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State of Play’s TL;DR
- A new Ohio online casino proposal would link online casino promotions to existing casinos and racinos.
- Supporters say the plan could generate up to $400 million in annual state revenue.
Ohio’s stalled online casino push may be back in play.
A new draft proposal would allow online casinos but require promotions to steer players toward existing casinos and racinos, an approach supporters say could unlock up to $400 million a year for the state.
Ohio lawmakers are weighing a fresh approach to online casino legalization after earlier efforts lost momentum. The latest draft, discussed publicly by state Rep. Brian Stewart, is designed to make online casinos a complement to the state’s existing land-based gambling sector rather than a direct rival.
Draft bill would tie online casinos to Ohio’s existing venues
According to the proposal, future online casinos would be limited to Ohio’s current casinos and racinos. Promotions would also be structured around physical properties instead of traditional online bonus offers, with the goal of sending customers back to land-based venues.
Stewart said that framework is intended to balance competing interests and help break the legislative deadlock that has slowed prior online casino efforts in the state. He discussed the plan during an iDevelopment and Economic Association panel.
Stewart said Ohio could generate as much as $400 million annually from online casinos if the state authorizes the market.
That estimate comes as Ohio already has a sizable gambling tax base from sports betting. Since launching sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023, the state has collected $600 million in tax revenue, according to Gambling News.
For operators, the proposal signals that any future Ohio online casino market may be reserved for existing in-state casino and racino stakeholders rather than a broader field of entrants.
Responsible gambling concerns remain in focus
The draft is drawing concern from responsible gambling advocates, who warn that expanded online gambling access can increase gambling-related harm.
Derek Longmeier of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio said the start of the NFL season could contribute to more harmful gambling behavior across the state. That concern adds another hurdle for any legislation as lawmakers weigh new revenue against potential social costs.
For now, Ohio’s online casino debate appears to be shifting from whether online casinos should be discussed at all to what form it could take if lawmakers decide to move forward.
Based on reporting by Mike Johnson for Gambling News.
