A pair of new bills introduced in May could bring major changes to how Ohioans gamble. Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 298 are currently under discussion and focus on legalizing online casinos in the state. Should it pass, the Ohio adult population could legally play live-money poker, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines on their phones or computers, wherever they are in the state.
The proposals are not merely about greater freedom to players. According to lawmakers who are supporting the bills, it is also a good financial move. The projections estimate that the Senate Bill 197 will bring in about half a billion dollars in the annual tax intake, and the House Bill 298 pegs the figure even higher at eight hundred million dollars. This is money that would be spent on schools, public health and infrastructure, and not at the expense of increased taxes.
The boundaries are well defined in the two bills. Players would have to be 21 years of age and older to play. Deposit limits and time limits are planned too, to avoid addiction and control the process of gambling. This is meant to promote open access, but not at the expense of safety.
Currently, Ohio residents looking to gamble online often turn to offshore casino sites. These platforms exist in a legal gray area, as they are not licensed by Ohio regulators and operate under international laws. Many of these casinos offer wide-ranging game selections and generous bonuses, appealing to players who want to play without regional restrictions.
Legalizing online casinos under state oversight would give players access to secure platforms, vetted operators, and real support if needed. It also brings that money—now going to offshore companies—back into Ohio’s economy.
Not everyone agrees on how the state should go about it, though. The two bills propose different tax structures. Senate Bill 197 suggests taxing existing license holders at 36% and new ones at 40%. That would be the highest online gambling tax rate in the country. House Bill 298, meanwhile, puts forward a 28% tax rate, more in line with neighboring states like Michigan.
That difference is causing a stir. Some operators think a higher tax might slow down the growth of the market or discourage new platforms from setting up shop in Ohio. Others argue that the demand is strong enough to support it and that a higher rate means more public benefit.
Casino companies across the state are weighing in. Boyd Gaming, for instance, sees online gambling as a way to connect with a younger audience without pulling people away from physical locations. They believe digital games can work alongside in-person experiences, not replace them.
Caution though, particularly on the part of operations such as Scioto Downs in Columbus. The racino is a large employer and an entertainment destination and its management is monitoring these bills. The general manager has indicated that in the event that online gambling is legalized, their racino might fall by the wayside unless they are permitted to diversify their options as well. In particular, he wants racinos approved to offer table games as well as slots and racing so that they do not lose out to other venues.
The discussion is only at an inception. During the next several months, there will be plenty of public hearings and it is probable that the ultimate version of any legislation will consist of alterations likely to be brought on by comments of the voters, casino operators, and responsible gaming agencies.
Ohio is at the margin of that potential change in how people play-and how the state profits by it, until then. To many, it is more than games. It is all about access, regulation, and being in line with where the world is already going.