Online Casino Bill Introduced in Ohio

It's become a natural progression. First, state legislators will pass an online sports betting bill and watch to see how things go. If everything seems in order, they will proceed to see what can be done about passing some kind of online casino legislation. Such is the case in the state of Ohio.

While there is little chance that any kind of online casino legislation will get consideration in 2024, Sen. Niraj Antani went ahead and filed the appropriate bill. What makes this move interesting is that Antani is facing his final few months in office. It turns out that he is running up against the term limit rules in Ohio and will not be allowed to seek reelection.

When asked about his actions at this late time, Antani told PlayUSA.com:

“I really do think this is a long way off from truly getting legalized in Ohio, but I think it’s time we start the process. We’ve been talking about starting the process for over a year now. Someone has to kickstart it and I think it’s time to go.”

It's noteworthy that the Senate will return for a short session after the November election. However, Sen. Nathan Manning told the PlayUSA.com reporter that he did not believe this particular bill would get any consideration much less mention. Antani agreed, stating that this was more of an effort to do what he refers to as "socializing the concept."

What's in the Bill?

The bill in question is SB312. Since the devil is in the details, let's take a look at what's in the bill, keeping in mind this is just a starting point:

• The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) would be designated to oversee licensing and regulation creation for online casino gambling


• Retail casino owners would be permitted to apply for online casino licensing. They would be required to obtain an internet casino gaming associate permit as a precursor to licensing


• An initial permit fee of $300,000 would have to be paid to secure the appropriate permits and associate permits.


• The OC would have the necessary discretion to renew permits for $250,000 a year


• The Commission would have the discretion to charge a nonrefundable initial application of $100,000


• Each permit holder would be required to pay $250K a year to a designated problem casino gambling and addictions fund


• A tax rate of 15% would be charged on gross casino revenue


• Marketing affiliates would be required to pay an initial $10,000 application fee and an annual fee of $25,000

Based on these guidelines, Antani feels confident this is a doable deal. He stated:

“We know from other states and from our sports betting experience that this can be done in the sunshine in a regulated way, and it can provide another entertainment option for Ohioans.”

Here's the bottom line. While this bill might get passed over for now, it should serve as a good jumping-off point during the first legislative session of 2025.