Ohio Will Defer iGaming Legislation Until 2027
State lawmakers have delayed action on House Bill 298, which proposes legalizing and taxing online casinos.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Gambling
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Ohio officials will postpone the consideration of House Bill 298 until 2027. The proposed legislation seeks to legalize online casino gaming throughout the state.
Why it matters
The delay stems from concerns regarding problem gambling voiced by Governor Mike DeWine, whose upcoming departure from office could shift the political landscape. By moving the timeline, proponents aim to revisit the measure after the current legislative session concludes.
House Bill 298 proposes a 28% tax rate on internet gambling receipts, with 99% of proceeds going to the General Revenue Fund and 1% to the Problem Gambling Fund. Licenses would be restricted to existing Ohio casinos and racinos.
The players
Mike DeWine
Mike DeWine is the current Governor of Ohio who has expressed opposition to the expansion of online casino gaming.
The details
The bill mandates that online gaming licenses remain exclusively tied to brick-and-mortar operators already active in the state. Furthermore, the legislation explicitly restricts these operators from utilizing online-only promotional credits for casino play.
Timeline
December 2026 marks the conclusion of the current legislative session.
January 2027 is when Governor Mike DeWine will leave office.
Legislators expect a renewed push for iGaming in 2027.
Culture Shift
This delay reflects a broader societal tension between the potential for state tax revenue and the historical public health concerns associated with the proliferation of digital gambling. As states weigh these competing interests, they frequently pause to gauge executive support for industry expansion.
Ohio residents will not have access to legal online casinos through this bill until at least 2027. Because the proposed legislation restricts licenses to existing operators, residents can expect that if the bill eventually passes, digital options will be integrated into the services currently offered by local casinos and racinos.
The takeaway
This deferral underscores how gubernatorial influence can dictate the pace of new industry regulation in a state. Readers should monitor the 2027 legislative calendar for potential changes in the regulatory stance on online gaming.
What happens next
The next significant update is expected in 2027 following the change in gubernatorial leadership, when legislators plan to re-introduce the bill for formal debate and potential passage.
Further reading
For more on the state regulatory environment, see Gambling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Deadspin.
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