Ohio Lawmakers Push for Legalization of Mobile Casinos and Lottery

By Jane Shaw Senior Editor Updated: 08/03/2024

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We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.

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Ohio Lawmakers Push for Legalization

It has been reported that some Republican lawmakers in Ohio are pushing for the legalization of mobile casino games and lottery sales. The lawmakers are keen to see games such as poker and blackjack become available on mobiles, stating that it will help to bring the state’s gambling industry into the 21st century.

With mobile gaming having become hugely popular over recent years, many people are keen to access this type of entertainment on their phones and smart devices. Lawmakers who are advocating for mobile gaming and lottery have said that this is the future of gambling in the state. Their proposal was discussed in a recent panel discussion.

The three Republicans who are pushing for the changes are the House Finance Chairman, Jay Edwards along with Reps. Jeff LaRe and Cindy Abrams. They said that iGaming and iLottery need to be embraced in the state.

Benefits in Other States

The three lawmakers said that other states that have embraced this technology have benefitted hugely, and this includes reaping the financial rewards in terms of tax revenues. They also said that even though online gaming had been expanded in these states, there had still been increases in in-person sales.

The representatives stated,

While the state should proceed with caution and care with any expansion of this magnitude, with the right regulatory framework, these types of gaming can thrive with nominal impact to our current system.

Those pushing for online casino gaming have said that this is a growing trend and that people are familiar with and comfortable with online gaming these days. This has seen mobile gaming thrive in many other states where it has been legalized and has benefitted both the states and their residents.

The recommendations of the lawmakers came after a temporary committee was created to look at the future of Ohio’s gambling industry. There has been support from many people for the legalization of mobile casinos and lottery, but this has been opposed by many casinos that offer physical gambling locations.

Generating More Revenue for the State

Those who support the legalization of online gambling and lottery gaming have spoken about the huge amount of additional tax revenue it can generate for the state.

According to figures, state coffers could enjoy between $205 million and $410 million a year as a result of iGaming. The data was based on the average gaming revenue per person seen in other states, such as New Jersey and Michigan.

However, there are also concerns about the legalization of mobile casino gaming and lottery in Ohio. Senator Nathan Manning said that caution had to be exercised because easier access to casino games and lottery could lead to higher levels of gambling addiction in the state.

Many states have experienced issues with rising addiction numbers after legalizing online casinos, as this gives many people far easier access to gaming. This has resulted in some states having to put together programs to offer support and provide more resources to those who suffer from gambling addiction issues.