Current Ohio laws allow a variety of gambling markets to operate in the state. Consumers can enjoy horse racing, casino gambling, the state lottery, and a selection of non-profit and charitable bingo and raffle games.

As well as in-person gambling opportunities, Ohioans have also been able to enjoy online sports betting since January 2023 after legislation was passed to regulate the industry.

At present, online casinos are prohibited from setting up operations in the state, with citizens looking to explore new online casinos for 2024 only able to do so through offshore alternatives.

Industry expert Kane Pepi recommends checking the licensing and security of new online casinos as well as the gaming options, bonuses, and payment methods. This should help consumers discover externally licensed operators that are safe to use.

Many Ohio natives are keen for regulatory changes that would allow online casino operations, and a proposal by Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani would see the legalization and regulation of online casino gambling in the state.

This comes after three fellow Republicans, Cindy Abrams, Jeff LaRe, and Jay Edwards publicly backed the legalization of online gambling in July. They advocated digital lottery and online casino gambling with the condition that the state proceed with caution.

These comments were part of a report that looked at the benefits and potential downsides of expanding the current gambling industry in Ohio.

Senate Bill 312 comes at a time when its approval is under a strict time limit, with Antani stating in November that he would not be running for reelection. This means the bill would have to be approved before the end of 2024.

This isn’t the only hurdle the bill faces, with politicians focusing on essential issues during the election year. It is unlikely that anyone will be keen to get involved in a potentially controversial topic like online gambling, with voters holding strong opinions on either side.

The bill itself would act as an expansion on current gambling regulations, following many of the existing guidelines in place for land-based casino operations in Ohio. However, one major change in the proposal would see a lower tax rate than existing digital gambling operations pay.

The current tax rate is set at 20%, doubling in 2023 from its original 10% tariff. However, the new bill suggests a 15% tax on online casino operation’s gross receipts.

The bill would require online casino operations to be linked to existing casinos in the state, of which there are only four. Costs for these casinos to run online casino sites in Ohio would include application fees that would total at least $650,000. This would include a $100,000 application fee, $300,000 permit fee, and $250,000 to be paid towards a responsible gambling fund.

Annual permit renewals would cost a further $250,000 and gaming associates would also have to pay $250,000 for permits and renewals.

Another obstacle the bill faces comes in the shape of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine who has an anti-gambling stance and will be in office until January 2027.

The odds look stacked against this being the bill that will change Ohio’s online casino regulations, but it could serve as a test to see what aspects gain support for any future efforts.