A state senator in Ohio has proposed a new bill that aims to legalize online casinos in the state. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

A state senator in Ohio has proposed that the state legalize online casinos following the success of the state’s online sports betting industry. Senator Niraj Antani introduced a bill on Wednesday that would see iGaming become available to Ohioans, allowing them to enjoy casino games without having to travel to a physical racino or casino.

help combat the prevalence of black-market iGaming operators

He also believes legalization will help combat the prevalence of black-market iGaming operators that cater to people in the state. The legislation would have the Ohio Casino Control Commission take charge and manages the sector.

Only seven states currently have legal online casino gaming, as many are reluctant to expand gambling because of concerns about knock-on impacts like higher addiction rates. Other lawmakers in Ohio also support the move, with a number of representatives joining forces in July to publish a letter extolling the benefits of legalization.

Ohio’s launch of online sports betting in January 2023 has largely been a success. The state received $136m in tax revenue from the operators last year, with most of this money going toward public education programs. Senator Antani was one of the joint sponsors of the bill that ultimately led to the legalization of sports betting in 2021.