Ohio Lawmakers Halt Progress on Online Casino and iLottery Bills

Ohio’s latest talks on legalizing online casinos and digital lottery games may not go anywhere soon. Top state lawmakers now say those efforts are off the table for the current session, citing an already crowded gambling landscape.

Good to Know

• House Speaker Matt Huffman says no iGaming or iLottery bills will move forward this session.
• Governor Mike DeWine has voiced opposition, calling online gambling a “bad idea.”
• Calls to Ohio’s gambling helpline have risen since sports betting became legal in 2023.

After several months of debate, proposals like House Bill 298 and Senate Bill 197 appear stalled in committee. Both measures attracted interest from leading operators hoping to expand into iGaming, but they also triggered pushback from faith-based organizations and addiction recovery advocates who warned of growing public health risks.

Lawmakers See the Market as “Full”

House Speaker Matt Huffman told the Statehouse News Bureau that Ohio’s gambling market has reached its capacity. “We’ve already expanded with sports betting and casinos,” he said, suggesting there’s little appetite for adding more verticals at this time.

The state’s last major gambling expansion came in 2023 when Governor DeWine signed legislation allowing sports wagering statewide. Since then, Ohio’s gaming industry has seen steady growth—along with a noticeable uptick in calls to the problem gambling helpline.

DeWine has been clear about his stance: “Online gambling 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a bad idea,” he said, pointing to the potential for addiction and financial harm among vulnerable players.

iGaming Supporters Struggle to Gain Ground

Advocates for iGaming argue that regulated online casino play could bring new tax revenue and consumer protections, especially as neighboring states like Michigan have already legalized it. However, Ohio lawmakers remain hesitant to take on another expansion so soon after sports betting’s rollout.

Legislators have indicated that both HB 298 and SB 197 are unlikely to see any action before the current session ends. Supporters now hope for a renewed discussion next year once lawmakers have more data on sports betting’s social and financial effects.

For now, Ohio’s digital gaming landscape remains frozen, and those hoping for online casino access will need to wait a little longer.

FAQ

What is the current status of online casino legislation in Ohio?

Both House Bill 298 and Senate Bill 197 are stalled and will not advance this session.

Why are lawmakers hesitant to approve iGaming?

They believe the gambling market is saturated following sports betting legalization and are concerned about addiction risks.

Who supports the expansion?

Major gaming operators have testified in favor of iGaming, but they face strong opposition from religious and health groups.

Will the discussion return next year?

Lawmakers suggest the topic could resurface in a future session, but no formal timeline exists yet.

The post Ohio Lawmakers Halt Progress on Online Casino and iLottery Bills appeared first on iGaming.org.