New Bill Would Legalize Online Casinos in Ohio

After years of stagnation, it appears that the online casino industry could be expanding.

Ohio Senator Niraj Antani has introduced Senate Bill 312, which would expand iGaming in Ohio. The bill would have the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) oversee all online casinos in the state. It would also allow them to form partnerships with regulators from other markets to allow inter-state competition.

The bill would tax all online casino operators at 15%. The licensing process would cost $900,00, and operators would be required to donate $250,000 to a problem gambling fund. 

One unique provision in the bill revolves around affiliate sites. Each online casino would be limited to five affiliate sites, a cap that does not exist in the state’s sports betting market. The goal is to prevent an oversaturation of marketing, which many believe leads to increased problem gambling. 

The provision on affiliates was added to appeal to sports that oppose gambling. Fears of problem gambling are a big reason why the industry has failed to expand, but time will tell if this tactic can help circumvent that.

Bill Remains a Longshot

The proposal of SB 312 is a victory for proponents of iGaming, but it is far from a guarantee to pass. That is because the online casino industry is often viewed as more dangerous to bettors. Unlike sports betting, you can blow through your bankroll in a matter of minutes.

One staunch opponent of the bill is the brick-and-mortar casino industry. Online casinos would mean fewer people taking the trip to gamble in person, leading to a large drop in profits. That will force casinos to cut jobs, leaving many people out of work.

These arguments from retail casinos have been heard around the country when talking about any form of gambling. Many states have casinos operated by local tribes, meaning they would suffer a significant cut in revenue, which is used to support their members.