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Ohio’s 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up as a potential turning point for the state’s gambling industry, with candidates offering sharply different levels of support for online gambling expansion.
Democratic nominee Amy Acton and Libertarian nominee Don Kissick both support expanding legal online gambling in Ohio, while Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy has not publicly detailed a position on the issue.
The debate is significant because Ohio already operates one of the country’s larger gambling markets. The state is home to four casinos, seven racinos, and has offered legal sports betting since 2023. The next governor could play a key role in determining whether Ohio expands into additional forms of online gambling or adopts a more cautious approach toward an industry that generated a record $3.5 billion in revenue last year, according to the American Gaming Association.
Acton and Kissick Back Expansion, but With Different Approaches
Both Acton and Kissick support legalizing additional forms of online gambling, though Acton has not specified exactly which products she would prioritize if elected.
Acton has emphasized directing revenue from expanded gambling toward public priorities, including education, childcare, and property tax relief. On sports betting, she supports limited restrictions on microprop bets but does not favor a statewide ban on proposition betting. She also opposes changes to Ohio’s current 20% sports betting tax rate.
In addition, Acton supports stronger advertising safeguards, including prohibiting gambling ads that target people under 21 and banning promotions that suggest or guarantee winnings.
Kissick likewise supports gambling expansion but has focused more heavily on the benefits of a regulated market. He supports what the report described as a “sensible legalization setup through licensed vendors rather than underground operations.” While he does not advocate changes to Ohio’s existing sports betting laws, he has highlighted the importance of addiction treatment and suggested the state could revisit how gambling tax revenue is allocated to support those services.
Ramaswamy’s Position Remains Unclear
While Acton and Kissick have publicly outlined their views, Ramaswamy has not provided a clear position on online gambling expansion or broader sports betting policy, leaving one of the race’s most consequential gaming-related questions unanswered.
That uncertainty comes as Ohio continues to debate whether its consumer-protection measures are sufficient. According to the report, the state’s online gambling framework received a 57 out of 100 score, equivalent to a D-minus, for consumer protections.
Research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which found that legalized sports betting may contribute to lower credit scores and higher delinquency rates over time. Those findings have fueled ongoing discussions about balancing industry growth with responsible gambling measures.
Consumer Protection Likely to Remain a Major Issue
Concerns about the social impact of gambling continue to influence the debate in Ohio.
Outgoing Gov. Mike DeWine has previously expressed regret over the legalization of sports betting, warning that it could
exploit poorer Ohioans and exacerbate gambling addiction, leading to financial devastation and mental health issues.
At the same time, some Republican lawmakers have explored the possibility of expanding online gambling as a way to generate revenue and help offset reductions in Ohio’s income tax. Although those discussions remain preliminary, they demonstrate that gambling expansion is already under consideration in Columbus.
Why It Matters
As Ohio voters prepare to choose their next governor, the candidates’ positions on gambling could help shape the future of the state’s gaming market.
Acton and Kissick both support expanding online gambling, though with different policy priorities and regulatory approaches. Ramaswamy’s stance remains unknown, creating uncertainty about how a Republican administration would handle future gambling legislation.
With lawmakers already discussing potential expansion and consumer-protection concerns remaining at the forefront, the next governor could influence whether Ohio moves toward broader online casino-style legalization, maintains its current framework, or places greater emphasis on regulatory safeguards and addiction treatment.
