed legal, though it is subject to regulation by the state’s liquor control office, inspector general and tax officials.
County prosecutors also could pursue legal action, if they believe laws have been broken. Otherwise, there are no state requirements for the games.
Coley headed a legislative panel that considered Queen of Hearts and other pools and subsequently called for the state to consider allowing the Casino Control Commission to regulate such games.
SB 356 seeks to further clarify and regulate pool-related rules, ensuring fantasy sports, office competitions and drawings are operating legitimately.
The bill would classify betting via electronic daily fantasy sports sites as schemes of chance, prohibiting them in the state.
The legislation also would grant oversight of pools not conducted for profit to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, with powers to regulate, license and enforce related gambling laws.