Republican Senate President Matt Huffman said they're working with House leaders to iron out a deal on legalizing sports betting. There are many interested parties involved, however, and that means a lot of money in the budding industry.
A big part of the debate is centered on which establishments are allowed to host gambling. Ohio's professional sports teams and the casinos are making a play at being some of the first to be licensed through mobile and in-person platforms. But other venues, such as bowling centers, want what they call a "piece of the pie" with self-service kiosks.
"There are really one or two big issues which I think are fairly clear and fairly understandable and I am optimistic," Huffman said.
The recent proposal introduced before the summer recess would allow up to 25 licenses to host betting on mobile devices and 40 for brick-and-mortar establishments, with another license type for self-service kiosks.
Huffman says he'd like to see movement on the bill in the next week or so.
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