Ohio has no legal online casinos. This year, it has filed multiple motions to change this, though it looks unlikely they will pass the state’s strict house.

This year, the bids to recognise online gambling in Ohio have come thick and fast. As one bid has been unveiled, another has taken its place. Yet the state is still pushing back against online gambling. Is this a good thing, or could the taxable revenue be a huge boost to the state?

Gambling Bills in Ohio

In April, House Bill 298 was brought forward, which would allow Ohio’s four physical casinos and seven racinos to offer digital casinos. This would primarily be on slots and table games such as roulette and poker. This was only two weeks after another bill was drafted that had tried to bring online gambling to the state.

By the end of May, testimony had been heard by multiple lawmakers. The general consensus was that this would be a great method of bringing in taxable revenue for the state. A spokesperson for Fanduel said that this could be around $600 million.

In May, House Bill 96 was drafted by Rep. Brian Stewart. Chair of the House Finance Committee, he also believes this pro-gambling bill could bring in additional revenue for the state. It was the house’s version of a state budget. This was a response to Mike Dewine’s proposed move to double the tax rate for online sports betting from 20% to 40%, after a raise in 2023 that had moved it from 10% to 20%.

What Are the Alternatives?

Ohio’s Senator Nathan Manning believes the alternative for many people is offshore operators. Unlicensed, they pose multiple threats, including a lack of transparency and no safe gambling protocols. He was a sponsor for one bill, and his argument was that around $600 million to $2.2 billion is being gambled on these illegal sites.

For those who want to play casino games like slots in states where online casino gaming is banned, there are alternatives. Sweepstakes casinos provide all the games you expect to find in a casino, but they don’t use cash. Instead, games are played with in-game currencies known as gold coins. There are other coins known as sweep coins, which can be cashed in for prizes, which allows them to work under the laws governing lotteries and not gambling.

It is quite easy to play these games, with slots being the popular. Many provide free slots no download required services, so people can simply sign in and play away. They also have just as many slot games as online casinos, providing a way for people to play without using cash deposits. There have naturally been those opposed to this, particularly from the gambling sector itself. Yet sweepstakes casinos have provided a great alternative to those unable to access legal online casinos.

Voices Against Online Gambling Legislation

The Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, is one person who is not entirely convinced by the introduction of casino gaming in Ohio. He has actually come out and openly stated, “I am not for it,” and believes there is no legislative support for it in the House or Senate. He then went on to add, “Basically, to put a casino in everybody’s hands 24/7, I think is probably not a great idea, and I think it will cause more pain and suffering in regard to gaming addiction. So I’m just not for it.”

However, he did not openly say that he would veto it, so the idea is not totally off the table. Over 100 church leaders backed DeWine, signing an urgent letter for lawmakers to throw the idea out and reject it. There is also a worry that it could come at the cost of revenue for physical gambling establishments, as has been seen in New Jersey.

It is obvious that Ohio’s residents like to gamble. Sportsbooks alone generated $9 billion in 2024. This brought more than $180 million in taxable revenue for the state. Voices from those who operate online sportsbooks have long been calling for the rollout of online casinos in the state. CEO Richard Schwartz has said that it is one of the best ways to make up any long-term budget deficits.

Yet on the other hand, long-term businesses in the state, like the Ohio Lottery, are dead against it. They have expressed concern that online sports betting has already seriously impacted their business. Ryan Soultz with Boyd Gaming operates casinos in Pennsylvania, both physical and digital. They have said that this is not the case and that digital is seldom a threat to a brick-and-mortar business.

Ohio has many case studies to choose from. It can look at how Europe and its countries have dealt with this, or turn to the United Kingdom to see its legislation. Obviously, it will need to forge its own path, but getting a balance between legalised gambling and taxable revenue is achievable.