A new bill that would allow Ohioans to bet real money on online casino games is on the verge of debate, but it looks like it will be an uphill battle to get lawmakers to talk about it.
Senator Niraj Antani introduced SB 312 in the Ohio Legislature in September. The bill would legalize online casino games and levy a tax. This may sound simple, but the senator is running out of time to get the bill moving.
Why? He introduced the measure before a lame-duck session scheduled for the end of the year. When Congress is in session after a November election and before the beginning of the new Congress, it is known as a lame-duck session.
On top of that, Antani is currently serving his last term as a state senator. He can't run for another term, so if lawmakers don't discuss this bill during the lame-duck session, it will lack a sponsor in the 2025 session.
In other words, if he wants this to happen, it must happen in the next two months.
Online Casino Bill Calls for 15% Tax Rate and Fees
Senate Bill 312 proposes a 15% tax rate for iGaming, which is 5% lower than the current tax rate for online sports betting in Ohio. Although lawmakers have been discussing the idea for months, the bill was only recently introduced and probably won't have its first hearing until November. Legislative sessions are set to resume November 13. Here's the complete list:
- November 13: Senate session
- November 19: Senate committee hearings
- November 20: Senate and House sessions
- December 3: Senate committee hearings; House session (if needed)
- December 4: Senate and House sessions
- December 10: Senate committee hearings; House session (if needed)
- December 11: Senate and House sessions
- December 17: Senate committee hearings
- December 18: Senate and House sessions
- December 19: House session (if needed)
The online casino bill also proposes that operators pay a $100,000 application fee, a $300,000 licensing fee and a $250,000 fee toward a problem gambling fund. Since a license would last only one year, operators would need to pay more than $500,000 annually to operate in Ohio.
Antani also appears to be trying to position Ohio to be prepared should operators want to participate in multi-state poker pools. Platforms in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey and West Virginia offer such pools. Pennsylvania is also on the verge of joining.
If the bill passes, the Ohio Casino Control Commission will regulate the new industry.
States Where Online Casinos Are Legal
Online sports betting has been legal in Ohio since January 2023, but it wants to be added to the list of states that have already legalized online casino gambling. That list includes:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- West Virginia
They not only allow casino games, but sports betting, too. Delaware and Pennsylvania also permit Bingo.
What Happens Next in the Ohio Online Gambling Debate?
Chances for SB 312 to advance in Ohio seem slim. It was filed on September 4, but, at last check, the bill remains unassigned to a committee and lacks co-sponsors. Furthermore, Governor Mike DeWine, whose term runs until January 11, 2027, opposes gambling.
In July, three Ohio Republicans — Representatives Jay Edwards, Jeff LaRe and Cindy Abrams — voiced support for online casinos and a digital lottery, but urged caution.
Although there is some bipartisan backing for online gambling legalization, concerns linger that it may undermine brick-and-mortar businesses.
So, the race is on to try to get SB 312 into a committee and discussed before those in favor can even consider getting it passed.
