sports betting

The stakes are higher in Ohio this year for March Madness — and not just because it's a regional host for the first round of the men's NCAA basketball tournament.

Ohioans wagered more than $1.1 billion on sports betting in January, the first-month sports gambling was legal in the state.

The tax on sports betting would go from 10% to 20% under the budget proposed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, benefiting schools and helping with problem gambling and oversight of sports gaming in Ohio.

Northeast Ohio counselors are concerned that the recent legalization of sports betting in the state puts college students at a higher risk for problem gambling.

The Browns fired the beloved Kosar from their pregame radio broadcast before the season finale against Pittsburgh after he violated NFL policy by placing a wager earlier this week after sports gambling became legal in Ohio.

The agency that oversees sports gambling in Ohio said the parent companies of Bet MGM, Draft Kings and Caesars all violated state law, but others could also face legal action for alleged violations.

Sports betting becomes legal in Ohio on Jan. 1.

One of the first bets was a $19,000 wager for the Browns to beat the Steelers from former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar.

The new year brings legalized sports betting to Ohio with plenty of options for placing a bet. Starting Sunday, Ohio joins more than 30 states where fans can bet on sports.

The first opportunity to bet on the Bengals is January 2, 2023, when Cincinnati takes on the Buffalo Bills.