Ohio Releases Report on the Future of Gaming
Earlier this year, a group of Ohio lawmakers were selected to lead a Commission to examine the future of gambling in the state. Over several months, the Study Commission held multiple hearings to discuss topics such as iGaming, iLottery, sports betting, fantasy sports, horse racing, and land-based casinos. They released their 350+ page report on July 12, 2024, which can be accessed here.
Much of the report’s contents is a reproduction of testimony that was submitted during their public hearings, including iDEA’s testimony in support of iGaming expansion. Overall, the Study creates a solid platform for future engagement in Ohio. Some of these lawmakers will be at NCLGS this coming week and we will be engaging with them to discuss how to craft and advance iGaming legislation.
The most notable portion of the report is within the first 20 pages where lawmakers who served on the Commission stated their opinions about the future of gaming. Many lawmakers expressed support for greater expansion into areas such as iGaming and iLottery because of the revenue potential and to remain competitive with surrounding states that offer those games. There was near universal recognition that legal iGaming/iLottery is “inevitable” in Ohio, however, some lawmakers raised concerns about how it would impact land-based operations. They acknowledged that there are competing studies on the “cannibalization debate” and in their view the reality is somewhere between the two positions. The lawmakers also expressed interest in stronger controls for problem gambling to be associated with any expansion of gaming in the state.
Lawmakers also expressed their concern with the decision to increase the sports betting tax rate in Ohio, claiming that it was premature and has hampered growth and investment in this new industry.