Online Casino Legislation Proposed in Ohio, Persisting Opposition from Traditional Casinos
May 15, 2025, 12:02h.
Last updated on: May 15, 2025, 09:50h.
By: Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO | Asia Pacific Gaming | Commercial Gaming | Legislation | Politics
Another stock in the online casino race: Senate Bill 197* $50 million for the price of an iGaming license* Ohio's land-based casinos: Mixed feels about online gambling
Buckeye State's online gambling discussion takes another turn as Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) throws in Senate Bill 197, aiming to legalize and tax internet gambling. If passed, the bill would allow iGaming, online parimutuel wagering, and iLottery, among other forms of online betting.
For the Ohio General Assembly's latest legislative session, land-based casinos - Jack Cleveland, Hollywood Columbus, Hard Rock Cincinnati, Hollywood Toledo, and the seven licensed video lottery racinos - can apply for iGaming licenses. But brace yourself for a hefty entry fee of $50 million, with renewals every five years for an additional $5 million! The licensed iGaming platforms would be required to share between 36% to 40% of their gross online casino revenue with the state.
A substantial portion of the iGaming tax money (99%) will go to the Ohio General Fund, while the remaining 1% will support the state's Problem Gambling Fund.
Share the dollars, share the fun! Both Democrats and Republicans seem open to the idea of new online gambling revenue, with Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon), House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima), and Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) expressing optimism about the bill's potential impact on the state's budding industry.
However, not all land-based casino operators are rowing in the same direction. While companies such as MGM Resorts, Boyd Gaming, and Penn Entertainment are keen on exploring online gambling opportunities, Ohio-based Jack Entertainment, the oldest gaming operator in the Buckeye State, is likely to oppose the proposed online casinos. Jack Entertainment manages Jack Cleveland Casino and Jack Thistledown.
Regarding the stance of Churchill Downs, the Kentucky-based racing giant known for its involvement in horse racing, is not explicitly stated in search results.
Senate Bill 197 is under review by the Senate Select Committee on Gaming.
Insights: Jack Entertainment, a significant player in Ohio's gaming market, has historically been opposed to online gambling initiatives, according to available data[3]. The company manages the Jack Cleveland Casino and Jack Thistledown Racino.
No specific information on Churchill Downs' stance on Senate Bill 197 could be found in the search results[1][3][4]. Churchill Downs operates in the horse racing industry, but its stance on the proposed legislation remains undefined based on the data provided.
- Senate Bill 197, proposed by Senator Nathan Manning, seeks to legalize and regulate online gambling, including online slots, in Ohio.
- The buoyant Buckeye State is deliberating about online gambling, with Senate Bill 197 delving into the realms of iGaming, online parimutuel wagering, and iLottery.
- Penn Entertainment, a prominent player in the casino industry, may see opportunities in the potential legalization of online gambling in Ohio.
- MGM Resorts, Boyd Gaming, and Penn Entertainment seem eager to explore the online gambling market in Ohio, but Ohio-based Jack Entertainment, a significant gaming operator in the state, may oppose the proposed online casinos.
- The influence of politics is prevalent in the discussion of online gambling in Ohio, with Senate President Rob McColley, Speaker Matt Huffman, and Minority Leader Nickie Antonio voicing their optimism about the potential impact of the bill on the state's industry.
- A significant barrier to entry for online gambling in Ohio is the $50 million price tag for an iGaming license, with license renewals every five years priced at an additional $5 million.
- The Ohio General Assembly's latest legislative session offers the chance for land-based casinos and racinos to apply for iGaming licenses, if Senate Bill 197 is passed.
- Senate Bill 197, if passed, would allocate 99% of the iGaming tax revenue to the Ohio General Fund, while the remaining 1% would support the state's Problem Gambling Fund.
- The stance of Churchill Downs, a key player in Ohio's horse racing industry, on Senate Bill 197 remains undefined based on the data available.
