Ohio lawmakers are again considering online casino legalization, but a newly discussed proposal takes a different approach than many existing iGaming markets. Rather than allowing operators to offer digital bonus credits and promotions directly through online casino platforms, the measure would encourage incentives that bring players into physical gaming properties.
Supporters of the concept argue it could help address concerns from land-based casinos and racinos that have historically been skeptical of online casino expansion. By connecting online gaming benefits to in-person visits, lawmakers hope to create a framework where retail properties see direct benefits from any future iGaming market.
A key element of the proposal would restrict online promotional credits that are commonly used in other regulated iGaming states. Instead of receiving digital casino bonuses that can be used online, players could be offered promotions tied to brick-and-mortar casinos and racinos.
The concept is designed to help retail gaming operators maintain customer traffic while participating in the online market. Many major gaming companies already operate loyalty programs that connect online and retail products, making it easier to integrate rewards across both channels.
Lawmakers discussing the proposal have pointed to Ohio’s sports betting launch as an example of how large national operators can quickly gain market share through substantial marketing and promotional spending. The current proposal seeks to avoid creating a similar competitive environment if online casino gaming is legalized.
“We would say that you can’t offer online promotional credits,” State Representative Brian Stewart said during an iDevelopment and Economic Association panel Friday. “You can offer promotional credits, but they need to be credits for the land-based casino.”
Another notable aspect of the proposal would limit iGaming licenses to Ohio’s existing casinos and racinos. That approach could reduce conflicts among gaming stakeholders by granting market access only to facilities that already operate within the state’s regulated gaming industry.
Ohio currently has 11 casinos and racinos that could potentially participate under such a structure. Supporters of the idea argue those properties have already made significant investments in the state and employ thousands of workers.
Limiting licenses could also simplify the political process. Gaming expansion proposals often face resistance from competing interests, and lawmakers have suggested that avoiding disputes between online operators and retail casinos may improve the odds of a bill receiving serious consideration.
Potential tax revenue continues to be one of the primary arguments for legalizing online casino gaming in Ohio. Estimates connected to the proposal suggest a regulated iGaming market could generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually for the state.
Ohio is surrounded by several states that already offer regulated online casino gaming, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Supporters of legalization note that some Ohio residents already travel across state lines or access gaming opportunities elsewhere, while Ohio does not currently collect tax revenue from those activities.
As lawmakers continue evaluating future budget priorities, additional gaming revenue could become an increasingly important consideration.
Even with a revised framework, online casino legalization remains a difficult issue nationwide. Only a limited number of states have authorized full iGaming offerings, and concerns about gambling expansion, problem gambling, and potential impacts on retail gaming facilities continue to shape the debate.
“If I introduce a bill and it immediately becomes this turf fight amongst all the different gaming interests, it’s dead on Day 1,” Stewart said.
Ohio faces unique political considerations as well. Previous gaming expansions have involved complex legislative discussions and differing opinions among lawmakers. While the latest proposal attempts to address retail casino concerns, any iGaming legislation would still need to navigate a challenging political landscape before becoming law.
For now, the discussion signals that Ohio lawmakers are continuing to explore options for online casino regulation, even if a final path forward remains uncertain.
