For Ohio gaming supporters, there is a new bill on the horizon that fans of gaming could be supportive of if it gets passed through the state legislature. Per a recent source, Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani has unveiled Senate Bill 312, a new piece of legislation aimed at legalizing online gambling, or iGaming, in the state. The bill proposes that the Ohio Casino Control Commission oversee online casino operations, which would include games such as poker, roulette, blackjack, and slot machines. Under the proposed legislation, online table games and slots would be taxed at 15%, a rate lower than the 20% tax currently applied to online sports betting in Ohio. This would position Ohio as the only state where online casino tax rates are less than those for sports betting.
For this report, SBS will explore the latest gaming news updates coming from the Buckeye State along with even more notes and information relating to gaming in Ohio and beyond.
Per the same report, the bill outlines a licensing structure for existing casino operators in Ohio, who would be eligible to offer online gambling. Each operator would face an annual cost of at least $500,000, encompassing a $100,000 application fee, a $300,000 licensing fee, and a $250,000 contribution to a problem funding fund. However, the proposal has faced criticism from some sectors, particularly brick-and-mortar businesses. David Corey, executive vice president of the Bowling Centers Association of Ohio, expressed concerns about the potential adverse effects on jobs in the hospitality industry. Corey noted that the rise of online sports betting had already negatively impacted traditional values.
“This is definitely worrisome for our clients,” Corey said. “We will fight this tooth and nail until you give something to the bricks-and-mortar locations.”
The bill also includes a provision to limit the number of online casino affiliates to five, a restriction not applied to sports betting affiliates. This cap is intended to regulate the market and prevent saturation. Despite its innovative approach, Senate Bill 312 faces significant hurdles in the legislature. With Senator Antani term-limited and set to leave office in 2025, the bill’s future remains uncertain if not addressed promptly. The broader debate on gambling expansion in Ohio continues, with a recent report from the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming highlighting various aspects of the industry, including online casinos and sports betting reform. The commission’s findings were divided, reflecting a lack of consensus on the state’s path forward.
Per the report, Antani defended the bill, arguing that iGaming is a natural evolution of gaming in Ohio. “People want iGaming. They do it illegally now. They do it on the black market. I believe we should be able to do it safely and in a regulated way, and it’s time to legalize this practice,” Antani said.
Noted in another report, the Ohio Gambling Treatment Network will make support more accessible. The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO), a responsible gambling advocacy organization, has unveiled the Ohio Gambling Treatment Network (OGTN). Per the article, this is a new telehealth system that provides free mental health support to locals experiencing gambling problems or concerns. The launch of the new OGTN reflects PGNO’s commitment to safe gambling amid the ongoing growth of the overall gambling industry.
For context, there are roughly 1.8 million Buckeyes (Ohio residents) who are believed to be at-risk players. The OGTN will make gambling support more accessible, allowing those who are incapable of attending in-person treatment to address their problems. The network will serve as a division of the PGNO and will aim to fill this service gap. To that end, the network, per the same article, will provide resources, podcasts, educational materials, self-help groups, and counseling to those who need it. The goal of course is mitigating the negative impact of excessive gambling.
In addition, the OGTN offers services for people who have a loved one affected by gambling. This includes a guide on addressing concerns, as well as a free e-book for coping when gambling causes relationship strain according to the article. According to one source in the state, the OGTN is the first standalone telehealth problem gambling counseling network in the U.S.
In the meantime, too, Ohioan lawmakers continue to eye further industry expansion opportunities. This of course is covered above with Sen. Antani looking to legalize online casino gaming, including online poker and slot machines. This is asserting that the launch of iGaming is “the next logical step” for the state.
Once you are all dialed in as it relates to the current state of sports betting in Ohio, make sure to check out the awesome array of information available to you only at SBS. Of course, for even more information on the state covered here, make sure to pursue the Ohio sports betting guide which goes over the latest gaming news from the Buckeye State. On a separate note, for those interested in maximizing their wagers, make sure to peruse the best bonus betting sites rundown which goes over a great variety of information. This includes a catalog of the different bonus offers available to you and tips for getting the most out of promotions. Finally, for those on the go, the best betting apps breakdown is an excellent source to learn more about the nuances of mobile wagering.
About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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