One online casino bill wasn’t enough for Ohio.
Sen. Nathan Manning filed a bill last week, and now there is another online casino bill in the lower chamber.
Earlier this year, Rep. Brian Stewart said he planned on filing a bill of his own. He took action on that promise this week.
Stewart filed HB298, which is now under consideration at the committee stage. Manning’s bill is in a similar position. The legislature introduced it to a Senate select committee.
Unlike Manning’s proposal, only Ohio brick-and-mortar operators are eligible for an online license under Stewart’s legislation. Additionally, it tasks the Ohio Casino Control Commission with regulatory powers.
However, the OCCC can only award each brick-and-mortar with a single online license, regardless of how many casinos they operate. This appears to be an effort to boost brick and mortar casinos in the state.
No Promo Bets From Ohio Online Casinos
The proposal sets the tax rate at 28% and “prohibits an Internet gambling operator from issuing promotional gaming credits to patrons for the purpose of participating in internet gambling.”
Despite that text, operators could issue promotional credits for online gamblers to be given promotional credits for casino or racetrack accommodations, food, beverages, and entertainment. An initial license will cost $50 million with a $10 million annual renewal fee.
The bill outlines that 99% of the tax proceeds go to the state’s general fund with 1% earmarked for the Problem Gambling Fund.
Sweepstakes casino operators would be banned as part of the legislation, and prohibits the use of credit cards for online wagering. A launch date of no later than March 31, 2026, is also part of the legislation.
By comparison, Manning’s bill would allow outside operators to offer online gaming, as seen in some other states. Those companies would face a higher tax rate, however.
From a poker perspective, Ohio online casinos could be a significant boost to the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement. Adding the state’s population of 12 million could mean the MSIGA would cover more than 50 million people.
The MSIGA currently combines the online poker player pools in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan. Delaware and West Virginia are also members, but have yet to see any operators launch in those states.
