Ohio may soon see a significant expansion of its online gambling offerings. A comprehensive bill, Senate Bill 197, introduced by State Senator Nathan Manning, proposes to legalize online casino games, online lottery, and online pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing.

The bill would also consolidate regulatory authority for all these new online gambling activities under the state's Casino Control Commission.

Under this proposal, only existing Ohio casino operators and horse racetrack owners would be eligible for internet gambling licenses. Each operator would be limited to a single online platform. The cost of these licenses would be substantial: an initial fee of $50 million and $5 million for renewals.

From CasinoReports.com:

The tax rate would also be higher than most other states with iCasino, at either 36% or 40%, depending on ownership structure. If a casino or racetrack went at it alone, the 36% tax rate would apply.

If it partnered with an outside source, such as DraftKings or FanDuel, the tax rate would go to 40%. Either way, 99% of proceeds would go to Ohio’s General Revenue Fund and 1% to problem gambling programs.

The bill also proposes a regulatory restructuring by ditching the Ohio State Racing Commission and transferring its duties to the Casino Control Commission. Regulation of charitable gaming and sweepstakes terminal devices would move from the Attorney General’s office to the Commission by January 1, 2027.
Read more here: https://www.casinoreports.com/ohio-s...-igaming-bill/