After a study commission on the future of gaming in Ohio, some legislators seemed eager to begin efforts to legalize online casino in the Buckeye State.

Sen. Nathan Manning and Rep. Jay Edwards co-chaired the study commission. Both legislators previously sponsored sports betting legislation, which Ohio passed in 2021.

The first of four meetings held by the commission focused on iGaming. After the meetings, Edwards wrote a letter, along with Republican House commission members Jeff LaRe and Cindy Abrams, expressing their view that online casino is a future “net benefit” to the state.

Ohio online casino bill sponsor has yet to emerge

Edwards seemed likely to take the reins on online casino legislation in the House.

However, this is Edwards’ last year in office because of term limits. He said he took charge of the study commission because he felt it was important to gather information for colleagues to consider online casino in the future. The 354-page report contains the iGaming testimony submitted by stakeholders.

“My hope is that future general assemblies will look at the report as they’re planning out what the future holds for the state and gaming,” Edwards said. “I think iGaming is a really great opportunity for the state. We don’t have a lot of opportunities to bring in new revenue streams. We looked at the numbers that Michigan and Pennsylvania are doing and it’s tremendous.”

Who could take the reins is a mystery. LaRe’s legislative aide told to a local media he has no plans to introduce iGaming legislation next year. Abrams did not respond to multiple emails and voice messages over several weeks.

Rep. Bill Seitz is another Ohio legislator who has long shown interest in gaming issues. But, like Edwards, he is terming out and said he doesn’t know who might have an interest in filing iGaming legislation.

Manning could champion a bill in 2026, which will be his last year in office. But he said not to expect him to introduce an online casino bill in 2025.

“At this point, I’m not planning on introducing something next year. I carried the iLottery bill last general assembly, which is somewhat similar. I’m certainly OK with a responsible expansion of gaming, giving people what they want in a responsible way. So I’m not planning on introducing something, but I’m open to that discussion. We’ll see if the House introduces something or not.”

Online Casino Legalization in Ohio Faces Challenges and Delays

The push to legalize online casinos in Ohio is anticipated to be a lengthy process. While the House may take the lead, similar to its role in sports betting, the Senate is expected to be slower to act due to concerns about social impacts and the effect on physical casino jobs. 

Senator Bill DeMora, for instance, is cautious about iGaming’s potential to harm union jobs at brick-and-mortar casinos. Despite this, lawmakers like Senator Nathan Manning and Representative Jay Edwards are optimistic about the eventual legalization of online casinos, citing strong public demand and significant revenue opportunities.

DeMora said he’s still open to the discussion on iGaming in Ohio.“I’m the most pro-union legislator in Ohio,” DeMora said. “And a casino will be in my district starting in January when we have new districts take effect. Everyone who works there is a union worker with a good paying job and benefits and retirement. So until I see the studies and the facts that iGaming doesn’t hurt brick and mortar and people aren’t going to lose their jobs, I’m cautious about it.”

“I have four horse racing apps. I have four sports betting apps. I’ve been in casinos all across the country. I’m not opposed to gambling. And I understand that technology is coming and it’s the wave of the future. But I want to know three years after we go to that, they’re not going to fire half the staff at the casino that’s in my district.”

However, Governor Mike DeWine could be a major impediment. His past reservations about gambling expansion and his push to increase sports betting taxes suggest he might resist iGaming legislation. Legislators acknowledge that while DeWine’s stance could change in the future, it is unlikely that he will support online casinos before his term concludes in 2026.

Eyes on 2027 for Ohio iCasino passage

Ohio sets a two-year budget in odd years. In 2027, a new governor will take over. By the end of his or her first month on the job, the governor will introduce an executive budget for the 2028-29 fiscal years.

And it figures that the new governor and the legislature will be looking for additional revenue. Budget bills must be signed by June 30 to take effect July 1.

“The state has been flush with all the COVID money we had, but we’re probably going to see some economic downturn coming up soon in state revenues,” Edwards said. “Legalizing iGaming may be the thing to bring the state out of some of those financial constraints.”

That will give Ohio lawmakers plenty of time to prepare the best possible online casino language, addressing problem gambling and job-loss concerns.

“It might happen during budget discussions because of the revenue coming in,” Manning said. “If we’re having lower amounts coming in from other places or want to do more tax cuts, it might be able to help facilitate that. Whether we’re having issues in education or law enforcement or whatever it may be, iGaming can kind of fill those gaps. My goal is to be prepared if this is something that all of a sudden gets moving.”

By Matthew Kredell