Online casino players who currently reside in Ohio might have regulated real money online casino options soon.
Rep. Brian Stewart, one of the influential Ohio lawmakers, is drafting an online casino bill. Its main goal is to legalize iGaming within the Buckeye State. The bill expands casino access through mobile and computers, generating new revenue without increasing traditional taxes.
Rep. Stewart noted that having an iGaming market could generate more revenue for the state. The bill Rep. Stewart is currently drafting could formally be filed in next year’s session once completed.
To date, Rep. Stewart has sponsored House Bill 96 (HB 96), the House’s version of the two-year state budget. Lawmakers approved this after rejecting Gov. Mike DeWine’s plan to raise online sports betting tax from 20% to 40%. Previously, in 2023, DeWine had increased the tax rate from 10% to 20%.
Ohio Lawmakers Want to Utilize iGaming for Potential Revenue
Two years ago, the approved state budget created a Study Commission to examine expanding online gambling in Ohio. The commission was tasked with the feasibility of casino-style games and poker to the state’s online gambling offerings.
After studying the numbers, Ohio lawmakers recommended legalizing online casinos to boost tax revenue, citing successes in other states. However, they warned Ohio must protect retail casinos and racetracks from potential losses due to market cannibalization.
Former Sen. Niraj Antani introduced an online casino bill in September to spark discussion after legalizing sports betting in 2022. Antani proposed one-year licenses with a $100,000+ application fee, $300,000+ license fee, and $250,000+ for gambling support.
The bill stalled by year-end, wasn’t pre-filed for 2025, and Antani left office. Still, online casino talks continue in Ohio.
iGaming Operators Weigh In
While the Ohio Lottery complained that online sportsbooks have negatively affected their business, iGaming operators were positive about online casinos. Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, shared his sentiments about the potential of online casinos in Ohio,
“… the reality is that legalizing online casinos remains one of the best options for state governments to make up any near or long-term budget deficits.”
Schwartz added that regulating iGaming is a way to protect citizens and substantially raise tax revenue for the state. Such incentives could be the catalyst to boost and generate momentum for iGaming legalization.
As it stands, the jury is still out on whether the Committee would approve of the upcoming online casino bill.