The Ohio legislature has passed a groundbreaking bill that lays the foundation for the legalization of online casino gaming, with a proposed tax rate of 15%. The bill includes Senate Bill 312, aimed at transforming digital entertainment by legalizing various online casino games for Ohioans.
Legislative Insight: Advancing the Legalization of Online Gambling
The bill's main sponsor, State Senator Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg), expressed his anticipation for the bill's potential to advance the gambling industry in Ohio. "I believe this is the next step forward for the gambling industry in Ohio," Antani commented. His vision includes allowing Ohio residents to legally participate in a range of online games, including poker, roulette, slots, and card games like blackjack. "Blackjack, any type of card game, table games, you're going to see allowed. That's the idea," Antani elaborated.
The bill authorizes the Ohio Casino Control Commission to work with licensed casinos to determine which games can be offered online. This move aims to ensure a regulated and safe environment for online gambling enthusiasts.
However, the proposal has raised concerns among some stakeholders, particularly those from the traditional brick-and-mortar industry. According to WCMH TV, David Corey, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Bowling Centers Association, worries about the proposal's negative impact on physical businesses. "Our customers are definitely going to be concerned," he said, fearing potential job losses and reduced customer visits to physical locations. Despite these concerns, Corey acknowledges the need for a balanced approach, including benefits for the hospitality industry, such as potentially expanding the size of gambling booths.
In contrast, Antani assures that the introduction of iGaming will not undermine traditional gaming venues. "It's not going to affect them at all," he asserted. "It's just another entertainment option on people's phones, just like any other game they play, just like every movie people watch."
The senator also reviewed the initial goal of sports betting, which was to create a level playing field between online platforms and traditional industries. However, the rapid dominance of online sports betting platforms has raised concerns about market fairness, prompting ongoing discussions about fair solutions.
The Path Forward: Regulation and Public Safety
In these debates, Antani remains a staunch supporter of legalizing iGaming, believing it will curb illegal online gambling activities and provide a regulated and safe framework for the practice. "People want iGaming," he noted. "They're doing it illegally now. They're doing it on the black market. I believe we should be able to do it in a safe and regulated way, and now is the time to legalize this practice."
According to WLWT, Senate Bill 312 proposes a 15% tax rate on online casino games, which is 5% lower than the current online sports betting tax rate in Ohio. The introduction of the bill marks the beginning of the legislative process, with the first hearing expected to take place in November. If successful, Ohio will join the seven U.S. states currently offering legal iGaming, including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
