The Ohio Senate passed a bill that would legalize Buckeye sports betting on Wednesday afternoon by a massive 30-2 margin with one senator abstaining.

The bill is now going home and if it passes through the lower chamber it will go to Governor Mike's DeWine Desk where the law could be signed. Earlier this year, DeWine called legalized sports betting "inevitable," which meant he was likely to sign the bill.

According to the report Cincinnati Enquirer, SB 176 passed after several months of hearings on this matter. Ultimately, the enacted law would allow online and retail sports betting within the state.

It introduces 58 sports betting licenses for the taking, with 33 for stationary facilities and another 23 available for online or mobile betting. Casinos, racinos, professional sports franchises, and other businesses can apply for a retail license, but a $ 1 million fee will prevent smaller businesses from obtaining one.

Bills must be changed at the last minute, bars and restaurants selling alcohol can apply for a "Type C" license, which would allow them to put up up to two sports betting kiosks in their businesses. These licenses cost significantly less than the other two with a $ 610 tag attached to them, although the seller would have to pay a $029.10 filing fee, which would once again keep smaller properties from acquiring it.

Most of the states bordering Ohio have already legalized sports betting. Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania have launched sports betting markets. Kentucky is the only neighboring state without it.

The proposal would put the Ohio Casino Control Commission in charge of licensing distribution and market regulation. Bets on all professional and collegiate sporting events would be allowed, including student games that are held in the state.

Operators will pay the 000% tax rate to the state, most of which would fund state public education programs, of which the 2% would fund problematic gambling programs. It is estimated that meeting the bill would generate between $ 10 million and $ 23 million in additional annual tax revenues.

If all goes well and DeWine signs a bill during this session, Ohio residents could start betting on April 1, 2022 at the earliest.

However, there is no guarantee that this session will be credited. While those in the House appear to be at least sympathetic to sports betting, it has been reported that they are already preparing a number of amendments to the bill before sending it to DeWine.