Ohio Republicans Debate Repeal of College Athlete Prop Bet Ban
Ohio has recently implemented a ban on bets related to the individual performance of college athletes. However, three Republican representatives, Cindy Abrams, Jeff LaRe, and Jay Edwards argue that the ban should be rescinded.
Calls for Reconsideration of Prop Bet Ban
Lawmakers contend that college athletes, now able to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL), are no different from professional athletes and should not be excluded from prop betting markets.
In a letter accompanying the commission’s July 12 report, the lawmakers emphasized that the financial compensation college athletes receive justifies treating them similarly to professional players in terms of betting regulations.
Edwards, who co-chaired the commission and also chairs the House Finance Committee, dismissed concerns that prop bets lead to harassment of athletes, arguing that social media criticism is inevitable, with or without betting.
Opposition from the Ohio Casino Control Commission
Despite the lawmakers’ push, the Ohio Casino Control Commission has shown no intention of reconsidering the ban. Edwards acknowledged that there is currently no legislative proposal to force the change.
The commission initially implemented the ban amid concerns that allowing prop bets on college athletes could increase the risk of harassment and pressure on young athletes, as well as potentially influence game outcomes.
The proposal to lift the ban has drawn mixed reactions. Ricardo Hill, a high school basketball coach, supports the current ban, arguing that college sports should remain free from betting influences due to their amateur status. Hill, who regularly attends college games, has heard firsthand accounts from players about fans shouting specific betting demands, which he believes could pose significant risks if athletes were in financial distress.
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