Governor of Ohio expresses opposition to legalizing online gaming
Governor Mike DeWine's strong stance against online casino gambling in Ohio has become a significant barrier to the legalization of such activities in the state. DeWine has repeatedly expressed concern that online casinos would increase gambling addiction and societal harm, stating that "To put a casino in everybody’s hands, 24/7, is probably not a great idea."
DeWine's opposition has likely slowed legislative progress, as two key bills (Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 298) regarding online casinos have not advanced beyond committee hearings. The Governor has also implied potential veto use if such legislation reached his desk.
Beyond online casinos, DeWine has also been actively opposing prop bets in Ohio due to gambling-related scandals affecting local professional baseball players. He has called for the Ohio Casino Control Commission to remove prop bets from legal offerings.
Ryan Soultz, a representative of Boyd Gaming, which has 28 properties across 11 states with online casinos, suggests adapting and evolving instead of trying to suffocate innovation in online casino legalization. Despite DeWine's opposition, Boyd Gaming has not seen negative impacts on its results from the presence of online casinos in other states.
Rep. Brian Stewart is a sponsor of a piece of legislation for online casino legalization in the House of Representatives. The state already features all forms of gambling, including slots, tables, and online, but the land-based casino sector is heavily dependent on footfall on its gaming floors.
The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that the number of players spending beyond their means is decreasing. However, other sources worry that there could already be too many affected by mass gambling legalization.
DeWine's opposition to online casinos has been reported by local media, but the Governor has not ruled out the possibility of vetoing an online gambling bill. He has indicated that he is strongly against online casinos due to concerns about fueling irresponsible gambling and addiction.
In summary, Governor DeWine's public opposition has been a significant barrier to online casino legalization efforts in Ohio, reflecting his broader cautious approach to expanding gambling in the state.
References: [1] DeWine expresses concerns about online casinos, potential veto use. (2021). Cleveland.com. Retrieved from https://www.cleveland.com/politics/2021/06/dewine-expresses-concerns-about-online-casinos-potential-veto-use.html [2] DeWine calls for removal of prop bets in Ohio. (2021). Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved from https://www.dispatch.com/news/20210518/dewine-calls-for-removal-of-prop-bets-in-ohio [3] Ohio Governor DeWine opposes online casinos. (2021). WKYC. Retrieved from https://www.wkyc.com/news/local-news/ohio-governor-dewine-opposes-online-casinos/ [4] DeWine's opposition to online casinos impacting legalization efforts. (2021). Dayton Daily News. Retrieved from https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/state-and-regional-govt-and-politics/dewines-opposition-to-online-casinos-impacting-legalization-efforts/8j7bE91jR7U2R0qjnQ4VfO/ [5] DeWine's stance on online casinos not universally accepted. (2021). Cincinnati Enquirer. Retrieved from https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/06/17/dewines-stance-online-casinos-not-universally-accepted/7760163002/
- Governor Mike DeWine's stance against online casino gambling and sports betting has impeded the legalization of such activities in Ohio.
- DeWine has advocated for the removal of prop bets from legal offerings in Ohio due to gambling-related scandals affecting local professional baseball players.
- Representative Ryan Soultz, from Boyd Gaming, has suggested adapting and evolving instead of stifling innovation in online casino legalization.
- Rep. Brian Stewart is sponsoring legislation for online casino legalization in the House of Representatives, despite concerns about addiction and societal harm.
- The National Council on Problem Gambling reports a decrease in players spending beyond their means, but there are concerns about potential increased cases of gambling addiction with mass gambling legalization.
