Ohio Online Gambling Expansion Backed by Gov.-Elect Acton

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Ohio Gov.-elect Amy Acton is open to responsible online gambling expansion, according to Casino Reports, while Republicans retain control of both legislative chambers.
The Washington, D.C. Council held a hearing on online casino bill CB 260656 that ended without a vote, and the proposal faces a limited legislative window.

Ohio Gov.-elect Amy Acton is open to online gambling expansion, according to Casino Reports, giving legalization supporters an opening despite continuing legislative and casino-industry opposition.

In his Nov. 9 analysis, Casino Reports author Steve Ruddock questions whether renewed optimism after the midterm elections will translate into online casino legislation. Ohio is attracting industry attention, while Washington, D.C., faces procedural hurdles and Illinois continues to encounter opposition from its video gaming terminal industry.

Ohio’s Incoming Governor Leaves Room for Expansion

Acton’s position, conveyed through a spokesperson, comes with conditions: expansion must be handled responsibly, with revenue supporting public schools, childcare, and measures to reduce costs and property taxes.

Outgoing Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine opposed online casinos and criticized sports betting legalization. Previous efforts to expand online casinos in Ohio gained little traction.

The change in governor does not remove other obstacles. Republicans retain control of both legislative chambers, including a Senate supermajority.

Casino-industry positions also differ:

JACK Entertainment and Churchill Downs oppose expansion and are members of the National Association Against iGaming.
Penn Entertainment supports online casino expansion only if it operates through land-based casinos.

Ruddock argues that divided state governments can complicate legalization efforts because legislators may be reluctant to give an opposing-party governor a bipartisan accomplishment.

D.C. Proposal Faces a Tight Legislative Window

Washington, D.C., bill CB 260656 would legalize online casino games and prohibit sweepstakes sites. Its proposed terms include a $2 million licensing fee, a 25% tax rate, and an additional 2% local fee.

A May 4 hearing ended without a vote after four hours of debate, according to Casino Reports.

Ruddock identifies a potential late push for the measure but points to limited time and complicated legislative procedures. D.C. legislation requires at least 14 days between first and second readings, and the proposal also faces mayoral and congressional review steps.

Illinois and Other States Carry Unfinished Efforts

Illinois has two active measures in the Casino Reports tracker: HB 4797 and HB 4802, with the latter limited to online poker. Gov. JB Pritzker called online casinos an idea worth exploring last year, but the politically powerful video gaming terminal industry remains opposed.

Other states’ efforts have stalled at different stages:

Hawaii: SB 1507 and HB 1434 missed the legislative deadline and are effectively dead for the year.
Maryland: Sen. Ron Watson’s SB 884 was withdrawn, while SB 885 failed to pass the Senate before the crossover deadline.
Massachusetts: HB 4431 was sent to study on March 23, effectively ending its prospects for the remainder of the year. State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said she was firmly against iGaming.
Virginia: HB 161 and SB 118 reached a conference committee but failed to win approval.

Casino Reports will revise its legislative tracker as new bills are introduced and reset it at the start of the 2027 legislative cycle.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Source: As reported by Casino Reports.