Ohio Could Become First State To Consider iGaming Bill in 2025

Article by : Erik Gibbs Sep 9, 2024

• 
• 

Ohio could be the next state to enter the iGaming arena as state lawmakers consider a bill to legalize online casinos. On Wednesday, Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani introduced a comprehensive 146-page bill that aims to create a legal framework for iGaming in the state. The legislation seeks to establish online casino operations under the supervision of the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The commission would regulate the online gaming platforms, monitor their operations, and decide which games could be offered to players.

Currently, only seven states in the US have legalized iGaming: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. If Ohio moves forward with this legislation, it would become the eighth state to offer legal online casino gaming, and given its size, it would become one of the largest markets in the nation.

The proposal would allow Ohio’s 11 casinos and racinos to each operate one online casino app. This push comes after significant growth in Ohio’s gambling industry, which started in 2009 when voters passed a constitutional amendment permitting brick-and-mortar casinos.

The state then expanded its gambling landscape further with the legalization of sports betting in 2021, a bill co-sponsored by Antani. The launch of sports betting proved to be highly successful, generating substantial tax revenue, and supporters of iGaming believe it could have a similar impact.

In states where iGaming is legal, the economic benefits have been notable. Michigan, for instance, saw $2.3 billion in gross receipts from iGaming and sports betting in 2023 alone. Ohio, with its population of nearly 12 million, could expect comparable figures as the market develops.

Despite the potential revenue, the road to legalizing iGaming in Ohio may be difficult. The legislative calendar is packed, and lawmakers are unlikely to make significant progress before the end of 2024. Additionally, Antani, the driving force behind the bill, will be leaving office due to term limits.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also poses a challenge, as he has historically been reluctant to support expanded gambling. Although he signed the sports betting bill into law in 2021, DeWine later expressed regret, criticizing aggressive advertising and attempting to increase taxes on sports betting operators.

With these hurdles in place, the Buckeye State’s path to iGaming remains uncertain. However, if successful, the state could soon join the ranks of major players in the online casino industry, offering a new revenue stream and more gaming options for residents.