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Will Ohio legalize online casinos in 2027? New Gov. elect Amy Acton reignites the iGaming debate
With Mike DeWine leaving office and Amy Acton taking over in January, Ohio online casino legislation could have better odds of passing. See what HB 298 proposes.
Ohio has seen multiple attempts to regulate online casinos fall short, but a new gubernatorial administration could improve the chances of iGaming legislation passing next year.
Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), sponsor of House Bill 298, has indicated that his legislation to regulate Ohio online casinos probably won't advance in 2026. However, he suggested that the effort could gain new traction under Governor-elect Amy Acton.
Acton interested in iGaming as a government funding source
Current Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has never embraced real money online casinos. Speaking with Cleveland.com in late 2025, he vowed to oppose any attempts to expand online gambling in the state.
"I'm not for it," he said. "Basically, to put a casino in everybody's hands, 24/7, I think is probably not a good idea. And I think it will cause more pain and suffering … as far as gaming addiction."
Nearing his two-term limit as governor, DeWine leaves office on Jan. 11, 2027. His incoming replacement, Democrat Amy Acton, seems more receptive to legal Ohio online casinos.
Fresh off a victory over Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy in the Nov. 3 election, Acton will step into the Ohio Governor's Office the same day DeWine leaves. She's already warmed to the idea of regulated iGaming, telling State House News Bureau that she'd consider it with the right safeguards in place.
"Certainly I see it as a source of revenue that can help fund the proposals that we need to help bring down the cost of living in this state and provide for the services we need to fund," Acton said.
"That said, I am a doctor and a public health professional, and I want to make sure we have the right regulatory environment around it. I want to make sure we stop the sort of predatory advertising we're seeing, and I want to make sure our young people are protected. So that's what you'll see when I do this; a very nuanced and comprehensive strategy."
Stewart still sees challenges ahead
While Acton may be more open to signing online casino legislation than DeWine, there's still the matter of both houses passing a bill.
As reported by SBC Americas, Stewart sees a challenge in convincing the legislature that iGaming can produce additional revenue without cannibalizing the existing brick-and-mortar casino industry. The Buckeye State currently features four casinos, seven racinos, and retail and online sports betting.
He also believes lawmakers' ages can impact how they view gambling expansion in the state.
"We just have a lot of legislators that don't like gambling," the 44-year-old said. "Legislators my age and below, I get no pushback. My age and above, it's a much harder sell."
Despite the task ahead, Stewart believes the financial incentive is there to support his legislation. Estimates project that Ohio online casinos could bring in as much as $400 million annually in tax revenue.
These estimates could even be conservative, considering Michigan generated $451.4 million and $597.5 million in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Comparing populations, Ohio has 11.9 million residents versus 10.127 million for its northern neighbor.
What would HB 298 do?
Introduced by Stewart and Rep. Marilyn John (R-Richland County) in May 2025, HB 298 would legalize online casino games while prohibiting sweepstakes casinos. It calls on the Ohio Casino Control Commission to regulate the iGaming market.
This legislation would limit licenses to the state's four land-based casinos and seven racinos. Stewart told SBC this approach helps alleviate concerns over casino sites siphoning revenue off brick-and-mortar operators. Major brands like FanDuel and DraftKings could still partner with these license holders as their "internet gambling management company."
The proposed tax rate is 28% on operators' internet gambling receipts. Ohio's General Revenue Fund would receive 99% of the tax revenue, with the remaining 1% going to the Problem Gambling Fund.
One of the most unique aspects of this bill would prevent operators from offering players online promotional credits. Instead, online casino promos would need to be tied to in-person gambling, accommodations, food, and entertainment at land-based facilities. This stipulation appears to be another way of minimizing potential cannibalization of brick-and-mortar casino revenue.
The current Ohio legislative session ends on Dec. 17, 2026, making it unlikely much will happen with HB 298 before then. The next session begins on Jan. 4, 2027, marking a starting point for when iGaming talks could heat up.
Written by Jeremy Olson
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