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Republican-Led Senate Okays Bill To Legalize Online Gaming, Over Objections Of Some Republicans

Daniel Konik

A bill to legalize fantasy sports gaming in Ohio will soon be on its way to Gov. John Kasich after passing the Senate by a big margin.

Sen. Dave Burke (R-Marysville) spoke for the bill, saying it will legalize and regulate an activity for people who can pick sports winners. “I don’t consider that gambling – I consider that skill," Burke said.

But Sen. Bill Coley (R-Liberty Township) has wanted more regulations on fantasy gaming, saying he’s not against gambling. “What I’m against is bad law,” Coley said.

Coley proposed tacking on a 6% tax, but that was defeated. Another Republican lawmaker expressed concern that there was no funding in the bill to fight addiction to online sports gambling.

Copyright 2017 The Statehouse News Bureau

Contact Karen at 614/578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.