The state hasn’t said if it will discuss an iGaming bill, but the upcoming study is a step in the right direction
Legislators in Ohio will hold a hearing on February 20 to debate how the state could benefit from online casino gaming. The subject of online casinos will be part of the talks of the Ohio Sports Gaming Study Committee meetings. Despite the committee’s name, sports betting will only be a subject at one of the four committee discussions scheduled.
The committee will examine the entire Ohio gambling industry and discuss possible changes needed and future expansion. Rep. Jay Edwards and Sen. Nathan Manning are the committee’s co-chairs.
“iGaming will be a big topic, I’m sure,” said Edwards to PlayUSA. “I think there will be a big fight between the online platforms, the skins that already exist, versus the current brick-and-mortar casinos that are offering those products now.”
With Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia already offering online casinos along Ohio’s borders, it makes sense that the state would seriously consider legalization. However,
Edwards doesn’t expect a bill to be proposed after the committee meets during the session.
“Really, we’re not pushing to get this done. There’s no bill introduced or anything like that. What we’re trying to do is start the conversation, get best practices, educate members and allow regulators some input on the process so that when we are ready, we can start to implement that.”
A bill would more likely to be introduced in 2025, which is a budget year when extra revenue is needed. The gaming committee will hold three additional meetings this session to discuss iLottery, Racinos/charitable gaming, and sports betting on February 22, March 19 and March 20, respectively.
Representatives Cindy Abrams and Jeff LaRe and Senators Terry Johnson and Al Landis will also be on the committee, along with one minority constituent from each chamber.
