Ohio Senator Introduces Online Gaming, Poker Bill

Several states have seen attempts to legalize online poker and casino gaming over the last couple years, but most of those ultimately failed. Poker players in Ohio may be hoping that they can buck that trend after legislation was recently introduced in the state senate.

Under the plan, the Buckeye State’s four casinos could offer online gaming themselves or through partner operators with the industry overseen and regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

“Many Ohioans don’t have close access to a casino or racino but should be able to participate in this entertainment option,” said State Sen. Niraj Antani®, who authored the bill. “It’s time to bring iGaming out of the black market and into the sunshine to provide it safely to all Ohioans.”

Details On The Plan

The bill sets the online gaming revenue tax rate at 15% with 51% of that revenue going to counties, 34% to school districts, and the rest to supporting the horse racing industry, law enforcement, and problem gambling treatment efforts.

Some in the industry have estimated legalization could bring in from $205 million to $410 million annually for state coffers. Other Republican lawmakers in the state have also endorsed the plan and Gov. Mike DeWine® is studying the issue.

Online casino gaming is currently legal in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Nevada (poker only). With a population of almost 12 million people, Ohio could be a nice addition to the country’s Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, which shares online player pools among Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Delaware, and West Virginia.

Currently, WSOP.com operates a shared player pool among Nevada, New Jersey and Michigan. PokerStars also offers a shared platform between players in New Jersey and Michigan. No operators are currently offering poker in Delaware and West Virginia. In recent months, New York, Maryland, and other states have considered legalization as well but those efforts have yet to come to fruition.