Ohio iGaming Bill Debated, No Vote Yet

• Ohio’s online casino bill, SB 197, made its committee debut, proposing a 36–40% tax rate and sparking a legal debate over voter approval.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s push to expand online casinos took a slight step forward Wednesday, as Senator Nathan Manning’s iGaming bill, SB 197, received its first hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Gaming. The bill proposes making online casinos legal as well as poker. This comes while also introducing one of the highest iGaming tax rates in the U.S.

No votes were taken during the hearing, and committee members asked only a handful of questions.

What Was Discussed

Senator William P. DeMora challenged the bill’s constitutionality, asking whether voter approval is required. Senator Manning argued that legal counsel believes legislative approval is sufficient, similar to how Ohio sports betting became legal through the legislature.

If passed, Ohio would impose a 36% tax on iGaming operators that run their own online casino platforms and 40% on those that partner with third-party providers, like FanDuel or DraftKings. Licensing fees are set at $50 million, with five-year renewals costing $5 million. iGaming revenues would largely be directed to Ohio’s general fund, with 1% supporting problem gambling initiatives.

The bill also includes a 10% cut in the tax rate on legal sports betting that is made in person. It would also legalize online lottery games and online racebooks in the state.

Either way, Representative Brian Stewart is also preparing to introduce a separate iGaming bill in the House, setting the stage for further debate in the coming weeks.

News tags: Brian Stewart | iGaming | Nathan Manning | OH SB 197 | Ohio | William DeMora