Ohio could soon see a major shift in its gaming landscape as Senator Niraj Antani has introduced Senate Bill 312 (SB 312), which seeks to legalize real-money online casinos. While Ohio residents already enjoy legal sports betting, this bill aims to extend those gaming options to online casino platforms. The introduction comes ahead of the lame-duck session at the end of 2024, but the bill faces a time crunch due to Antani’s term limit, which could result in the bill losing its sponsor if not addressed soon.
“As gaming has evolved in our state and we’ve seen massive success with sports betting, it’s now time to legalize iGaming in Ohio,” Antani said in a statement. He emphasized that many Ohioans do not have easy access to a physical casino, making online gaming a convenient alternative. “It’s time to bring iGaming out of the black market and into a safe, regulated environment for all Ohioans.”
Ohio Casino Control Commission to Regulate Online Casinos
If passed, SB 312 would place the regulation of online casinos under the authority of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the same body that oversees land-based casinos and online sports betting. Operators would be required to pay an application fee of $100,000, a licensing fee of $300,000, and an annual contribution of $250,000 to a problem gambling fund. The bill also proposes a 15% tax on all revenue generated by online casinos, a slightly lower rate compared to the tax on sports betting.
Concerns Over Problem Gambling
While there is support for SB 312, some advocacy groups have raised concerns about the potential risks of expanding online gambling. Derek Longmeier, Executive Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, pointed out that since the launch of sports betting in January 2023, calls to gambling helplines have increased. He expressed concern that legalizing online casinos could lead to more problem gambling cases in the state.
“One in five Ohioans is at risk of developing a gambling problem,” Longmeier said. He highlighted that gambling addiction has one of the highest connections to suicide, particularly during periods of expanded gaming opportunities. “We’ve already seen a rise in calls since sports betting became legal, and we would expect that to increase with online casinos,” Longmeier noted.
Bringing iGaming Out of the Shadows
Antani argues that legalizing online casinos will not only offer more entertainment options to Ohio residents but also provide a safer, more regulated alternative to the unregulated offshore gambling sites that many currently turn to. “Right now, online gambling happens on the black market, and that’s not good for anyone,” Antani explained. He believes that bringing iGaming under state regulation will allow Ohio to implement safeguards, such as monitoring gambling patterns and preventing addiction.
The bill’s financial implications also come into play. Ohio’s successful online sports betting market, which has seen significant growth since its launch, serves as a strong motivator for expanding into online casinos. Neighboring states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have already capitalized on legal iGaming, and Ohio could potentially benefit from similar tax revenue and job creation.
The Path Forward
With the Ohio Legislature’s lame-duck session approaching, the fate of SB 312 remains uncertain. If the bill does not advance by the end of the year, Ohio may have to wait until 2025 for another chance at online casino legalization. However, with strong support from figures like Antani and the backing of a successful sports betting model, proponents are hopeful the bill will pass.