As the clock struck midnight on January 1, Ohio's online casino gambling bill died, leaving its future uncertain.
Currently, Ohio does not have legal online casinos, but residents can use sports betting apps. As Ohio looks to expand its gaming industry, legal online casino sites could soon become a reality.
However, the push for legalization faces significant challenges as it starts from square one.
Ohio Senator Supported Online Casinos
The process started back in September when Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani introduced Senate Bill 312, which would have allowed each of Ohio’s 11 casinos to operate one online platform. However, it wasn’t pre-filed for 2025 as it was part of the 2024 session, and Antani is no longer in office.
"It’s time to bring igaming out of the black market, and into the sunshine to provide it safely to all Ohioans.”https://t.co/eiLgNs9OaI
— WSYX ABC 6 (@wsyx6) September 4, 2024
Antani was Ohio's only Indian American State Senator, but he concluded his term in the Ohio Senate on December 31, 2024. After an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Congress, he chose not to seek re-election to the State Senate.
Antani said in a press release that he will announce his future plans soon, but what’s not clear is who, if anyone, will take up the fight for online casino gaming in The Buckeye State.
The bill went to the Senate Finance Committee, but it didn’t get a hearing. Since lawmakers didn’t discuss Antani’s bill before the last legislative session, it currently lacks a sponsor in the 2025 session.
Ohio Online Casino Plan in Limbo
Although Antani never thought legalizing online casinos in Ohio was a critical issue, he did believe Ohioans should have the option to gamble online if they want.
The future of his bill is uncertain because it needs a sponsor and approval during the current legislative session. If the bill passes, Ohio would join the other states that have legal online casinos and could see a significant increase in gaming revenue.
The state showed its commitment to regulating gambling in August. The Ohio Casino Control Commission ordered Harp Media, the company behind Bovada, to stop operating in the state. This action is in line with efforts across the country to limit unregulated offshore gambling and protect state-approved markets.
Ohio’s Online Gambling Options
Ohio gives gamblers lots of choices. You can bet on sports online and visit casinos in Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, and Dayton. But, the state doesn't have online casinos yet.
To make up for this, Ohioans can use social and sweepstakes casinos online. These sites let you play for fun or buy in-game currency, which you can use to win cash prizes.
Platforms like High 5 Casino, McLuck, and WOW Vegas allow players 18 and older and offer slots, table games, and more.
Legalizing Online Casinos in Ohio at Crossroads
Ohio is at a turning point in trying to legalize online casinos, facing some hurdles but also having opportunities.
The potential to make this happen is still there, as long as efforts continue with determination.
As discussions move forward, everyone involved needs to carefully work through these challenges to make legalization a reality.
