Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani has introduced a bill that seeks to legalize online casinos in the state, following the successful implementation of online sports betting. The bill aims to provide Ohio residents with the opportunity to enjoy casino games without the need to visit physical casinos or racinos.
Senator Antani believes that legalizing online casinos will help combat the prevalence of black-market iGaming operators who currently cater to residents of the state. The proposed legislation would have the Ohio Casino Control Commission oversee and regulate the online casino industry.
At present, only seven states in the US have legalized online casino gaming, as many states are hesitant to expand gambling due to concerns about potential negative impacts such as increased addiction rates. However, other lawmakers in Ohio have expressed their support for the legalization of online casinos, with several representatives coming together in July to advocate for the benefits of such a move.
The introduction of online sports betting in Ohio in January 2023 has been largely successful, with the state generating $136 million in tax revenue from operators last year. A significant portion of this revenue has been allocated to public education programs. Senator Antani was instrumental in sponsoring the bill that led to the legalization of sports betting in 2021.
Overall, the proposed legalization of online casinos in Ohio is seen as a positive step towards providing residents with a safe and regulated online gambling environment while also generating revenue for the state. By bringing iGaming into the legal framework, the state aims to protect consumers, support responsible gambling practices, and drive economic growth in the online gambling sector.