Ohio could move forward with online casino legalization as support increases
Ohio lawmakers are considering changes to the state’s sports betting laws, and the introduction of online casino gaming might be on the horizon. The Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio has recently submitted a report that included letters from various legislators advocating for online casino legalization. This move could make Ohio one of the next states to explore the expansion of digital gambling options.
Three House Republicans on the commission expressed that online gaming could be beneficial for the state. Representatives Jay Edwards, Jeff LaRe, and Cindy Abrams suggested that, with proper regulation, online casinos could integrate well into Ohio’s current gaming system without significant disruption. They emphasized the need for cautious progress, acknowledging the magnitude of such an expansion.
Democratic Representative Bride Rose Sweeney also acknowledged the potential inevitability of online casinos in the Buckeye State, proposing that any future online platforms should be tied to existing brick-and-mortar casinos. Despite her acknowledgment, Sweeney stopped short of a full endorsement, sharing a cautious approach.
However, not all lawmakers are in favor of this expansion. Senator Al Landis advocated for maintaining the current gambling landscape without further expansion. Meanwhile, Senator William DeMora has clear the potential for significant revenue from online casinos but raised concerns about the impact on the existing gambling industry. Additionally, Michelle Gillcrist, director of the Ohio Lottery Commission, recommended that any gambling expansion include a study to assess its potential effects on the state lottery’s revenue.
The commission’s report also touched on other gambling-related issues, such as the current ban on collegiate athlete prop betting in Ohio. Several lawmakers argued that the ban, enacted earlier this year by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, should be repealed, believing it doesn’t effectively protect athletes. They also criticized Governor Mike DeWine’s recent increase in the sports betting tax rate from 10% to 20%, calling the move premature and potentially damaging to Ohio’s gambling growth.
Ohio continues to explore these changes, and the future of gambling in the state remains a topic of significant debate, with these decision-makers weighing the potential benefits and challenges of expanding the industry further.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
