Ohio senator wants the state to explore Internet casinos

A lawmaker in Ohio is pushing for the expansion of the existing gambling framework by introducing online casinos.

Following the legalization of sports betting on January 1, 2023, and witnessing total sports bets worth $7.65bn in 2023, the Buckeye State is now exploring the option to expand on its gambling ecosystem by introducing an even more lucrative vertical.

Ohio senator embarks on legalization of iGaming

Online casinos have been historically a far more successful vertical in terms of revenue opportunities for both the state and commercial operators, although they have come with a significantly higher risk profile in terms of problem gambling. Now, though, State Senator Niraj Antani has introduced a bill that seeks to expand the ecosystem to include iGaming.

Under the terms of the bill, the Casino Control Commission will issue the licenses needed by operators to conduct this type of business. Commenting on his new bill, Antani released a statement in which he argued that the time to legalize online casinos in Ohio has come, drawing on the state’s success in the sports betting vertical.

"Many Ohioans don’t have close access to a casino or racino, but should be able to participate in this entertainment option. It’s time to bring iGaming out of the black market, and into the sunshine to provide it safely to all Ohioans," Antani insisted.

The regulator will similarly have other powers, such as issuing licenses to B2B companies such as game and tech suppliers. However, Antani is also realistic about the chances of a bill passing, with the senator commenting that the actual legalization of online casinos in Ohio is a fairly long way off.

Regardless, the senator finds it important to start the dialogue surrounding legalization now. His bill, SB312, will seek to issue permits at $300,000 initial fee, to be topped up by $250,000 annual fee, and the decision of implementing the fees will lie with the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Sorting the details of online casinos in Ohio

An application fee of $100,000 is also part of the bill, and the fee is non-refundable. In addition, Antani is laying the groundwork for responsible gambling with each operator obligated to pay $250,000 to the problem casino gambling and addictions fund annually, as well as 15% on both their online slots and table games operations.

This could make the state particularly tempting for operators who have become accustomed to bearing much higher tax levies across the USA and in the seven states that currently legalize iGaming.

Websites who wish to promote online casinos will also have to pay $25,000 for a three-year license and bear the costs of a $10,000 application fee. The licenses will be available to licensed casino operators.

In the meantime, the state has been on the offensive against offshore online casinos and sports betting operators, with Ohio most recently asking Bovada to leave.

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