Ohio online casino conversations are heating up.
Ohio lawmakers have introduced two online casino bills this month. On Thursday, the Senate Select Committee on Gaming held its second hearing on Sen. Ethan Manning’s Senate Bill 197.
This week, Rep. Brian Stewart also introduced House Bill 298, which he teased last month.
Ohio online casino bill differences
Manning’s bill contains:
- 11 licenses for the states casinos and racinos
- $50 million license fee
- 36% tax for Ohio operators
- 40% tax if an operator contracts with a management company
- $5 million renewal fee
- iLottery legalization
- Pari-mutuel horse racing wagering
Meanwhile, Stewart’s bill contains:
- Only allows licenses for the 11 casinos and racinos in the state
- $50 million license fee and 28% tax rate
- $10 million license renewal fee
- Prohibition of sweepstakes casinos
- Ban on credit card funding
- Prohibits bonuses and promo credits
Manning hearing
Sports Betting Alliance spokesperson Scott Ward advocated for more licenses and a lower tax rate. Ward said legalizing the market would bring bettors using the black market into the regulated market.
GeoComply representative John Pappas said a 25% tax rate could equate to more than $500 million. He also said the $50 million license fee is too high.
While a group of casino operators opposes nationwide online casino legislation, Caesars and Boyd Gaming representatives said cannibalization is not a concerning issue.
Study hinted at online casino
Last year, Ohio lawmakers turned in a study on the future of gambling in the Buckeye State.
Among the findings were favorable looks at online casino expansion.
There was some worry in the study about harming the existing industry and lottery.
Ohio gambling legislation
Earlier this session, Gov. Mike DeWine proposed doubling the sports betting tax rate to 40% from 20% in his budget. Previously, DeWine doubled the tax rate in 2023 to 20% from 10%.
Lawmakers did not keep the tax hike in the budget.
Last week, Sen. Louis Blessing introduced a bill that would add a 2% handle tax on sportsbook operators.
