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Ohio Senator Niraj Antani is pushing for a major change to the state’s sports betting tax. Senate Bill 190, introduced by Antani, proposes cutting the tax rate from 20% to 10%, returning it to the original rate set when sports betting became legal in Ohio nearly two years ago.
The state increased the tax on sports betting last year, but Antani argues this move was misguided. He explained that the current 20% tax rate places Ohio among the highest in the country, ranking sixth out of the 38 states with legalized sports betting. “The 20% rate makes us the 6th highest out of the 38 states with sports betting. The lowest in the country are Iowa and Nevada, three times lower than our rate,” Antani said in a written statement.
The senator also raised concerns about Ohio’s position compared to neighboring states. Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia all have significantly lower tax rates on sports betting. Antani believes this disparity puts Ohio at a disadvantage both regionally and nationally. He stated, “Our border states, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia, now all have significantly lower tax rates. This puts us at a significant regional and national disadvantage.”
The proposed reduction would align Ohio’s tax policy more closely with those of other states, potentially making the state more competitive in attracting operators and bettors. Supporters of lower tax rates argue that reduced taxes can help expand the market, encourage investment, and ultimately boost overall tax revenue through higher betting activity.
Senate Bill 190 seeks to reverse the tax hike enacted last year and reinstate the original 10% rate. The senator’s efforts are grounded in the belief that a competitive tax structure will strengthen Ohio’s sports betting market and prevent losing potential revenue to neighboring states.
As the bill moves forward, it will likely spark debate about balancing the need for competitive tax rates with the desire to generate substantial tax revenue for the state.