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. Key amendments include the addition of new sections 123.282 and 5753.022, which define terms related to professional and minor league sports franchises and establish financial requirements for state funding of sports facility projects. Notably, state funding is capped at 15% of the initial estimated construction costs, requiring at least 85% of funding to come from non-state sources. The bill also mandates cooperative use agreements between governmental agencies and cultural organizations to align projects with cultural support and operational cost liabilities.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Sports Venue Redevelopment Commission to evaluate and approve projects funded by the Sports Venue Redevelopment Fund, which is designated for the renovation or construction of publicly owned sports facilities. The commission will consist of seven members appointed by state officials, with restrictions on financial interests in professional sports franchises. The bill introduces a privilege fee on gross sports gaming wagers to support interscholastic athletics and outlines the distribution of these funds. It also amends various sections of the Revised Code related to casino operators and sports gaming proprietors, broadening their financial obligations by including the term "fee" alongside "tax." The bill includes provisions for compliance, penalties for non-compliance, and the immediate due of taxes or fees upon the sale of a gaming facility, indicating a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework for casino and sports gaming taxation in Ohio.

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