A bill that surfaced in September may finally get consideration in November
A new push for legalized online casino gambling in Ohio could soon be up for debate, but time is running short. Senator Niraj Antani introduced Senate Bill 312 in September, aiming to legalize online casino games and impose a 15% tax on operators. However, with Ohio’s legislative calendar winding down and a lame-duck session approaching, the bill faces an uphill battle. If the bill isn’t addressed before the session ends, it could lose momentum, as Antani is in his final term and won’t be able to reintroduce the measure in 2025.
SB 312 suggests a 15% tax on online casino revenue, which is lower than the 20% currently levied on online sports betting in Ohio. Additionally, it calls for a $100,000 application fee, a $300,000 licensing fee, and a $250,000 contribution to a problem gambling fund. These fees would be required annually for operators to maintain their licenses.
Ohia already legalized online sports betting in January 2023, but the Buckeye State is now trying to join others that have allowed online casino gambling, including Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. If passed, the Ohio Casino Control Commission would oversee the industry. There’s also the potential for Ohio to participate in multi-state poker pools, as some other states currently do.
Despite support from a few Ohio lawmakers and the potential economic benefits, the bill’s future remains uncertain. Governor Mike DeWine opposes expanding gambling, and the measure has yet to gain significant traction in the state legislature. While some bipartisan support exists, concerns about the impact on local casinos and businesses persist. With the clock ticking, it remains to be seen whether discussions on SB 312 will take place in the coming months.
