Ohio House Republicans Advocate For Legalizing Mobile Lottery, Casino Apps

Three Ohio House Republicans — House Finance Chairman Jay Edwards, Reps. Jeff LaRe and Cindy Abrams — are arguing that residents have been asking for mobile lottery and casino apps in the state. All three GOP members are seeking an increase in tax revenue as well.

Ohio House Republicans are interested in bringing lottery tickets, blackjack, poker, and other casino games to phones

In a recent proposal, the trio aims to bring “iGaming” and “iLottery” to the Buckeye State. This means lottery tickets, blackjack, poker, and other casino games to phones.

“While we understand their hesitation to expand due to an uncertain impact, we believe that iLottery and iGaming could be a net benefit to the state of Ohio. Looking at other states who have implemented either or both iLottery and iGaming, we see significant increases to tax revenues generated with greater participation but also that in-person sales continued to increase,” wrote Edwards, LaRe and Abrams in a joint letter.

“That can largely be contributed to more people participating in the market on their phones and becoming more comfortable/knowledgeable about doing it at a physical location.”

According to Jake Zuckerman of Cleveland.com, the push for iGaming came after language in the state budget created a temporary committee to consider the “future” of gambling in Ohio.

In February, three of the biggest operators in the state told lawmakers that Ohio could generate between $205 million and $410 million per year in new tax revenue from iGaming.

Ohio’s estimated range is based on tax rates of 10% to 20%, which would be established by the legislature. Nevada (poker only), Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia have already legalized iGaming.

Republican and Democrat lawmakers are voicing opposition

However, lawmakers from both parties voiced some opposition. Casinos with physical locations in Ohio are also against the proposal. State Sen. Al Landis, a Dover Republican, said he doesn’t support any expansion of gambling.

Democratic state Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney, of Westlake, was neutral on whether Ohio should legalize iGaming or iLottery. “The reality is that many other states are moving in this direction. Ohioans are already using the illicit market,” she wrote.

State Sen. Bill DeMora, a Columbus Democrat whose district includes the Hollywood Casino, disapproved both gambling expansion ideas.

“We cannot risk the position of these critical institutions by making them irrelevant. … Ohioans who want to gamble [will turn] to their phones instead of supporting brick-and-mortar stores,” he said.

Based on multiple reports, no policy changes are coming soon. The General Assembly isn’t scheduled to reconvene until after the November elections. From there, they only have until the year’s end to pass legislation before the session ends.