Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) said at the Ohio State Fair this week that he is “not for” the state legalizing online casinos.
As noted by Legal Sports Report, DeWine in June said he was concerned about the potential for an increase in gambling addiction rates with the legalization of online casinos. The state also recently raised its sports betting tax rate, which could lessen the need for online casino tax dollars.
The comments by the governor come as a pair of bills to legalize Ohio iGaming are circulating in each chamber of the General Assembly.
Standing firm
DeWine, 78, told reporters that he strongly opposes the legalization of online casinos. He added that he does not usually resort to vetoes, but he would “very much” like to keep online casinos out of Ohio, reported Cleveland.com.
“Basically, to put a casino in everybody’s hands, 24/7, I think is probably not a great idea. I think it will cause more pain and suffering in regards to addiction, as far as gaming addiction, so I’m just not for it.”
DeWine’s opinion does not put him in the minority. Only seven states – Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia – have legalized online casino gaming.
Ohio’s governor did leave the door open for the expansion of retail gambling. He said he “look[s] at everything individually” and didn’t “know all the details” about putting video lottery terminals and e-bingo machines at entertainment venues such as bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys.
DeWine took office in January 2019. He was in charge when Ohio legalized sports betting, which launched Jan. 1, 2023.
Last year, he signed a bill that doubled the state’s tax rate on sports betting from 10% to 20%. He attempted to again double the rate to 40% in this year’s budget plan, but it was taken out by lawmakers.
Attempts at legalization
Ohio Rep. Brian Stewart (R-12) earlier this year introduced House Bill 298 as one of two bills that would legalize iGaming.
The bill creates 11 licenses for the state’s casinos and racinos. Licenses would cost $50 million upfront and $10 million for every renewal, and operators would pay 28% of their gross gaming revenue in taxes. Consumers would also be prohibited from submitting credit card deposits or redeeming online bonuses and promotions.
Stewart said in May that he sees iGaming as the next logical step in Ohio gaming.
“We already have table games, we already have slots, and we already have online gambling. House Bill 298 would simply blend the two and allow virtual slot machines and virtual table games alongside online sports betting.”
Sen. Ethan Manning (R-23) introduced Senate Bill 197 this session, which would also create a legal online casino market.
The bill calls for 11 licenses, each for $50 million, and a tax rate of 36% for operators or 40% for contracted companies. License renewals would only cost $5 million, and the bill would also legalize iLottery and pari-mutuel horse wagering.
Ohio legislators last year submitted a study on Ohio’s gaming future. The study included favorable opinions on iGaming.
DeWine will leave office in 2027. His opinion on online casinos implies that legalization will have to wait until he is no longer in power.