The legalization of internet casinos and lottery has been supported by three Ohio House Republicans: Jay Edwards, Jeff LaRe, and Cindy Abrams. Their campaign is taking place in the midst of continuing conversations regarding Ohio’s gaming industry’s future. In a letter contained in the extensive report of the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, which was made public on July 12, the legislators voiced their support. Following the state’s January 2023 legalization of online sports betting, this commission was set up.
The lawmakers added, “While the state should proceed with caution and care with any expansion of this magnitude, these types of gaming can thrive with nominal impact to our current system with the right regulatory framework,” acknowledging the need for prudence.
The 354-page report includes extensive testimony from various stakeholders, detailing concerns from brick-and-mortar casino and lottery operators about potential revenue impacts from online gambling. Despite these concerns, the representatives pointed to Connecticut’s experience, where the gaming market grew by 44.7% in the second year of online gaming operations.
Legislative Planning and Future Prospects
The lawmakers emphasized the potential benefits: “We believe that iLottery and iGaming could be a net benefit to the state of Ohio.” They cited evidence from other states where online gaming has increased tax revenues and boosted participation, ultimately driving more in-person sales as users become more comfortable with gambling.
To ensure safe expansion, they stressed the importance of careful legislative planning, including measures to protect user data and mitigate harm to existing physical gambling venues. Their letter suggests that the first Ohio online casino legislation might be filed next year, indicating the “tremendous potential” of such an initiative.
The study commission, mandated by a budget bill passed last year, conducted four meetings to gather input from industry and the public. While the Ohio legislature is not obligated to act on the commission’s recommendations, the report follows significant changes in the state’s gaming landscape, notably the legalization of sports betting earlier this year.
The report also addresses recent regulatory changes, including the state’s tax rate on sports betting, which doubled to 20%, and a ban on college player prop betting due to concerns about student-athlete harassment. The three Republicans criticized the tax hike as “premature” and potentially harmful to the growth of legal sports betting. They also opposed the ban on college player prop betting, arguing that compensation for college athletes reduces the need for such restrictions.
The future of these recommendations remains uncertain. Governor Mike DeWine has supported the removal of college player prop bets and has not indicated any change in his stance. Nevertheless, the letter from the Republican representatives highlights growing political support for expanding online gaming in Ohio.
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