Republican Governor Sparks MAGA Backlash With Betting Move

Ohio Governor Mark DeWine has sparked a backlash from other Republicans after proposing to increase a tax on betting in the state.

Newsweek reached out to DeWine's office via his website for comment.

Why It Matters

DeWine initially proposed doubling Ohio's tax on sports betting from 20 percent to 40 percent as part of his budget in February. He had already doubled it from 10 percent to 20 percent in a 2023 budget.

According to the Ohio Capital Journal, the money will be used for youth sports initiatives and a new stadium for NFL team the Cleveland Browns.

What To Know

If the tax increases, Ohio will have the second-largest betting tax rate, eclipsed only by New York, which has a 51 percent tax rate.

He is also proposing increasing taxes on cigarettes and vape products.

DeWine has clashed with other Republicans in the past. In September 2024, he criticized Donald Trump and his then-running mate JD Vance's rhetoric on immigration in Ohio, though he said he supported both politicians.

What People Are Saying

His idea has sparked a backlash from members of his own party.

Donald Trump Jr. on X, formerly Twitter: "While my dad is trying to cut taxes for Americans, why is a REPUBLICAN Governor trying to raise taxes?"

Gabe Guidarini, president of the University of Dayton College Republicans, said in a Dayton Daily News article: "I'm deeply concerned about Governor Mike DeWine's proposed tax hike on sports gaming — a plan that feels like a targeted attack on young people, particularly those of us working hard to build our futures."

Republican State Representative Brian Stewart told News 5: "You know we started out with a 10 percent tax on sports gaming, we've not even finished two football seasons and now we're talking about quadrupling that tax. I think that's going to generate a lot of discussion."

Conservative commentator Jack Posobiec, on X: "RINO Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's plan to raise taxes on sports betting to force taxpayers to pay for a new sports stadium is nothing more than government cronyism on the back of the working-class. Why can't billionaire team owners pay for their own stadiums?"

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, in February: "These are the companies that are taking all of this money outside, draining it outside of the State of Ohio on gaming. They ought to pay their fair share and this would make them pay their fair share."

What Happens Next

The two-year budget is due by July 1.