Ohio Representative to Introduce New iGaming Bill

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• An Ohio lawmaker has confirmed he will introduce a new iGaming bill to the state
• It will be the second introduced iGaming bill since September
• No bill details are yet available

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While a plan to increase Ohio’s sports betting tax rate failed this budgetary season, lawmakers may consider another plan to increase the state’s gaming revenues.

An Ohio lawmaker has confirmed he will be introducing a new iGaming bill this legislative session. Rep. Brian Stewart (R-12) confirmed his plans for a new bill to WOSU, but did not reveal when he would be introducing the legislation to the House.

No details on the bill or his plans for online casino are yet available.

Second iGaming Bill in Eight Months

The iGaming bill will be the second introduced in the Buckeye State in the last eight months.

Former Ohio Sen. Niraj Antani (R-6) introduced a separate iGaming bill this past September during the state’s “lame duck” session. The lame duck session is the six week period post the November general election and prior to the start of the legislative session.

Antani, who is no longer an Ohio Senator, set an iGaming tax rate at 15%. SB 312 aimed to allow each of the state’s casinos and racinos to apply for a license to offer the new form of gaming.

Antani’s bill would have allowed each licensed state casino or racing to apply for an iGaming license and partner with up to one licensed iGaming operator. Online slots and table games would have been taxed at a rate of 15%. His legislation established the Ohio Casino Control Commission as the regulator for the best online casinos.

The bill never received a committee vote.

New Gaming Revenue Stream

Stewart’s bill is likely a measure to make up for lost gaming revenue after Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) proposal to increase the state’s sports betting tax rate failed.

Lawmakers denied DeWine’s budgetary proposal to double the state’s sports betting tax rate from 20% to 40%. DeWine presented plans for the state’s 2026/2027 $218 billion budget in early February. In addition to the tax rate increase, his proposal would have funneled sports betting tax revenues into a new fund to help pay for professional sports facilities and youth sports education.

If approved, DeWine predicted an additional $130 million to $180 million in new annual revenues.

It’s unknown if Stewart’s bill will earmark iGaming tax revenue to a sports facility fund.

Opinions Split in iGaming Study

The Buckeye State commissioned a study last year on the legalization of iGaming and iLottery and its potential effect on Ohio’s gaming market.

Opinions were split on legalization, with several involved with the study expressing concerns over increased problem gaming rates and cannibalization of brick-and-mortar casinos. Other saw legalization of both as a necessary new stream of revenue for Ohio.

In a joint letter, Republican House Representatives Jay Edwards (R-94), Jeff LaRe (R-73), and Cindy Abrams (R-29) urged expansion of gaming through iGaming and iLottery legislation in the 2025 session.

The representatives reported that the implementation of iLottery, iGaming, or both could see a “significant increase to tax revenues” and be an overall net benefit for Ohio and its gaming industry.

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