Ohio considers new legislation to legalize iGaming, but exclusively for existing casinos
Wednesday 21 de May 2025 / 12:00
2 minutos de lectura
(Columbus).- The Ohio House Finance Committee Chair Brian Stewart (R) announced House Bill 298 (HB 298) which would make gambling on slots and card games on your phone, legal in Ohio. This type of gambling from your phone is known as iGaming.
According to Stewart, this is the next logical step since the state and voters approved casinos and since has legalized sports gaming from phones and computers. The bill comes with a number of provisions to try and protect the state’s current brick-and-mortar casinos.
Licenses would only be allowed for the companies who currently operate physical casinos and racinos in Ohio. No companies from outside of the state would be allowed an iGaming license.
The licenses will be costly at $50 million for the initial license, and then $10 million for every year for renewal.
HB 298 will tax the gaming at 28% which matches what Michigan is currently charging for iGaming.
The estimate is this could generate $400-$800 million in new revenue for the state.
Bill co-sponsor Marilyn John (R) testified there is already $6 billion in iGaming being spent by Ohioans and 85% is done illegally.
Two Democratic Representatives asked if the money could be earmarked for education and childcare the way the current revenues from casinos is spent.
Stewart explained the bill will give 1% to problem gambling resources, but the other 99% would go to the state’s general fund.
Stewart said lawmakers could then make specific requests on how the money is spent, every two years when the state’s budget is debated.
In a move to help brick-and-motor casinos, promotional credits on iGaming can not be for free play but could be for meals, hotels, or free play at the actual casinos.
This is the House version of legalizing iGaming.
The Senate is also introducing a bill that is currently awaiting committee hearings.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: United States
Región: North America
Event
iGaming Club Conference Cancun
24 de November 2025
Levon Nikoghosyan Confirms iGaming Cancun’s Success and Future LATAM Expansion
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The vibrant energy of iGaming Cancun has set the tone for a new chapter in the Latin American iGaming industry. Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO and Co-Founder of AffPapa and iGaming Club, shared his enthusiasm for the event’s debut in Mexico, highlighting its impact on the regional market and the company’s ambitious plans for the future.
Thursday 04 Dec 2025 / 12:00
iGaming Club Cancún 2025 Concludes Successfully with Strong Connections in Its First LatAm Edition
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- iGaming Club Cancún 2025 came to a close last night with a comprehensive experience of conferences, networking, and the AffPapa iGaming Awards LATAM gala, consolidating itself as a unique space for operators, affiliates, and providers in the region.
Thursday 27 Nov 2025 / 12:00
iGaming Club Cancún 2025: Affiliates, Operators, and Innovation Take Center Stage on Final Day
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The second and final day of iGaming Club Cancún 2025 unfolds today, bringing together operators, affiliates, and select B2B providers in a unique networking and conference environment that highlights the evolving dynamics of the Latin American iGaming market.
Wednesday 26 Nov 2025 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.