Ohio’s potential move to legalize online casinos through SB 312 is a bold play in a growing gaming landscape. While online sports betting has seen enormous success since its launch in January 2023, the real question is whether the state can replicate this with online casinos. The proposed bill’s fees and tax structures seem designed to strike a balance between generating state revenue and creating a sustainable, competitive market.
However, the opposition from responsible gambling groups is a hurdle that lawmakers must seriously consider. Problem gambling is a rising issue, especially in the wake of sports betting’s legalization, and expanding access to online casinos could exacerbate the problem. The $250,000 annual contribution to a problem gambling fund is a step in the right direction, but it may not be enough to mitigate the potential risks.
From an economic perspective, the proposal to tax online casino games at a lower rate than sportsbooks makes sense—it allows casinos to compete in a crowded entertainment market. But balancing regulatory oversight with consumer freedom is key to ensuring that the expansion of online gambling in Ohio benefits everyone, from operators to players, without creating new societal problems.
