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- Democrat Amy Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio’s gubernatorial election on Nov. 3, 2026, according to Covers, citing CNN.
- Ohio lawmakers have not authorized online slots and table games, and Acton’s openness to legalization would require negotiations with the Republican-controlled legislature.
Democrat Amy Acton won Ohio’s gubernatorial election Tuesday night, defeating Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, according to Covers, which cited CNN.
Her victory gives regulated online casino supporters an opening after years of opposition from Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. Ohio already permits sportsbooks and land-based casinos, but lawmakers have not authorized online slots and table games.
Acton’s Position Puts Safeguards at the Center
Acton has said she would consider regulated online casinos with protections for young people and limits on predatory advertising, Covers reported. Ramaswamy had taken no public position on legalization, making Acton the only major-party nominee to express openness to the expansion.
Any legalization effort would still require negotiations with Republican lawmakers in the GOP-controlled legislature. The election therefore shifts the policy debate toward the terms Acton and legislators could agree on.
Gambling harms would also be part of that debate. According to Covers, lawmakers would need to address concerns that access to casino games on phones could worsen those harms.
Casino Interests and Budget Talks Could Shape Negotiations
Online operators want access to an Ohio casino market, while some brick-and-mortar interests worry that online slots and table games would draw customers away from their properties and put jobs at risk, Covers reported.
Republican state Rep. Brian Stewart has explored a proposal that would direct some of the value of online promotions toward in-person play. That approach puts the relationship between digital gambling and physical casinos among the issues lawmakers could negotiate.
Ohio’s next budget debate could provide a venue for iGaming negotiations, according to Covers.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Source: As reported by Covers.
