Ohio Senator Introduces First Online Casino Bill

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, Ohio Senator Niraj Antani introduced the first-ever bill to legalize online casinos in Ohio. This legislation would allow Ohio’s 11 casinos and racinos to offer one online casino app. 

Is This Bill Dead on Arrival?

While this is making headlines as this is the first online casino bill in Ohio, it’s looking unlikely to pass. This bill comes after Ohio recently sent cease and desist notices to offshore gambling sites.

Antani is entering the final months of his stint in office. Leaving office, Antani mentioned that he wanted to start the process of getting online casinos legalized in the state but also admitted it’s likely a long way off. 

The Ohio legislature will meet after the November elections but for a short session. Fellow Senators don’t expect this bill to be considered much during this time. 

Again, Antani knows this, but he just wants the conversation to start before he leaves office. 

Details of the Bill

The bill, SB 312, contains the following details: 

• The Ohio Casino Control Commission would be the regulator of online casino play. 
  Allow licensed casinos to seek permits.
• Online casinos can partner with land-based casinos to launch a site. 
• Initial permit and associate permit fee of $300,000. Renewed for $250,000 annually after that. 
  Application fee of $100,000. 
• Casinos with a permit must contribute $250,000 annually to the problem casino gambling and addiction fund. 
• Taxes would be 15% for online slots and table games. 
• Limits internet gaming affiliate licenses to five, and marketing affiliates must pay $25,000 for a three-year license and a $10,000 application fee. 

Unlikely to Pass

Antani was key in getting the sports betting legislation passed in 2021. However, he’s leaving office, so his influence is becoming minimized. He ran for election in the US House for the second congressional district but lost the Republican primary in March. 

Rep. Jay Edwards was a supporter of a hypothetical online casino bill coming out of the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, but he’s also facing term limits. 

So, at the very least, this bill will get the conversation moving forward, if nothing else.