Unleashing Ohio's Digital Playground: Senate Bill 197 Brings Online Gaming into Focus
Online Casino Legislation Proposed in Ohio, Sparking Ongoing Controversy among Traditional Gaming Establishments
Posted: May 15, 2025, 12:02h.Last Updated: May 15, 2025, 09:50h.
Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO | Asia Pacific Gaming | Commercial Gaming | Legislation | Politics
The buzz in the Buckeye State is stronger than ever, as yet another wave of iGaming legislation has hit the Ohio General Assembly. Senate Bill 197, spearheaded by Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), aims to turn the digital tide and legalize internet gambling.
This bill is a game-changer, paving the way for online casinos offering slots, interactive table games, including poker, online parimutuel wagering, and iLottery. If successful, renowned Ohio casinos, such as Jack Cleveland, Hollywood Columbus, Hard Rock Cincinnati, and Hollywood Toledo, will be allowed to gamble their way into the digital realm.
Senate Bill 197 proposes a steep initial cost of $50 million for the coveted iGaming license, with a $5 million renewal fee every five years. On top of that, licensed platforms would be required to share between 36% to 40% of their online casino revenue with the state. It's a high-stakes investment, indeed.
If the bill makes it into law, a whopping 99% of the tax revenue generated by iGaming will head to the Ohio General Fund, with the remaining 1% destined for the Problem Gambling Fund.
Bipartisan support for iGaming has been growing stronger for years, with Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) and House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) leading the charge. They believe this new venture could usher in a significant financial boost for the state, with Democrats also expressing openness to digital gambling.
The Great Divide Among Casinos
While some gaming companies are all in on online gambling opportunities, such as MGM Resorts, Boyd Gaming, and Penn Entertainment—who run six of the 11 casinos and racinos in Ohio—others remain hesitant. Ohio-based Jack Entertainment, the state's pioneer in the gambling industry with Jack Cleveland and Jack Thistledown, has regularly spoken out against iGaming.
Similarly, Churchill Downs, a Kentucky-based gaming and racing Goliath that co-owns Miami Valley Gaming in Turtlecreek, has also expressed a united front against online casinos.
As Senate Bill 197 makes its way to the Senate Select Committee on Gaming for initial consideration, the fate of iGaming in Ohio hangs precariously in the balance. The road ahead may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure—the potential rewards are tempting. Stay tuned as this digital gambling adventure unfolds!
- Senate Bill 197, heading for the Senate Select Committee on Gaming, aims to legalize internet gambling in Ohio, including online slots, interactive table games, online parimutuel wagering, and iLottery.
- If successful, Ohio casinos like Jack Cleveland, Hollywood Columbus, Hard Rock Cincinnati, and Hollywood Toledo could expand their operations into the digital realm.
- The bill proposes an initial cost of $50 million for an iGaming license, with a $5 million renewal fee every five years, and licensed platforms would be required to share between 36% to 40% of their online casino revenue with the state.
- If enacted, 99% of the tax revenue from iGaming would go to the Ohio General Fund, while the remaining 1% would support the Problem Gambling Fund.
- Bipartisan support for iGaming has been growing, with Senate President Rob McColley and House Speaker Matt Huffman leading the charge, believing it could significantly boost Ohio's finances.
- MGM Resorts, Boyd Gaming, and Penn Entertainment—who run six of the 11 casinos and racinos in Ohio—are all-in on the online gambling opportunities.
- However, Ohio-based Jack Entertainment and Churchill Downs, who co-owns Miami Valley Gaming in Turtlecreek, remain hesitant about online casinos.
- As Senate Bill 197 progresses, the future of iGaming in Ohio remains uncertain, with potential rewards tempting stakeholders across the board.
