- House Speaker Matt Huffman says online casino expansion in Ohio is unlikely in the near future, citing recent gambling growth and market saturation concerns.
- Gov. Mike DeWine opposes legalizing online casinos, warning about increased gambling addiction risks and 24/7 accessibility dangers.
- Two legislative bills proposing regulated online gaming remain stalled, while supporters argue Ohio is losing hundreds of millions to unregulated operators.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Online casino gaming in Ohio appears to have hit a wall, with House Speaker Matt Huffman signaling that expansion is unlikely in the near future.
Huffman told reporters last week that Ohio has experienced extraordinary gambling growth in recent years and doesn't foresee lawmakers approving internet casinos in the next year. His comments effectively end any hopes of legalizing online table games during the current legislative session.
The case started when lawmakers debated including iGaming legislation in the state budget earlier this year. Due to worries about market saturation and gambling addiction, those proposals were eventually shelved.
Huffman noted that at some point, there is a saturation point with different groups of people gambling in different ways.
Opposition From State Leadership
Huffman's opposition is shared by Governor Mike DeWine. The governor has often spoken against the dangers of gambling addiction, stating that it would be detrimental to have a casino in everyone's control around-the-clock. DeWine's term runs through January 2027.
According to a 2022 survey, one in five Ohioans may have gambling problems, and once sports betting was introduced in January 2023, calls to the state's gambling hotline skyrocketed. Unions, faith leaders, and mental health advocates have all strongly opposed additional growth.
Legislative Efforts Stalled
Two bills aimed at creating regulated legal blackjack sites remain stalled in committees.
Senate Bill 197 would allow up to 11 online casino brands with tax rates between 36% and 40%. House Bill 298 proposes a 28% tax but would bar third-party operators without Ohio retail locations, effectively excluding major platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Supporters argue Ohio is losing hundreds of millions in potential tax revenue while unregulated operators capture an estimated $5.26 billion annually from state residents. That represents roughly 85% of Ohio's total online gambling activity. The ongoing debate affects potential Ohio blackjack sites seeking to operate in the state.