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State of Play’s TL;DR
- Ohio’s next governor, Democrat Amy Acton, said she supports expanding online gambling.
- Ohio permits regulated online sports betting but does not authorize state-regulated, real-money online casinos or online poker.
- Ohio online casino legalization would require legislative approval and a regulatory framework.
Ohio’s governor race brought contrasting approaches to online gambling into focus. In its election-day analysis, Action Network reported that candidates Amy Acton (D) and Don Kissick (L) supported expansion, while candidate Vivek Ramaswamy (R) had not committed to a specific expansion plan.
The governor can influence gambling policy through budget proposals, legislation, and oversight. That makes the office relevant to Ohio’s next online casino debate, even though the election itself cannot authorize a new market.
On Tuesday, Acton won the seat.
Ohio candidates outline different gambling priorities
Acton supports online casino-style gambling expansion with consumer protections and public funding goals, according to Action Network. She favors directing revenue toward public schools, childcare, and measures aimed at reducing household costs and property taxes.
On sports betting, Acton supports retaining the 20% tax rate while restricting certain advertisements and some micro bets.
Kissick approached online gambling expansion as an issue of adult choice and personal freedom. He also prefers keeping Ohio’s existing sports betting laws.
Ramaswamy’s campaign did not respond to earlier questions from Cleveland.com about gambling expansion, sports mbetting rules, and problem gambling, according to Action Network.
Outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine has been a prominent critic of further gambling expansion. He described signing Ohio’s sports betting law as his biggest regret as governor.
Online casinos would need a separate legislative path
Ohio launched sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023. State-regulated, real-money online casinos and online poker remain unauthorized, so support for expansion would have to translate into legislation before either could become part of Ohio’s regulated market.
The state already has a substantial gambling industry. Based on American Gaming Association figures, Ohio’s four casinos, seven racinos, and sports betting businesses generated about $3.5 billion in revenue during 2025.
Any online casino measure would require approval from the Ohio General Assembly and a regulatory framework. Past Ohio proposals have differed on tax rates, which operators would qualify and which forms of online gambling to include.
Ultimately, any online casino legislation would end up on the governor’s desk for final approval. Acton’s victory this week could provide lawmakers an opportunity to move forward on a proposal.
Based on reporting by Action Network.
