Key Moments:
- However, Ohio’s two online casino bills will not advance before the 136th General Assembly finishes next month.
- Meanwhile, Governor-elect Amy Acton expressed willingness to consider iGaming if state leaders institute proper regulatory and public health safeguards.
- Additionally, House Bill 298 proposed a 28% tax on online casino revenue through partnerships with existing casinos and racinos.
Ohio Legislative Session Sees No Movement on iGaming Proposals
Two key pieces of online casino legislation remain in the Ohio General Assembly. However, neither bill will progress as the 136th session wraps up next month. Incoming Governor Amy Acton won the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Consequently, she replaces outgoing Republican Mike DeWine, who strongly opposed expanding internet gambling. In contrast, Acton’s openness to iGaming has increased optimism among supporters for future legislative efforts.
Details of Current iGaming Bills
Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) introduced House Bill 298. His bill sought to authorize internet casino gaming through licenses held by established casino and racino partners. Furthermore, it proposed a 28% tax on gross gaming revenue from these operations. Meanwhile, Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) sponsored Senate Bill 197. His proposal aimed for a broader expansion to include online iLottery and parimutuel horse wagering. However, Manning left the Senate in July after Governor DeWine appointed him to the Ninth District Court of Appeals. He subsequently secured the seat in the latest election to replace retiring Judge Donna Carr.
| Bill | Primary Sponsor | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| HB298 | Rep. Brian Stewart | Online casino licensing through existing casinos/racinos; 28% GGR tax |
| SB197 | Sen. Nathan Manning | Expansion to iLottery and online parimutuel horse racing |
Governor-Elect’s Perspective and Cautions
Amy Acton is the state’s first Democratic governor in two decades. She campaigned on reducing costs for residents. Therefore, she stated she will discuss online gambling legislation if lawmakers implement it responsibly to alleviate financial burdens for Ohioans.
“Certainly, I see it as a source of revenue that can help fund the proposals that we need to help bring down the cost of living in this state and provide for the services we need to fund,” Acton told the Statehouse News Bureau in September.
As a public health professional, Acton emphasizes the necessity for a robust regulatory framework. Specifically, this framework must address potential increases in gambling problems while shielding minor and vulnerable populations from predatory advertising and other risks.
“That said, I am a doctor and a public health professional, and I want to make sure we have the right regulatory environment around it. I want to make sure we stop the sort of predatory advertising we’re seeing, and I want to make sure our young people are protected,” Acton said.
Thus, the governor-elect will back iGaming only if leaders establish a “very nuanced and comprehensive strategy.”
Session Timeline and Future Outlook
Ohio is one of five state legislatures currently in session. However, the state’s 2026 session ends on December 17. Consequently, any pending bills will expire, and the next session begins on January 4.
Ohio’s Slower Pace for iGaming Compared to Sports Betting
While sports betting legislation moved forward quickly in Ohio, progress on iGaming legalization remains slow. In fact, only eight states have approved online casino laws. Delaware (2012), New Jersey (2013), Pennsylvania (2017), West Virginia (2019), Michigan (2019), Connecticut (2021), Rhode Island (2023), and Maine (2026) enacted these measures over the past decade.
- Author
Daniel Williams
