Ohio Bi-annual Budget Finalized Without iGaming
Ohio legislative negotiators finalized their bi-annual budget late last evening. The bill does not include iGaming or any new revenues from gaming expansion (VLTs) or tax increases on sports betting (the Governor was pushing to increase the tax rate to 40%).
The flurry of iGaming activity in the past 6 weeks was not in vain, and we are looking for opportunities to build on the interest in both the House and Senate, and to further educate lawmakers on the proper fees/skins/taxes. We understand that the legislature (which operates nearly year round) will be looking for new revenues later this year as they address property tax relief. So this could be an opportunity.
Also, for those of you who will be attending NCLGS conference next month, Senator Manning and Matt Oyster will be attending and we will have some time to connect directly with them to discuss a path forward.