Proposal Links Online Licences To Retail Casinos
Ohio lawmakers are preparing to revisit online casino legislation after a previous attempt failed in 2025. The new proposal would give the state’s 11 casinos exclusive access to online gaming licences and prohibit operators from offering promotional credits for online play.
Instead, promotional incentives would have to direct customers to physical casino properties. State Rep. Brian Stewart (R), who discussed the proposal at an iDevelopment and Economic Association event last week, said operators could still offer credits, but only for use at land-based casinos.
The structure is intended to address concerns that online gambling could reduce revenue and employment at Ohio’s retail casinos. Stewart said linking online operations to physical properties could create a competitive market while reducing the risk of larger operators dominating the sector, as supporters argue happened after mobile sports betting was introduced.
The proposal’s supporters estimate that legal online gaming could generate $400 million in state tax revenue and support Ohio’s broader gaming industry. Caesars, Hard Rock, and Penn Entertainment are among the major operators with casinos in the state, and each has online gaming operations in states where the activity is legal.
Stewart said he wants the plan to secure backing from Ohio’s land-based casino industry and help protect jobs at those properties. “If I introduce a bill and it immediately becomes this turf fight amongst all the different gaming interests, it’s dead on Day 1,” he said.
The legislation is expected to be considered during the 2027 budget process. It comes as Ohio Republicans have pursued a plan to eliminate the state income tax by 2030, creating a potential role for additional online gaming revenue.
Governor’s Race Could Affect Prospects
The bill would face political challenges. Earlier online gaming proposals failed to gain sufficient support, while Gov. Mike DeWine opposed expansion. DeWine is term limited, and Ohio voters will choose a new governor in November.
Democratic candidate Amy Acton has said she supports legalisation if strong consumer protection measures and responsible gaming resources are included. Acton, a doctor and public health professional, also called for controls on predatory advertising and stronger safeguards for young people.
Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has taken a less definite position, but has said any gambling expansion must be carried out “in a responsible way that protects Ohioans.”
Industry Opposition Remains
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), which owns 50% of Miami Valley Gaming with Delaware North, opposes online gaming expansion and belongs to the National Association Against iGaming (NAAIG). CDI filed a lawsuit in Maine in January after that state authorised online gaming through tribal gaming groups. Jack Entertainment, which operates two properties in Maine, is also an NAAIG member.
Ohio borders West Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, all of which have legal iGaming markets. Supporters say residents can readily cross state lines to gamble online, while others use offshore operators.
Legalisation could also strengthen the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), particularly because Ohio has 12 million residents. Pennsylvania became the agreement’s latest member in 2025.
