Ohio launched a series of studies into joining the iGaming space this week
Ohio lawmakers in the new Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio met on Tuesday to discuss possible online casino legalization in the first of four scheduled meetings. Future meetings will have debates regarding sports betting, iLottery, racinos/charitable gaming, and daily fantasy sports.
Representative Jay Edwards and Senator Nathan Manning head the eight-person committee. Edwards previously stated that he didn’t anticipate Ohio online casinos to be on the current agenda, as these were initial talks to inform of possible future proposals.
The only two officials to speak in person during the proceedings were Matthew Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and Michelle MacGregor, spokesperson for the Sports Betting Alliance.
MacGregor explained that the technology and regulatory framework for online casinos in Ohio is already in place since online sports betting launched on January 1, 2023. She also noted an American Gaming Association study that estimates Ohio’s illegal iGaming market generates $621 million in annual gross revenue.
Ryan Soultz, VP of Governmental Affairs for Boyd Gaming, asserts that an important policy considered when Ohio legalized online sports betting was to crack down on unregulated, offshore betting sites used by Ohioans.
MacGregor also pointed out that Ohio could generate between $205 million and $410 million in annual tax revenue by legalizing online casino gaming.
iDEA Growth highlighted a study from Vixio Light & Wonder that estimates Ohio online casinos would yield $255 million in annual tax revenue based on the 20% tax rate charged for online sports betting providers.
Derek Longmeier of the Problem Gaming Network of Ohio says it has requested that any future gaming expansion in Ohio include presentations from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, individuals with gambling disorders in long-term recovery, and gambling treatment providers.
