Senator Niraj Antani has introduced a bill in Ohio that aims to legalize online poker and iGaming in the state. The bill, SB 312, would allow the four casinos in Ohio to operate their own online platforms or partner with other operators. Antani believes that it is time to bring iGaming out of the black market and into the mainstream to provide a safe and regulated entertainment option for all Ohioans.
However, the bill faces challenges in making progress as Antani has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2025, and there are no additional sponsors for the bill. Without further support, the bill would need to be passed before Antani leaves office. Additionally, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently increased the sports betting tax in the state, and SB 312 proposes a tax rate for online poker and iGaming that is lower than the newly established figure.
The proposed tax rate in the bill is set at 15%, with 51% of the revenue going to local counties, 34% to school districts, and the remainder allocated to the horse racing industry, law enforcement, and problem gambling treatment. While three of Antani’s Republican Party colleagues had expressed support for legalizing online gambling with caution, Antani’s bill pushes for further advancement in the sector, but its success seems unlikely given the current circumstances.
Overall, the bill introduced by Senator Niraj Antani in Ohio seeks to legalize online poker and iGaming in the state, providing a regulated and safe entertainment option for residents. Despite facing challenges and uncertainties, the bill aims to bring iGaming out of the black market and into the mainstream, contributing to the state’s revenue and benefiting various sectors such as education, law enforcement, and problem gambling treatment. While the bill may face obstacles in its path to approval, it represents a step towards modernizing the gambling industry in Ohio.