TLDR
- Ohio lawmakers are considering legalizing online casino and lottery games (iGaming and iLottery)
- A study commission has signaled potential support for these expansions
- Some lawmakers suggest a cautious approach, possibly starting with online poker
- Concerns exist about cannibalization of brick-and-mortar casinos
- The move is seen as addressing the reality of Ohioans already using illicit online gambling markets
Ohio lawmakers are examining the possibility of legalizing online casino and lottery games, a move that could significantly alter the state’s gambling landscape.
The Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, which recently concluded its work, has signaled potential support for introducing iGaming and iLottery offerings in the state.
The commission, established by House Bill 33, met four times to analyze the current state of Ohio’s gambling industry. In their findings, several lawmakers expressed interest in exploring the legalization of online gambling options, albeit with a cautious and thoughtful approach.
Republican Representatives Jay Edwards, Jeff LaRe, and Cindy Abrams stated in a joint letter,
“We believe that iLottery and iGaming could be a net benefit to the state of Ohio.”
This sentiment was echoed by Democratic Representative Bride Rose Sweeney, who emphasized the need for “serious consideration” of iGaming and iLottery options.
The push for online gambling expansion in Ohio comes as many other states are moving in a similar direction. Proponents argue that Ohioans are already participating in illegal online gambling markets, and legalization could bring this activity under regulatory control while generating revenue for the state.
However, the potential legalization is not without its critics. Dan Reinhard, a lobbyist for JACK Entertainment in Cleveland, expressed concerns about the impact on brick-and-mortar casinos.
“What seems to be emerging as fairly consistent is your brick-and-mortar properties are getting cannibalized by iGaming,”
Reinhard said. He questioned how the expansion would benefit Ohio, warning of potential job losses in the existing casino industry.
To address these concerns, some lawmakers are proposing a measured approach to legalization. Rep. Sweeney suggested starting with online poker as a way to “test the waters while still chipping away at the illicit market.”
This strategy mirrors recent efforts in New York, where Senator Joseph Addabbo introduced a bill to legalize online poker as a potential first step towards broader iGaming legalization.
The discussion in Ohio also touches on the importance of responsible gambling measures. Even before sports betting was legalized in the state, a 2022 survey found that one-in-five Ohioans were considered at least “at-risk” gamblers. In 2023, calls to the state’s problem gambling hotline rose significantly, highlighting the need for robust safeguards as the industry expands.
As Ohio contemplates this expansion, lawmakers are emphasizing the need to prioritize the interests of Ohio residents, workers, and businesses. Rep. Sweeney stressed that “The future of gaming must put Ohioans, Ohio workers, and Ohio businesses first.”
The potential legalization of iGaming and iLottery in Ohio reflects a broader trend across the United States. Currently, only six states offer legal iGaming, but many others are exploring the possibility.
As technology continues to evolve, lawmakers in Ohio and elsewhere are grappling with how to balance the potential economic benefits of online gambling with concerns about addiction and the impact on existing gambling establishments.
The Ohio study commission’s report, spanning 354 pages, provides a comprehensive look at the state’s gambling industry and the potential impacts of expansion. While it doesn’t have a specific legislative endgame, it sets the stage for future debates in the Ohio General Assembly.
As discussions continue, Ohio lawmakers will need to weigh various factors, including potential revenue generation, job creation or loss, impacts on existing gambling operations, and measures to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling addiction.
The experiences of other states that have already legalized online gambling will likely inform Ohio’s approach.
