Ohio Online Casino Legalization Faces Delays

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Ohio Online Casino Legalization Faces Delays

Ohio lawmakers are slowing the push for online casinos, citing concerns over market saturation. While iGaming expansion was debated earlier this year, new developments have stalled legislation. 

Key politicians, including Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman and Governor Mike DeWine, have expressed caution, signaling that legalizing online casinos may not occur soon.

Why Ohio Lawmakers Are Halting Online Casino Legislation

Lawmakers point to a crowded gambling market as a primary reason for the slowdown. Ohio has experienced rapid growth in gambling options over the past five years, including brick-and-mortar casinos, racinos, and online sportsbooks. 

In a statement in the Statehouse News Bureau, Huffman noted the state is nearing a saturation point. He stressed that the number of active gamblers may not justify additional online platforms.

Recent legislative attempts focused on creating iGaming licenses linked to the state’s four existing casinos. Proposed bills would have introduced 11 online casino licenses with a 15% tax rate. 

However, the bills did not advance, reflecting lawmakers’ hesitation to expand further. Governor DeWine also highlighted potential risks, such as gaming addiction, if real money online casino access becomes ubiquitous.

The Ohio iGaming market is also affected by online sportsbooks‘ evolving tax landscape. After launching sports betting in January 2023 with a 10% tax, lawmakers doubled the rate to 20% months later. 

Proposals to further increase the tax to 40% were rejected, reflecting ongoing debates over gambling revenue versus accessibility.

Reception to Lawmakers Stalling Ohio Online Casino & iGaming Expansion

Public and industry reactions to the stall are mixed. Advocates for online casinos argue that the state could generate significant revenue from a thriving iGaming market. 

They point out that neighboring states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia offer competitive online casino environments, potentially driving Ohio residents to gamble elsewhere.

Meanwhile, opponents of expansion support lawmakers’ caution. They emphasize responsible gambling and community impacts, warning that adding real money online casinos could increase addiction rates. 

Governor DeWine’s stance mirrors these concerns, promoting controlled growth over rapid expansion

Potential Direction for Ohio Online Casinos

Despite the current slowdown, experts believe Ohio may revisit online casino legalization in the coming years. Future efforts could include stricter regulatory frameworks, taxation models that balance revenue with player incentives, and integration with existing casinos. 

Additionally, the rise of US crypto casino platforms may also play a role, offering alternative channels for digital gambling without overburdening the local market.

For players interested in exploring legal options, Ohio’s online sportsbooks remain active, while other states provide real money online casino opportunities. 

As it stands, Ohio’s iGaming future may be uncertain, but cautious lawmakers are prioritizing responsible expansion while balancing market saturation and public welfare. The state’s approach highlights the careful considerations shaping the US online casino landscape.

To stay ahead, enthusiasts can explore our curated lists of top US real money online casinos and the best US crypto casinos. Our lists offer secure platforms and diverse gaming experiences.