Legal online casino expansion has been stuck at seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia – all year. But a new possible contender to become the eighth state has suddenly emerged, with Ohio now considering the legalisation of igaming.
On Wednesday, Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani introduced an igaming bill aiming to bring online casinos to the Buckeye State. The 146-page bill seeks to legalise igaming in Ohio and create a regulatory framework under the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
The commission would oversee the launch of online gaming platforms, monitoring activities, and determining which games would be available. Under the proposed legislation, Ohio’s 11 casinos and racinos would each be permitted to offer one online casino app.
Ohio has witnessed significant growth in its gambling landscape over the past 15 years. Progressive legislation and amendments have laid the groundwork for the industry’s expansion.
Consistent gaming expansion started in 2009
It began in 2009, when voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing brick-and-mortar casinos in the state. This marked a major turning point for legalised gambling in Ohio, transforming it into a lucrative business hub for casinos and racetracks.
Then, in 2021, Antani co-sponsored a successful bill to legalise sports betting. That bill passed in December 2021. Legal digital sports betting went live in the state on 1 January 2023.
If Ohio’s legislature moves similarly with igaming, it would instantly become a major player in the igaming space. It is the seventh largest state by population at a little under 12 million and would become the second biggest with legal online casinos.
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