Published on: January 30, 2026, 12:21h.
Updated on: January 30, 2026, 12:21h.
- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expresses regret for enacting sports betting legislation
- DeWine approved sports wagering laws in December 2021
- The Republican leader claims sports betting has exacerbated gambling issues, especially among younger males
As Mike DeWine (R), Ohio’s governor, enters the last year of his administration, he reflects on his nearly eight-year term.
During a recent interview with the editorial team of Cleveland.com / The Plain Dealer, DeWine shared reflections on the challenges and successes of his administration. The former attorney general admitted to regretting his endorsement of the state’s sports betting law enacted in 2021.
“When people ask about my mistakes, I point to signing the bill for sports gaming,” DeWine stated.
“It has become a serious issue among young males up to 45. Numerous individuals are now struggling with addiction, spending beyond their means,” DeWine acknowledged.
This isn’t DeWine’s first admission of regret regarding sports betting. Back in November, he informed the Associated Press that legalizing sports betting might have been a miscalculation.
“While gambling has always existed, the sheer financial power these companies possess to market and persuade individuals to gamble is unprecedented. Ohio absolutely should have steered clear of sports betting,” DeWine mentioned.
Understanding Ohio’s Sports Betting Legislation
DeWine’s authorization of House Bill 29 in December 2021 facilitated mobile and in-person sports wagering at venues such as casinos, racinos, sports arenas, and licensed bars and restaurants.
Currently, various sportsbooks operate within Ohio, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM. In the previous year, Ohio residents wagered over $10 billion on sports events, marking a new high, with nearly $1 billion lost to bookmakers.
Ohio receives 10% of the gross revenue from sports betting, netting around $100 million in 2025. The state’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year surpassed $100 billion.
Ohio for Responsible Gambling, a state-supported initiative backed by four agencies — the Ohio Lottery Commission, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Ohio State Racing Commission, and the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health — has noted a significant uptick in calls to its gambling helpline since the legalization of sports betting.
2026 Election Predictions
Market analysts on prediction platform Kalshi project the Republican candidate as the frontrunner for the 2026 gubernatorial race in Ohio. Shares reflecting a GOP victory are currently priced at 64 cents.
Former presidential aspirant Vivek Ramaswamy leads the betting odds for the Republican nomination, with shares trading at 91 cents, followed by Northwest Ohio small business owner Casey Putsch at 7 cents.
On the Democratic side, Dr. Amy Acton appears to be the leading candidate, with her shares trading at 95 cents for the party’s nomination. Acton previously served as the director of the Ohio Department of Health.