Governor of Ohio voices opposition to legalizing internet gaming
Online Casino Legalization in Ohio: A Contentious Issue
The debate over the legalization of online casinos in Ohio is heating up, with Governor Mike DeWine expressing strong opposition due to concerns about gambling addiction and societal harm. DeWine argues that providing online casino access "24/7" could essentially put a casino in everyoneβs hands, leading to increased problem gambling and related suffering[1][2][3].
Two main bills β Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 298 β are currently under consideration by the Ohio General Assembly. SB 197 aims to legalize a broader spectrum of online gambling, including casinos, poker, iLottery, and horse racing, with licensing and user spending limits. HB 298 targets only online slot and table games[1][3].
DeWine's opposition to online casinos is not only based on addiction risks but also on the potential negative impact on land-based casinos in Ohio. He fears that online gambling could cannibalize retail casino revenues and jobs[1][2][3]. While DeWine has not explicitly threatened a veto, he has expressed that he is "very much against" online casino legalization and suggests that Ohio may already have "enough gambling" as is[1][2][3].
However, Ryan Soultz, from Boyd Gaming, which operates 28 properties across various states and has properties with online casinos in 11 states, has told lawmakers that their company has not seen negative impacts on its results due to the presence of online casinos[2][4]. Soultz suggests adapting and evolving rather than trying to suffocate innovation in the online casino sector[4].
The success of online casino legalization in Ohio is uncertain due to DeWine's opposition. Rep. Brian Stewart, a sponsor in the House of Representatives, argues for extending gambling to online casino games, citing that the state already features all forms of gambling[1]. Some sources express concern that there could be too many individuals affected by mass gambling legalization[1].
The ongoing debate highlights a balancing act between economic benefits and public health and societal costs. If online casinos were harmful to the land-based sector, Boyd Gaming, with its vast presence in the industry, would likely oppose them. However, the governor's opposition may pose a significant hurdle in Ohio[1][2][3][4].
[1] Ohio Capital Journal. (2022, February 10). Online gambling bill advances in Ohio House. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.ohiocapitaljournal.com/news/online-gambling-bill-advances-in-ohio-house/
[2] Cleveland.com. (2021, November 17). Governor DeWine says he's 'very much against' online casinos. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.cleveland.com/politics/2021/11/governor-dewine-says-hes-very-much-against-online-casinos.html
[3] The Columbus Dispatch. (2021, December 16). Online gambling bill advances in Ohio House. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.dispatch.com/news/20211216/online-gambling-bill-advances-in-ohio-house
[4] Legal Sports Report. (2022, February 15). Boyd Gaming exec: Online casinos haven't hurt our retail properties. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://legalsportsreport.com/18832/boyd-gaming-exec-online-casinos-havent-hurt-our-retail-properties/
- Governor Mike DeWine's strong opposition to online casino legalization in Ohio stems from concerns about gambling addiction and societal harm, fearing that constant access could lead to increased problem gambling.
- Two main bills, Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 298, are currently under consideration by the Ohio General Assembly, with each bill targeting a different spectrum of online gambling games, including casinos, poker, and online slots.
- Outside politics, the debate surrounding online casinos has caught the attention of the general news, with discussions on gambling trends, policy, and legislation playing a significant role.
- While Boyd Gaming, an influential player in the gambling industry, has reported no negative impacts on its results due to the presence of online casinos, Governor DeWine is concerned about the potential impact on land-based casinos in Ohio.
- The future of online casino legalization in Ohio remains uncertain, as the governor's opposition could pose a significant hurdle, but proponents argue for extending gambling to online casino games due to the state already featuring all forms of gambling.