Three Ohio House Republicans have signed a letter recommending that online casinos and lotteries are legalized in the state. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Republicans issue call for expansion

Three Ohio House Republicans have published a joint letter calling for online casinos and lotteries to be legalized in the state. Cindy Abrams, Jay Edwards, and Jeff LaRe signed the letter as part of a bipartisan Ohio Study Commission on the future of iGaming in the state.

these types of gaming can thrive with nominal impact to our current system”

“While the state should proceed with caution and care with any expansion of this magnitude, with the right regulatory framework, these types of gaming can thrive with nominal impact to our current system,” the letter reads.

The 354-page report includes testimony from gambling charities, operators, customers, and other stakeholders. Online sports betting has been legal in Ohio since 2023, but the report was mostly mixed and stopped well short of a clear recommendation for further liberalization of state gaming law.

Representatives cite iGaming benefits

One factor cited as a potential concern in the report was the impact to the revenue of physical gambling operations. The letter from the representatives suggested that these concerns may be unfounded.

“Looking at other states who have implemented either or both iLottery and iGaming, we see significant increases to tax revenues generated with greater participation,” the letter stated.

“That can largely be contributed to more people participating in the market on their phones and becoming more comfortable/knowledgeable about doing it at a physical location.”

The letter also points out the success of expansion in other states, citing Connecticut’s 44.7% increase in the gaming market during the second year of online gaming going live. Michigan, which allowed online casino gambling in 2021 and now has the largest online gaming market in the US, was also mentioned as a notable success story.

Potential roadblocks ahead

However, not all lawmakers were in favor of the proposed moves. Sen. Al Landis went against his fellow Republicans in opposing any further expansion, and was joined by Democrat Sen. William DeMora.

a lottery-only bill as a first step may seem a more likely prospect for 2025

Despite the disagreements, some other options explored by the report could mark a way forward for the expansion of gambling in Ohio. With lawmakers divided, the option of a lottery-only bill as a first step may seem a more likely prospect for 2025 than a full expansion of online casino gaming.

Another two possibilities that were considered were legalizing online poker as an initial stepping stone, or requiring online casino operators to partner with any of the state’s four land-based casinos. Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake) confirmed that both options were “well-received” by the panel.

With a November election incoming and other lawmakers in the state yet to pass comment, there are likely to be further shake-ups in the future before any concrete moves are made for further iGaming expansion.