Senator from Ohio Advocates for Legalizing Online Gambling as a Likely Progression
In the heart of the Midwest, Ohio's gaming industry is poised for a significant transformation, with the introduction of a bill to legalize online casino gaming. Senator Niraj Antani, a key figure in the legislative process, has proposed a 146-page bill that could modernize Ohio's gambling market.
The bill, currently under discussion, includes provisions for online slot machines, table games, roulette, and online poker. Antani believes that many state residents who find it difficult to access casinos or racinos should be given the opportunity to participate in online gaming, moving it out of the black market and into the open for safe consumption.
If passed, the Ohio Casino Control Commission would be responsible for contracting with licensed casinos, choosing vendors, and establishing which games players would be legally allowed to access online. The commission would also oversee player protections, a point Antani emphasizes as a crucial aspect of the decision to legalize iGaming.
The bill's introduction follows the successful legalization of sports betting in Ohio, which generated nearly $1 billion in wagers in March 2025 alone. Antani argues that the next logical step for Ohio's gaming industry, which has undergone significant changes in the last decade and a half, is the legalization of online casino gaming.
However, the bill's progress has not been without controversy. The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio's executive director, Derek Longmeier, has expressed concerns about the potential legalization of online casino gaming in Ohio. Longmeier cites a survey showing that one in five state residents are at risk of developing a gambling problem and notes a substantially higher number of calls to the helpline since the liberalization of sports betting.
Despite these concerns, the bill's potential benefits are substantial. Studies submitted to Ohio's legislative committee estimate that legalizing online casino gaming could generate an additional $205 million to $410 million annually in tax revenue. This new revenue could significantly boost Ohio's state budgets.
Moreover, online casino legalization could create new market opportunities for Ohio’s existing casinos, allowing them to operate online platforms to reach more customers. Ohio could join other major states with legalized online casinos, potentially attracting players who currently play online in nearby states like Michigan and Pennsylvania.
However, the proposed tax rates of up to 40% and a $50 million license fee could influence the number and scale of operators entering the market and the overall industry profitability.
As of August 2025, the bill introduced by Senator Antani remains under consideration with competing proposals in the legislature. The legalization of online casino gaming in Ohio is expected to significantly increase the state's gaming revenue and modernize its gambling market once enacted. However, legislative approval and regulation details are still pending.
The bill, as proposed by Senator Antani, extends beyond the recent legalization of sports betting in Ohio, encompassing provisions for online sports, casino games such as poker and roulette, and table games. If passed, Ohio's gaming industry could potentially expand beyond its physical casinos and racinos, offering online gaming platforms and attracting players from neighboring states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. However, the proposed tax rates and licensing fees could impact the number and scale of operators in the market.
