COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sports gambling is not all fun and games since its launch in Ohio. The Ohio Casino Control Commission says of the $7.6 billion wagered in the state, 97% was through online or app based sports gaming proprietors. Sportsbooks and casinos raked in $933 million in revenue, and the state took in $935 million in taxable revenue.
The Ohio Lottery is the governing body of gambling kiosks at restaurants, bars and grocery stores. Despite issuing licenses to more than 1,500 businesses and hosts across the state, the lottery is losing money on sports gaming kiosks.
10 Investigates found the Ohio Lottery revenue share was $303,589, and according to a Lottery spokesperson, it cost $650,000 to operate annually.
“While we were tasked by the Legislature with regulating the Type C sports gaming program, we knew that it was not going to be as lucrative as traditional lottery products. Unlike traditional lottery games that have fixed payouts and prize structures, sports gaming’s odds are volatile and change quickly, and sometimes proprietors take a loss," the spokesperson said.
In addition, the spokesperson said the Lottery is responsible for establishing rules and regulations of the program and ensuring compliance with them. Outside of staffing, there are no significant operating expenses to regulate the program.
A spokesperson for the Lottery said it is working its proprietors to bring in more innovative ideas to increase market share. Also, unclaimed gambling winnings estimated at $125,767 for fiscal year 2024 will go towards the Lottery Profits Education Fund.
It’s not the only money funding education in the state. Sports gaming taxable revenue earmarked to go to education and to problem sports gambling resources. After one year, has any money appropriated from the Ohio Legislature made it to help students and those fighting gambling addiction?
10TV’s Clay Gordon has been following the money for more than a year. Thursday night at 6 p.m., he will reveal where the money is going.
