Ohio Proposes Legalizing Online Casinos, While Banning Sweepstakes Casino Operations

Ohio Proposes Legalizing Online Casinos, While Banning Sweepstakes Casino Operations

Article:

Title: So Long, Sweepstakes Casinos? Ohio's New Gambling Legislation

By: Rich 'The Bet Bard' JanvrinDate: 05/28/2025Photo by Pix4free.org, CC BY-SA 3.0

Cliff Notes

• The Buckeye State could soon say goodbye to sweepstakes casinos, thanks to House Bill 298 (HB298).
• No such protections are found in Senate Bill 197 (SB197), leaving sweepstakes operators in a riskier position.
• Ohio is the twelfth state to take aim at sweepstakes casinos with anti-gaming legislation.

'The Bet Bard', a University of New Hampshire English/Journalism grad since 2015, has been delivering top-tier content on sports, betting, and online casinos. Commencing his casino writing journey post-2018's PASPA repeal, Richard has created a wealth of casino articles, reviews, and news updates. Known for his up-to-the-minute information, Richard ensures his readers stay informed on the ever-evolving online casino scene.

All Scribblings by Richard 'The Bet Bard' Janvrin

On The Radar

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Enlightened Insights

As of May 28, 2025, Ohio's gambling landscape might undergo significant shifts due to the proposals in HB298 and SB197.

HB298 (House Bill 298)

• Initiated by Reps. Brian Stewart and Marilyn John on May 20, 2025, this bill targets online casino-style games, only permitting existing licensed casinos and racinos to apply for iGaming licenses. HB298 specifically bans sweepstakes-style games, potentially ousting sweepstakes casinos from the state[1][3][4].
• Under HB298's taxation scheme, iGaming revenue is taxed at 28%, with licensing fees set at $50 million upfront and $10 million for renewals. The state's general fund is set to receive 99% of tax revenues[1][3].
• Age restrictions are implemented, prohibiting individuals under 21 from participating in online gambling. Credit cards are restricted for account funding, and promotional gaming credits are forbidden for online gambling[3].

SB197 (Senate Bill 197)

• Introduced by Sen. Nathan Manning on May 13, 2025, SB197 aims to introduce real-money online gambling to Ohio, but it doesn't specifically address the ban on sweepstakes casinos[4]. Comprising 700+ pages, the bill focuses primarily on legalizing online gambling.

Under the Radar:- HB298 includes no criminal penalties for violating the sweepstakes ban. Regulatory measures like licensing and taxation are its main tools against sweepstakes casinos[1][3][4].- There are currently no criminal penalties linked to sweepstakes gaming represented in these bills, as the primary approach involves licensing restrictions instead[1][3][4].

In summary, HB298 is Ohio's key weapon in the war against sweepstakes casinos, with its comprehensive ban and strict regulations for traditional online casinos.

1. In the evolving world of casino-and-gambling trends, Ohio's new gambling legislation, House Bill 298 (HB298), could potentially redefine the casino-culture by ousting sweepstakes casinos.
2. Richard 'The Bet Bard' Janvrin, a renowned analyst in the online casino sphere, has been closely monitoring the gambling-trends in Ohio, particularly the legislative proposals such as HB298 and Senate Bill 197 (SB197).
3. As part of the global shift towards legalized online casinos, Ohio's SB197 aims to introduce real-money online gambling, although it does not explicitly address the ban on sweepstakes casinos like HB298.
4. The success of jackpot winners in online casinos has been a hot topic among casino-personalities around the world, with many predicting an increase in sports betting, especially in states such as Ohio that are embracing online gambling legislation.

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