The bill introduced by Senator Blessing aims to amend the Revised Code to implement a fee on gross sports gaming wagers, with the revenue directed towards publicly owned professional sports facilities and interscholastic athletics. It introduces new sections, specifically 123.282 and 5753.022, which define and regulate cultural and sports facilities, as well as the financial requirements for state funding. The bill also establishes that state funding for sports facilities cannot exceed 15% of the initial estimated construction costs and emphasizes the importance of local contributions and cooperative agreements between governmental agencies and cultural organizations.

Additionally, the bill creates the Sports Venue Redevelopment Commission to oversee projects funded by the Sports Venue Redevelopment Fund, which is designated for the renovation or construction of publicly owned sports facilities. It introduces a privilege fee on gross wagers from sports gaming proprietors to support interscholastic athletics and outlines the distribution of these funds. The bill also revises existing definitions and requirements related to casino and sports gaming operations, including the treatment of taxes and fees, compliance penalties, and the responsibilities of taxpayers in the event of a sale or disposal of gaming facilities. Several sections of the Revised Code are repealed, and the amendments will apply to gross wagers received after the bill's effective date.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 123.28, 123.281, 5753.01, 5753.031, 5753.04, 5753.05, 5753.06, 5753.07, 5753.08, 5753.12