Ohio's Crackdown on Sweepstakes Casinos: HB298 and Indecisive SB197
Online Gaming in Ohio May Only Include Traditional Casinos, Excluding Sweepstakes Platforms?
Hey there! Let's dive into the latest news about online gaming in Ohio.
Richard Janvrin, a seasoned sports-betting and online casino writer with a flair for breaking news, shares his insights on two significant billsβHB298 and SB197βthat are shaking up the gaming landscape in the Buckeye State.
HB298: The Game Changer
Rep. Brian Stewart has introduced HB298, a bill aimed at legalizing online casino gaming in Ohio while shutting the door on sweepstakes-style games. So, what's the deal with this legislation?
- The Nitty-Grit: This bill allows existing Ohio casinos and racinos to apply for iGaming licenses, a $50 million investment for a five-year term, and $10 million for renewal.
- Tax Man Cometh: If passed, the bill will impose a 28% tax rate on gross iGaming revenue, with the majority (99%) going to the state's general fund and a tiny bit (1%) to problem gambling prevention.
- Ohio Casino Control Commission: These folks will be in charge of regulating the online casino scene, ensuring that only adults 21 and older can participate.
- No Sweepstakes Allowed: HB298 explicitly bans sweepstakes-style gaming, which includes dual-currency systems like Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
- Mark Your Calendars: The bill mandates that iGaming launches by March 31, 2026, if it gets the green light.
SB197: The Mystery Bill
While details about SB197 are still vague, we do know it's another bill alongside HB298. From what we can gather, SB197 legalizes pari-mutuel wagering and iLottery, but it keeps its cards close to its chest when it comes to sweepstakes casinos.
The Larger Picture
- Governor DeWine: Despite the potential benefits, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has voiced concerns about online casino legislation, hinting at potential addiction issues.
- Industry Impact: If passed, the ban on sweepstakes casinos could have a significant impact on popular platforms like Chumba and High 5, which have built their reputation on sweepstakes-based models.
That's the skinny on Ohio's push to regulate iGaming. Stay tuned for more updates from Richard Janvrin! π
- In the midst of Ohio's gaming evolution, it seems there is a possible new legal online casino landscape emerging, as Representative Brian Stewart introduces HB298, a bill allowing Ohio casinos and racinos to apply for iGaming licenses, with a focus on banning sweepstakes-style games such as those offered by Chumba and High 5.
- Richard Janvrin, a sports betting and online casino writer, points out that legal poker sites might find a home within this proposed legislation, given that HB298 allows online casino gaming, though details about SB197, another relevant bill, remain unclear regarding sweepstakes casinos.
- Meanwhile, Las Vegas-style online casinos, including online sports betting and online poker, could soon be a part of Ohio's gaming industry if HB298 passes, bringing the excitement of casino-and-gambling to residents' screens and potentially driving growth in the online casino sector beyond current sweepstakes-based models.
