Ohio residents may soon have the option to gamble online if Senator Niraj Antani’s newly introduced Senate Bill 312 gains traction. Antani’s proposed legislation seeks to legalise online casino gaming in a state where online sports betting has flourished since its launch in January 2023. However, the debate over its implications for both revenue and responsible gambling is already heating up.

Key points

✔️ SB 312 aims to legalise online casino gaming in Ohio.
✔️ 15 percent tax and operator fees could boost state revenue.
✔️ Must pass in 2024’s lame-duck session.
✔️ Concerns over rising gambling addiction.
✔️ $250K fund and tracking proposed for player protection.

The timing of SB 312 is critical. As Antani faces a term limit, the bill must pass during Ohio’s lame-duck session at the end of 2024, or it risks losing a sponsor. The Senator is firm in his belief that Ohioans should have access to regulated online casinos, especially those who live far from brick-and-mortar establishments. “It’s time to bring iGaming out of the black market and into the light,” he declared, emphasising the importance of consumer protection through regulation.

At the heart of this legislative push is the potential economic benefit. The bill proposes a 15 percent tax on online casino gaming, lower than the tax on sports betting operators. Casinos would also be required to pay substantial fees: $100,000 to apply, $300,000 for licensing, and an additional $250,000 dedicated to a problem gambling fund. These figures suggest a hefty price tag for casino operators, yet they are not dissuading potential entrants.

Antani’s confidence stems from Ohio’s success with online sports betting, a booming industry just over a year old. The state has become a hotspot for gambling operators, and a similar trajectory for online casinos seems feasible. However, while the financial upside is clear, the social costs are harder to quantify.

Balancing economic gains and social costs

Responsible gambling advocates are already voicing concern. Derek Longmeier, Executive Director of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, warns that further expansion of gaming could exacerbate an already growing issue. Since the advent of sports betting, calls to problem gambling helplines have surged. Longmeier is particularly worried about the potential for addiction, noting that gambling has one of the highest correlations with suicide among all addictions.

Antani, aware of these concerns, highlights the $250,000 problem gambling fund and insists that operators will be required to track players’ behavior to prevent excessive gambling. But for critics, this may not be enough. Longmeier stresses the need for more comprehensive measures, especially in light of increasing gambling opportunities.

This debate reflects a broader national tension between the economic allure of online gambling and the real-life costs it imposes on individuals and families. As Ohio weighs the benefits of tax revenue and consumer protection, the state must also consider the social fallout. Legalising online casinos could provide more regulation and safety, but it may also lead to deeper societal risks, an issue lawmakers cannot afford to overlook.

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