Ohio parliament assesses fresh legislation enabling web-based betting
Ready to dive deeper into Ohio's aspiring iGaming scene? The Buckeye State might soon extend its gambling horizons, with online casinos and lottery games potentially becoming the next big deal, all thanks to Senate Bill 197. Introduced by Senator Nathan Manning, this bill is currently under review by the Select Committee on Gaming, and if passed, it would open doors for internet-based gamblers.
Key points to remember:
- Ohio's four brick-and-mortar casinos and seven licensed video lottery racinos could apply for one online gaming platform license each, if SB 197 gets the green light.
- Operators would be expected to pay high licensing fees, ranging from an upfront $50 million to a $5 million renewal every five years.
- Tax rates would fluctuate between 36% (for in-house operators) and 40% (for partnered platforms).
- The bill also aims to reduce the retail sports betting tax rate from 20% to 10%, and legalize online lottery and horse race betting apps.
- In case SB 197 gets the go-ahead, the Ohio Casino Control Commission will need to set a launch date for online gambling by March 31, 2026, allowing for six months of provisional licensing.
Now, let's take a survey of other regions:
- Indiana has ventured down a similar path, proposing House Bill 1432, aiming to introduce legal online casinos and an online lottery. However, this bill has stalled, like a faltering horse in a race, with no Senate Committee hearing happening this session.
- Connecticut is no exception, as lawmakers are scrutinizing Senate Bill 1235. The outcome of this bill could potentially alter gaming license regulations, particularly the Department of Consumer Protection's oversight powers.
In the grand race of iGaming legalization, Ohio takes the lead, while Indiana and Connecticut seem to be lagging behind at the starting gateβfor now. Keep an eye on these contenders as the intriguing drama unfolds.
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Sources:1. Ohio Bill Seeks Online Gambling Taxes, Fees2. Indiana Online Gambling Bill Stalls3. Connecticut Gambling Bill Could Reshape Market
Enrichment Data
The current status of online gambling laws in Ohio, Indiana, and Connecticut with respect to Senate Bill 197, House Bill 96, House Bill 1432, and Senate Bill 1235 is as follows:
Ohio β Senate Bill 197 (SB 197)
- SB 197 was introduced in May 2025 by State Senator Nathan Manning to legalize and regulate online casino gambling in Ohio[1][3].
- The bill permits online casinos offering slots, interactive table games (including poker), online parimutuel wagering, and online lottery under the regulation of the Ohio Casino Control Commission[1][4].
- Only Ohio's four brick-and-mortar casinos (Jack Cleveland, Hollywood Columbus, Hard Rock Cincinnati, Hollywood Toledo) and seven licensed video lottery racinos can apply for one online gaming platform license each[1][4][5].
- Licensing fees are very high: a $50 million initial license fee, $5 million renewal every five years, plus a license application fee[1][4][5].
- Tax rates on online casino gross revenue range from 36% (if operators use their own platforms) to 40% (if they partner with external operators)[4][5].
- Of the tax revenue, 99% would go to Ohioβs General Fund, and 1% to address problem gambling[4][5].
- The bill also proposes reducing the retail sports betting tax rate from 20% to 10% and legalizing online lottery and horse race betting apps with proceeds supporting education initiatives[4].
- The Ohio Casino Control Commission must set a launch date for online gambling by March 31, 2026, and can issue provisional licenses for the first six months of operations[4].
- There is resistance from some Ohio casinos, notably Jack Entertainment, which owns the Cleveland casino and racino[1].
Indiana β House Bill 1432 (HB 1432)
- HB 1432 aimed to legalize online casinos in Indiana, proposing a tax rate of 22% to 30% on gross gaming receipts[2].
- However, the bill failed to receive a Senate Committee hearing and is unlikely to advance or be enacted in 2025[2].
- As a result, online casino legalization in Indiana remains stalled for the current legislative session[2].
Connecticut β House Bill 96 (HB 96) and Senate Bill 1235 (SB 1235)
- The search results did not provide specific information about HB 96 or SB 1235 in Connecticut.
- Based on the absence of recent updates, it appears there is no current advancement or enactment of online gambling legislation involving these bills in Connecticut as of mid-2025.
- Connecticut already has some legal gambling frameworks, but no new online casino legalization related to these bills has been reported.
If Senate Bill 197 in Ohio gains approval, it could lead to Ohio's four brick-and-mortar casinos and seven licensed video lottery racinos applying for online gaming platform licenses, paving the way for online casinos and lottery games in the state. On the other hand, Indiana's House Bill 1432, aiming to introduce legal online casinos and an online lottery, has stalled, suggesting Ohio might take the lead in the race of iGaming legalization.
