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State of Play’s TL;DR
- An Ohio lawmaker says online casino legalization is unlikely to advance this year.
- A new governor in 2027 could reopen the debate as supporters work to address revenue, cannibalization, and problem gambling concerns.
Ohio’s latest push to legalize online casino gaming appears unlikely to move this year, but the bill’s sponsor says 2027 could offer a new opening.
Rep. Brian Stewart, who sponsors House Bill 298, said supporters still need to make a stronger case that online casinos can raise state revenue without harming existing casinos and racinos, while also answering concerns about responsible gambling.
HB 298 has had two hearings and remains in the House Finance Committee. Ohio’s legislative session ends in December, and Stewart said the bill is unlikely to advance before then.
What Ohio’s bill would do
HB 298 would authorize internet gambling under the Ohio Casino Control Commission and set a 28% tax on internet gambling receipts. Under the proposal, 99% of tax proceeds would go to the state’s General Revenue Fund, with 1% directed to the Problem Gambling Fund.
The bill would limit licenses to Ohio’s existing four casinos and seven racinos instead of opening the market to national online casino brands. It also prohibits licensed internet gambling operators from offering promotional credits for online gambling, while still allowing promotions tied to in-person gaming, accommodations, food, beverages, entertainment, and other on-site offerings.
Stewart has argued that promotional deductions in online sports betting helped FanDuel Casino and DraftKings Casino establish dominance over local operators, and the bill’s structure appears designed to avoid repeating that model.
Problem gambling remains a central hurdle
Stewart said one of the strongest objections from lawmakers is how much easier online gambling can make continuous play. He said supporters will need a more compelling answer on consumer protections and problem gambling programs if the proposal is to gain broader support.
That issue matters politically because Gov. Mike DeWine has repeatedly opposed online casino expansion, and Stewart said some legislators remain broadly skeptical of gambling growth.
He also said lawmakers who were not in office when Ohio passed sports betting in 2021 may be less willing to support another expansion.
Why 2027 is now the key date to watch
Stewart said a change in the governor’s office could create a better opening after DeWine leaves office in January. He has said online casinos could generate as much as $400 million annually, and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton has already said she is open to regulated online casinos as a revenue source, while also calling for safeguards for young people and limits on predatory advertising. Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy has not laid out a clear position on iGaming.
For now, the immediate question is whether HB 298 gets any more movement before December. If not, Ohio’s online casino debate may shift from this year’s committee process to the state’s 2027 political landscape.
Based on reporting by Pat Evans for SBC Americas.
