Report: New State Gaming Tax Proposal Could Help Fund Paycor Stadium Upgrades

CINCINNATI — 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. 700WLW reports that move could fund up to 40% of the needed funds to upgrade Paycor Stadium.
It would involve a 20-40% increase in the state's sports gaming tax starting in 2026, with all current gaming tax revenue allocations staying the same.
“I believe that our professional sports in Ohio are very valuable to us,” DeWine said to the press recently. “I think it's part of our quality of life, but this gives us an opportunity not to have to take general fund dollars away from education or something else, and to be able to actually fund these in the future.”
DeWine noted the new gaming tax rate could raise an additional $130-180 million per year for the state on top of the $130-180 million per year it currently generates after sports betting was legalized in Jan. 2023.
The multi-decade outlook is quite hefty with a projected $3.9-5.4 billion flowing to the state to fund stadiums and youth programs over the next 30 years.
“We're going to be able to help our young people be healthier, [and] participate in sports,” DeWine declared. “So I think it is a win-win-win.”
If approved the state of Ohio could provide up to 40% of the funding to renovate Paycor Stadium for @Bengals . @GovMikeDeWine proposing doubling the tax on sports wagering in the state to establish a construction fund. More at 8 on Newsradio 700WLW and https://t.co/0vZ5za8KXo pic.twitter.com/fQ3Pc0YRWE
— 700WLW (@700wlw) February 4, 2025
For more on the Bengals, subscribe to our YouTube Channel and watch the video below:
Make sure you bookmark BengalsTalk.com for the latest Bengals news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!
You May Also Like:
Duke Tobin on Trey Hendrickson's Future With Bengals: 'He Has Earned a Pay Raise'
What Erick All's Injury Means for Bengals' Plans at Tight End in Free Agency and 2025 NFL Draft
Sources: Bengals Players 'Excited' About Defensive Coordinator Al Golden and Revamped Coaching Staff
Report: Arrests Made in Possible Relation to Joe Burrow Home Robbery
'He's an Expert Pass Pro Technician' - NFL World Reacts to Bengals New O-Line Coach Scott Peters
Former Bengals Coach Lou Anarumo Named Colts Defensive Coordinator
Legendary Bengals Coach Jim McNally Praises Offensive Line Hiring of Scott Peters
Bengals Fun Fact: Trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Cade York Finish 20-0
ESPN's Ben Solak Predicts Bengals Trade For Falcons Star Tight End Kyle Pitts
Look: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase Nominated For FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year Award
NFL Insider Dan Graziano Comments on Tee Higgins 'Long Shot' Future With Bengals
Bengals Legend Chimes in on Zac Taylor's Future: 'Now It Starts to Fall Back on You'
Report: Cincinnati Bengals Move on From Two More Coaches, Making Major Changes to Staff
-----
Join the 46,000+ Bengals fans who subscribe to us on YouTube.
Follow us on Twitter: @BengalsTalkSI