The push for legalizing online casinos and an online lottery in Ohio just went next level.
In a recent written proposal, three Ohio Republican state lawmakers advocate for introducing mobile lottery sales and casino games—such as blackjack and poker—on smartphones. Why? To modernize Ohio’s gambling landscape and tap into the thriving mobile gaming market.
During a panel discussion amongst The Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, Ohio House Finance Chairman Jay Edwards and Representatives Jeff LaRe and Cindy Abrams lobbied for adopting ‘iGaming’ and ‘iLottery’ technologies in the state.
“While the state should proceed with caution and care with any expansion of this magnitude, with the right regulatory framework, these types of gaming can thrive with nominal impact on our current system,” they wrote in their proposal.
These recommendations emerge from a temporary committee established by the state budget to explore Ohio’s gambling future. They could lead to Ohio online casino legislation in 2025.
Ohio Lawmakers Point to Success in Other States
The committee put together a 350-page report on Ohio’s gaming future and met four times. During one of their sessions in February, they specifically discussed online casinos and gathered input from industry experts and other relevant sources. While the commission’s suggestions are not legally binding, they do indicate a significant shift.
Those advocating for online casinos and lotteries emphasize successful models from other states, which boosted tax revenues. Interestingly, despite online gaming’s growth, in-person sales persistently rise. People’s comfort with mobile gambling encourages them to visit brick-and-mortar locations.
They highlighted Connecticut’s impressive 45% gaming market growth in the second year of iCasino operations. Meanwhile, Michigan, which launched iGaming in 2021, now has the largest online gaming market in the United States.
Not Everyone On Board With iGaming and iLottery Idea
While some casinos support iGaming and iLottery, others with physical locations remain opposed.
Some lawmakers urge future General Assemblies to ensure safe and respectful gaming expansion. They highlight data security risks and emphasize that any iGaming implementation should not harm existing casinos and VLTs.
GOP state Senator Nathan Manning reminded the group of the potentially addictive nature of these games. Despite this concern, he endorsed the idea of the Ohio Lottery selling tickets online, noting that third-party vendors already offer similar services under the label of “lottery couriers.”
Ohio Stands at a Crossroads
Ohio stands at a crossroads as it weighs the adoption of mobile gambling platforms.
While over 25 states have legalized digital sports betting, legalizing online gambling has proven more challenging for lawmakers. Currently, only seven states permit online gambling.
Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have legalized online casinos. Additionally, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada also allow online poker games.
Ohio’s proposal seeks to enhance user accessibility and increase state tax revenues. The results of these discussions could significantly transform Ohio’s gambling landscape, influencing both the economy and gaming regulations.
We’ll wait to see how it all plays out.
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