iGaming Expansion: Is Ohio Ready to Double Down on Legal Online Gambling?

Ohio lawmakers are contemplating measures to expand the state’s legal gaming business. If passed, Ohio would become the eighth state in the nation to allow and regulate internet gambling, often known as iGaming.

Ohio already allows online sports betting, according to a two-year-old legislative extension, but new plans would allow internet casinos to offer games such as slots, cards, and craps.

Sen. Nathan Manning, a Republican from suburban Cleveland, proposed Senate Bill 197 earlier this month, which would enable internet casino companies to invest up to $50 million and have their revenue taxed at 36%.

Last Monday, state House Republicans Brian Stewart and Marilyn John presented House Bill 298 to regulate internet casinos.

READ MORE: Lawmakers Exploring Introducing Online Gambling Into Ohio Hear From Advocates of the Concept

Some believe the move would be a boon for the state, while others are hesitant to bet on the development of legal gambling in Ohio. The House and Senate legislative committees heard testimony on the ideas this week.

Some of the nation’s top brick-and-mortar casino companies, including Caesars Entertainment and MGM, have backed the initiative. Fanatics Betting and Gaming, which offers online and retail sports betting in Ohio, also supports the ideas.

“Every day in Ohio, thousands of people play online casino games for money,” said Brandt Iden, FBG’s vice president of government affairs. iCasino games are widely available through illicit offshore gambling websites and unregulated “sweepstakes” casinos. The distinction is that these casinos are unregulated, offer no consumer safeguards, and earn no money for the state.

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