Ohio’s iGaming Bill Gains Traction with SB197

A Big Push for Online Gambling

Ohio’s betting scene could get a major upgrade, with Senate Bill 197 (SB197), dropped on May 13, 2025, by Sen. Nathan Manning, looking to greenlight online casino games, lotteries, and horse race betting.

The 701-page bill, alongside a separate iGaming push from Rep. Brian Stewart, hit the newly formed Senate Select Committee on Gaming for review, with hearings kicking off May 14.

Senate sees a chance to fund public services without hiking taxes, as Senate President Rob McColley pointed out, backing the bill’s potential to rake in hundreds of millions, maybe even $1 billion yearly.

What’s in the Bill?

SB197 lays out a bold plan to let Ohioans play slots, poker, and lottery games on phones, tablets, or laptops, all tied to the state’s four casinos (Jack Cleveland, Hollywood Columbus, Hard Rock Cincinnati, Hollywood Toledo) and seven racinos.

These venues could snag iGaming licenses for a hefty $50 million, with $5 million renewals every five years. The bill slaps a 36-40% tax on online gaming revenue, funneling 99% to Ohio’s General Fund and 1% to the Problem Gambling Fund.

House Speaker Matt Huffman called it a way to “give Ohioans more choices” while curbing the $3.7 billion flowing to shady offshore sites. Stewart’s bill, still in the works, aims to mirror these goals, doubling down on iGaming and iLottery expansion.

Where Things Stand

The legislative wheels are turning fast. SB197 landed in the Senate’s new gaming committee, with testimony starting May 14. It’s also getting a look during Ohio’s budget talks.

Democrats, like Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, are open to the idea, eyeing funds for underfunded programs, though Antonio stressed protecting addiction services.

If passed, Ohio would join seven other states with legal online casinos, becoming the eighth. But with committee debates and floor votes ahead, the bill’s fate hinges on balancing revenue dreams with real-world concerns.