What the bill proposes
Ohio legislators have introduced a bill that would create a regulated online casino gambling market in the state. Ohio already has legalised sports betting — launched in January 2023 — and the online casino proposal follows a similar model, with licences issued to existing land-based casino operators and potentially to sports betting operators already licensed in the state.
The proposed framework would include licensed online casino games (slots, table games, poker), a state tax on gross gaming revenue, and consumer protection requirements including responsible gambling tools and age verification.
Where the bill stands
The bill has been introduced at committee level. It has not passed the Ohio General Assembly at the time of writing. Legislative timelines in US state-level gambling are typically 12–24 months from introduction to law, and many bills are introduced without ultimately passing.
How Ohio compares to existing US online casino markets
Seven US states have legalised online casino gambling as of 2025: New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Each has a distinct regulatory framework, but common elements include:
- Licensing tied to existing land-based operators
- State tax rates ranging from 13% (New Jersey) to 54% (Pennsylvania, on table games)
- Mandatory responsible gambling tools including deposit limits and self-exclusion
- Geolocation requirements to ensure players are physically within state borders
What it would mean for Ohio players
If passed, Ohio residents who currently use offshore or unlicensed operators would have access to state-licensed alternatives with stronger consumer protections and dispute resolution rights. For players already using sites like DraftKings Casino or BetMGM Casino in states where they operate, the product would be similar.
Offshore operators serving Ohio residents currently do so without state licensing. If Ohio passes regulation, expect those operators to apply for licences or exit the market — a pattern seen in other newly regulated US states.
