Ohio online casino legalization moves to 2027: HB 298 and SB 197 expire with the session, and the debate restarts under Gov.-elect Amy Acton
Ohio legalized sports betting during DeWine's tenure, and he signed that law, but he has consistently opposed online casinos. In late 2025 he argued that putting a casino in everyone's pocket at all hours would do more harm through gambling addiction, CDC Gaming reports. Acton, in a September interview with the Statehouse News Bureau cited by CDC Gaming, suggested iGaming could help fund cost-of-living proposals, while calling for limits on predatory advertising, protections for young people and "a very nuanced and comprehensive strategy." She has not endorsed a specific bill.
What the market is pricing
We did not find a Polymarket or Kalshi contract on Ohio iGaming legalization. The closest market signal is the share prices of operators that would be likely partners in a licensed Ohio market. Quotes from Twelve Data at 16:48 UTC on November 12, during the US session:
| Stock, 16:48 UTC Nov 12 | Price | Day change | 52-week range |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings (DKNG) | $19.18 | -2.37% | $16.55 to $36.98 |
| PENN Entertainment (PENN) | $17.86 | -1.63% | $11.65 to $22.36 |
| Caesars Entertainment (CZR) | $29.33 | +0.17% | $17.86 to $30.88 |
These moves reflect many factors and cannot be attributed to Ohio. A single state's legislative calendar rarely moves national operators, and the bills had been stalled for months. These are market prices, not predictions.
What the two bills would do
HB 298, sponsored by Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), would authorize online casinos through licenses tied to Ohio's existing land-based properties and tax gross gaming revenue at 28%. SportsLine reports that licenses would be limited to the four casinos and seven racinos, with brands such as FanDuel and DraftKings able to partner as management companies, that 99% of the tax would go to the General Revenue Fund and 1% to the Problem Gambling Fund, and that the bill would ban sweepstakes casinos and stand-alone online promotional credits. SportsLine cites estimates of up to $400 million a year in tax revenue; that figure is a projection, not an official fiscal note. SB 197, from Sen. Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville), was broader and covered iLottery and online parimutuel wagering, but Manning left the Senate in July for an appeals court seat.
The national picture
Eight states have legal online casinos: Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut, Rhode Island and, as of 2026, Maine, according to Casino.org. Michigan, often used as a comparison for Ohio, generated $451.4 million in iGaming tax revenue in 2024 and $597.5 million in 2025, SportsLine reports. Stewart has acknowledged resistance among lawmakers, including concerns that online play would cannibalize land-based casinos, SportsLine adds. What changes in 2027 is the governor: DeWine opposed expansion, while Acton has said she is open to it with conditions, and Casino Guardian notes that her stance has raised optimism among supporters.
What to watch next
Whether HB 298 or a successor bill is reintroduced after January 4, who sponsors it in the Senate following Manning's departure, and whether the incoming administration sets out the comprehensive framework Acton has described. Also watch the sweepstakes provisions, which affect a separate group of operators. Our coverage of New York sports betting handle tracks a neighbouring market.
Method and limits
Stock quotes are from Twelve Data, read at 16:48 UTC on November 12, 2026, while US markets were open. Legislative facts come from Casino.org, Casino Guardian, CDC Gaming and SportsLine; revenue estimates are third-party projections. BetG8 takes no position on whether Ohio should legalize online casinos.
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Frequently asked questions
Will Ohio legalize online casinos in 2027?
It is undecided. HB 298 and SB 197 expire when the session ends on December 17, 2026, so a new bill would be needed in the session starting January 4, 2027. Gov.-elect Amy Acton has said she is open to iGaming with strong safeguards.
What tax rate would Ohio online casinos pay?
HB 298 proposed a 28% tax on online casino gross gaming revenue, with 99% going to the General Revenue Fund and 1% to the Problem Gambling Fund, according to SportsLine.
How many states have legal online casinos?
Eight: Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine, according to Casino.org.
Sources
- Casino.org, Ohio iGaming paused until Gov.-elect Amy Acton takes office
- Casino Guardian, Ohio's online casino expansion on hold as leadership change nears
- CDC Gaming, Ohio iGaming hopes turn to 2027 following Acton's gubernatorial win
- SportsLine, Will Ohio legalize online casinos in 2027?
- Twelve Data, DKNG, PENN and CZR quotes, read 16:48 UTC, November 12, 2026
18+ only. This page reports market prices and published facts; it is not betting, financial or legal advice, and prices are not predictions. If gambling stops being fun, help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.