The prospects of Ohio gamblers wagering online appear more tenuous after Gov. Mike DeWine again weighed in on the issue.
The Republican expressed opposition toward a pair of bills that would legalize online casinos.
Sen. Nathan Manning introduced SB197 in May, which would also legalize online lottery sales and horse race wagering. This came after Rep. Brian Stewart introduced HB298 earlier this year, which would legalize online casino gaming and poker.
DeWine doubted whether there was enough support in the legislature to approve a bill for him to consider. Additionally, he expressed concerns about problem gambling.
“I’m not for it,” DeWine told local media. “I’m not the vote counter in the House or the Senate. Basically, to put a casino in everybody’s hands 24/7 I think is probably not a great idea, and I think it will cause more pain and suffering in regard to gaming addiction. So I’m just not for it.”
DeWine indicated he would veto legislation that might get passed.
“I think we probably have enough gambling in the state already,” he added.
Plan Could Legalize Online Poker
Under Stewart’s proposal, only Ohio brick-and-mortar operators are eligible for an online license. He tasked the Ohio Casino Control Commission with regulatory duties.
The proposal taxed operators at 28% and “prohibits an Internet gambling operator from issuing promotional gaming credits to patrons for the purpose of participating in internet gambling.”
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.
The legislation would ban sweepstakes casino operators from doing business in the state and prohibit the use of credit cards for online wagering. A launch date of no later than March 31, 2026, is also part of the legislation.
Legalization in Ohio could mean the country’s Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement could cover an additional 12 million. However, considering DeWine’s comments, the prospects of passage for the bill look grim.
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