Bill > SB199

This bill establishes a new two percent privilege fee on gross sports gaming wagers in Ohio, with the primary purpose of supporting interscholastic athletics and publicly owned professional sports facilities. The bill creates a new Sports Venue Redevelopment Commission consisting of seven members (three appointed by the governor, two by the house speaker, and two by the senate president) to evaluate and approve projects for funding. The commission will oversee the Sports Venue Redevelopment Fund, which will receive 98% of the fee revenue, while 2% will go to an Interscholastic Athletics Fund. To be eligible for funding, sports facilities must be state or politically subdivided owned, primarily serve as a venue for professional or minor league sports franchises located in Ohio, and can receive up to 40% of their total project costs. When evaluating projects, the commission will consider factors such as facility size, attendance, usability, age, lease terms, and potential non-relocation agreements. The bill also includes provisions for filing returns, paying penalties for non-compliance, and managing the collection and distribution of the new sports gaming fee, with the ultimate goal of supporting local sports infrastructure and educational activities.

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https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb199