In his two-year state budget proposal released Monday, DeWine proposed raising Ohio's sports gaming tax from 20% to 40% to generate money for professional sports facilities and youth sports. DeWine said the tax hike on sports bettors would bring in $130 million to $180 million a year.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is proposing an increase in gambling taxes to help support youth sports and stadium funding around the state, such as the funds needed to upgrade Paycor Stadium. This week, DeWine proposed increasing Ohio’s sports gaming tax from 20% to 40% to avoid general fund contributions toward stadium construction and renovation statewide in his 2026-27 fiscal year budget proposal.

Gov. Mike DeWine has proposed doubling the sports gambling tax to 40%. The tax increase is included in DeWine's two-year state budget.

"Our professional sports in Ohio are very valuable to us.” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wants to double the tax on sports gambling — money that could partially pay for building a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns.

DeWine is calling on the legislature to double the tax rate that those operating Ohio's sports book pay on their profits after all winnings are paid.