Legal iGaming backed by Ohio Republicans

Three Ohio House Republicans have submitted a joint letter to the state recommending that Ohio legalise online casinos and iLottery as a “net benefit” to the state.

Reps. Jay Edwards, Jeff LaRe and Cindy Abrams said the state should legalise iGaming, including online casino and lottery. Online sports betting has been legal and live in Ohio since January 2023.

“While the state should proceed with caution and care with any expansion of this magnitude, with the right regulatory framework, these types of gaming can thrive with nominal impact to our
current system,” the representatives wrote.

The letter is part of a study commission report issued Friday (12 July) on the future of gaming in Ohio. According to a report in PlayUSA, the study commission met four times, including one session on online casino in February. Written testimony provided during the hearings makes up most of the 354-page report.

Legal iGaming legislation coming in 2025?

The letter from House Republicans could foretell filing the first Ohio online casino legislation next year. It noted “tremendous potential” in legalizing online casinos and iLottery.

“Looking at other states who have implemented either or both iLottery and iGaming, we see significant increases to tax revenues generated with greater participation but also that in-person sales continued to increase,” the letter said.

“That can largely be contributed to more people participating in the market on their phones and becoming more comfortable/knowledgeable about doing it at a physical location.”

While more than 25 states offer legal digital sports betting, lawmakers have found it tougher to legalise online gambling. Seven states offer online gambling.