Several lawmakers are joining forces to lobby for online casino expansion in the state
Ohio could be on the cusp of expanding its gambling options. Three Republican members of the state’s House of Representatives recently submitted a joint letter advocating for the legalization of online casinos and iLottery.
Representatives Jay Edwards, Jeff LaRe, and Cindy Abrams believe online gambling would be a “net benefit” for the state. They argue that with proper regulations, online casinos and iLottery could flourish without negatively impacting the existing gaming landscape.
This push for online gambling comes as part of a larger study commission report on the future of gaming in Ohio. The report, released last week, included written testimony and discussions on various gaming topics, with a dedicated session on online casinos held in February.
The letter from the House Republicans may signal the introduction of the first online casino legislation in Ohio as early as next year. They point to the “tremendous potential” of online gambling, citing the experiences of other states.
The letter suggests that online gambling can introduce new players to the market who may then become more comfortable visiting physical casinos.
While online sports betting has become increasingly prevalent, with over 25 states offering legal options, online gambling has faced more hurdles. Currently, only seven states allow online casinos and/or iLottery.
The potential legalization of online gambling in Ohio remains to be seen, but the recent letter from the House Republicans marks a significant step forward for proponents of this expansion.
