Ohio Bets Big on iGaming and iLottery 

A New Era for Ohio Gambling?

Ohio’s rolling the dice on expanding online gambling, with lawmakers fast-tracking bills to legalize iGaming and iLottery, sparking buzz across the Buckeye State.

Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 298 aim to bring online slots, poker, and digital lottery tickets to Ohioans by March 31, 2026, while slamming the door on unregulated sweepstakes platforms.

The charge is led by two key bills. SB 197, introduced by Sen. Nathan Manning, legalizes iGaming and iLottery, allowing phone-based casino games and lottery purchases. It’s set for its second hearing in the Senate Select Committee on Gaming.

Meanwhile, HB 298, filed by Reps. Brian Stewart and Marilyn John on May 20, focus on iGaming, with a companion bill in the House Finance Committee holding its first hearing. HB 298 sets a March 31, 2026, launch under the Ohio Casino Control Commission, favoring Ohio’s 11 casinos and racinos with exclusive licenses,

Revenue and Regulation Details

Money’s the big draw, with SB 197 funneling 99% of online gambling revenue to Ohio’s general fund and 1% to addiction services. Estimates peg annual tax revenue at $400-$800 million at a 28% rate. “It’s hundreds of millions of dollars,” Senate President Rob McColley noted, though debates rage over allocation. General fund for tax cuts (Matt Huffman) versus education and childcare (Allison Russo).

HB 298’s licensing is steep: $50 million for five years, $10 million renewals, and only for local operators. Players must be 21, in-state, and banned from using credit cards to curb debt.

Sweeping Out Sweepstakes

HB 298 doesn’t mess around with sweepstakes platforms, banning them outright as illegal gambling. Targeting dual-currency systems like Sweeps Coins, used by platforms such as Chumba Casino, the bill labels their casino-style games a criminal offense.

“These platforms take advantage of legal loopholes,” said Rick Limardo of MGM Northfield Park, slamming their lack of taxes and age checks.

Ohio’s casino operators back the ban, arguing sweepstakes dodge regulation, unlike the state’s taxed gaming market.

Ohio’s gambling vibe has shifted, with lawmakers warming to it as a revenue tool. “We’ve turned the corner and said, we’re going to raise money from gambling,” House Speaker Matt Huffman told Ideastream, noting public demand for services without tax hikes.

Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio pushed for addiction funding, saying, “Addiction services cannot be forgotten.” But hurdles loom: Gov. Mike DeWine’s anti-gambling stance, Ohio’s constitution limiting gaming, and union fears of casino job losses. “With iGaming, you can lose all your money on your patio,” Huffman warned, flagging addiction risks, per provided data.

The bottom line is that SB 197 and HB 298 are gaining steam, with hearings underway, but Gov. DeWine’s veto power and potential legal challenges could stall the March 2026 rollout.