Ohio Sen. Niraj Antani is seeking support for SB 312, legislation to allow online casino gambling in Ohio.
Four local Ohio casinos and seven racinos offer Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs), like slots. While the in-person gambling options in Ohio are limited, the addition of local casino sites going online could provide additional revenue for the state.
Last month, Antani introduced a bill requiring the Ohio Casino Control Commission to contract with local licensed casinos to determine which games should be allowed to accept wagers online. Antani released a statement alongside his bill proposal that said online casino gambling is the next step for the local casino industry. He also stated, “As gaming has evolved in our state and we’ve seen massive success with sports betting, it’s now time to legalize igaming in Ohio.”
Current Status Of iGaming In The USA
Currently, only eight states offer state-licensed iGaming: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Most online gambling states have seen great success with iGaming revenue, with Pennsylvania posting $173 million in revenue for July 2024.
Despite most states not offering online options from their brick-and-mortar locations, there are online options for all 50 states. Online casinos operating outside the country have accepted US players from all 50 states for years. Since there are no federal gambling laws banning online gambling sites, US players can wager on blackjack, roulette, craps, slots, poker, and much more online.
What States Will Soon Authorize Online Casinos?
According to LexisNexis, New York, New Jersey, and Ohio could be the next few states to pass online iGaming.
New York’s state deficit is expected to grow over the years, and iGaming could provide additional financial support. The state is also about to grant a new casino license for New York City, which has sparked interest among many of the city’s most prominent residents, including Steve Cohn and Jay Z.
New Jersey only allows casinos to operate in Atlantic City, and online iGaming could generate revenue from tourists and residents who don’t often travel to the city. New Jersey has always been a leader in the gambling industry and was the driving force behind repealing the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which paved the way for legal sports betting in the United States.
Ohio Sen. Niraj Antani’s term ends in 2025 and he has already stated he will not seek re-election. Therefore, time is ticking to support SB 312, and the bill will likely be passed down to the next state legislature.