Key Takeaways

• Online Casino Bill Expired: Ohio’s proposed online casino bill failed to progress, leaving the industry without a clear path forward.
• No Legislative Sponsor for 2025: With Senator Niraj Antani out of office, there is no clear advocate for online casino legalization.
• State Committed to Regulation: Ohio has taken action against unregulated offshore operators but has yet to legalize and regulate its own online casinos.

Ohio’s Online Casino Plans Face Uncertainty

Ohio’s push for online casinos started with Senate Bill 312, introduced in September 2024 by Senator Niraj Antani. The bill proposed allowing the state’s 11 casinos to operate online platforms, similar to its existing sports betting model. However, the proposal never advanced, and with Antani leaving office on December 31, 2024, no new lawmakers have taken up the cause.

Without a sponsor in the 2025 legislative session, the bill’s future is uncertain. If reintroduced and passed, Ohio would join other states that have legalized online casinos, potentially boosting state gaming revenue.

Online Casino Regulation Remains in Limbo

While Ohio remains hesitant on online casino legalization, it has taken steps to crack down on unregulated gambling. In August 2024, the Ohio Casino Control Commission ordered Harp Media, the operator behind Bovada, to cease operations in the state. This move aligns with a national trend of limiting offshore gambling to protect state-regulated markets.

Currently, Ohio offers:

• Legal sports betting through licensed operators.
• Land-based casinos in major cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, and Dayton.
• Sweepstakes and social casinos, such as High 5 Casino, McLuck, and WOW Vegas, where players can win cash prizes using in-game currency.

However, without legalized online casinos, many Ohioans turn to offshore gambling sites, raising concerns about player safety and lost tax revenue.

Will Ohio Overcome the Barriers to Legalization?

Ohio is at a crossroads when it comes to legalizing online casinos. While there’s potential for regulation, the lack of legislative momentum means it remains in limbo. Industry experts believe that with proper advocacy and public support, online casino gaming could still become a reality in the state.

For now, Ohio’s online gambling expansion remains uncertain, with no immediate changes in sight. Whether lawmakers will revisit the issue later in 2025 remains to be seen.

(First Reported by Ohio Legislative Reports & Casino Industry Updates)