The new bill places stiff restrictions on who can offer online gambling in the state
Ohio lawmakers are weighing two different proposals that could open the door to legal online gambling in the state. One week after a Senate bill was introduced, two Republican representatives in the House unveiled a separate measure aimed at allowing casinos and racinos to offer online slot machines and table games.
House Bill 298, introduced by Representatives Marilyn John and Brian Stewart, would give the state’s four casinos and seven racinos permission to host internet versions of games like poker, roulette, and craps. The proposal focuses solely on these games and doesn’t include provisions for internet lottery sales or online horse race betting, which are part of the broader Senate Bill 197.
Supporters of the House bill say expanding into online gambling could bring in a major boost for the state’s economy. Stewart estimates that annual tax revenue could range from $400 million to $800 million once the industry matures. John added that online gaming would attract players who prefer digital platforms and could also spark job creation in areas like live-streamed game development and tech support.
Senator Nathan Manning’s Senate Bill 197 offers a more expansive approach. Along with legalizing online casino games, it would also introduce an iLottery system, allowing residents to buy lottery tickets through mobile apps. Manning points to neighboring states like Pennsylvania, which has earned hundreds of millions from similar programs.
Despite the push from lawmakers, not everyone is on board. Some, including Representative Dani Isaacsohn, raised concerns about the potential impact on mental health. He noted that gambling addiction has a strong link to suicide and said lawmakers need to consider the risks alongside the financial upside.
Both chambers say they’ll continue discussing the proposals in the coming weeks as Ohio explores this new digital gambling frontier.
