After being inactive for over a year, an iGaming bill in Ohio is back on the legislative agenda, thanks to Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville). He is proposing new limitations on promotional credits for online gaming, suggesting that these incentives should only be redeemable at physical casinos.
The focus is on House Bill 298, which aims to restrict iGaming licenses to the state’s current casinos and racinos. By mandating that online gaming operators provide promotional offers that can only be utilized at physical locations, Stewart hopes to alleviate fears that online gaming could negatively impact the traffic and revenue of Ohio’s brick-and-mortar establishments.
Ohio boasts 11 casinos and racinos, employing approximately 20,000 individuals within the gaming sector. Under HB 298, only these existing venues would be eligible to apply for online casino licenses. Stewart believes that limiting access to the market could lessen resistance from casino operators and safeguard jobs associated with traditional gaming.
The proposal is influenced by Ohio's experience with sports betting, which saw a significant promotional push from companies like FanDuel and DraftKings when online wagering began in January 2023. The new iGaming restrictions aim to prevent a similar competitive disparity.
Stewart has referenced projections indicating that regulated online casino gaming could yield as much as $400 million annually for Ohio. This potential revenue comes as Republican lawmakers are also considering ways to reduce or eliminate the state income tax.
However, the bill's chances of becoming law in 2026 appear slim, given that Gov. Mike DeWine is against further gambling expansion. With DeWine set to leave office in January, the political landscape surrounding this measure may shift.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has expressed support for iGaming with appropriate safeguards, while Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has not firmly committed to a stance on legal online casino gaming. Stewart may attempt to push for legislative action before the current session concludes or reintroduce the bill after the new governor takes office.
Ohio is surrounded by states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, which already allow online casino gaming, making it one of only eight states in the U.S. that currently permits iGaming.
This proposal emerges alongside ongoing efforts to regulate gambling in Ohio, with authorities intensifying enforcement against illegal casinos and unlicensed gambling activities. Additionally, regulators are considering restrictions on credit card-funded sports betting deposits.