Ohio iGaming Bill (HB 298) Introduced, Finance Committee Hearing, and iDEA Plans for Advocacy in Ohio

Today, Rep. Brian Stewart (Finance Committee Chairman) and Marilyn John (Majority Floor Leader) introduced HB 298; see brief summary at end of update. An official analysis of HB 298, conducted by the OH Legislative Services Commission, can be read here.

A Finance Committee hearing on HB 298 immediately followed introduction of the bill; testimony begins at the 1hr : 5min mark. iDEA member Rick Limardo of BetMGM was the only industry witness to present at hearing, and he did a great job addressing key issues and responding to questions.

John Pappas will be in Columbus on Thurs, 5/22 to testify on the Senate bill on behalf of iDEA. His testimony will highlight the many benefits of regulation/legalization and proactively dispel some of the myths that we expect opponents to raise. Even though we support the concept of the bill, iDEA’s testimony will directly address our concerns around tax rates, license fees, and market access.

iDEA has hired local lobbyist, Shawn Kaysch to support our efforts in Ohio. He has great experience with the Ohio legislature and the gaming industry.

We’re also in talks with Eilers & Krejcik to commission study that examines optimal tax rates, fees, and market access for iGaming to help push back on what has been included in the Senate bill (and in the House bill).

Brief Summary on HB 298

7 online operators
28% tax rate
Any promotions offered through an app must direct free play back to a land-based casino
$50m licensee fee, $10m renewal; 5 year term
Suppliers: 150k fee, and renewal; every 3 years
Includes prohibition on sweepstakes (dual currency gaming)

Related States

Ohio