Several Ohio lawmakers have recently expressed interest in discussing the possibility of legalizing online gambling in the state, a move that could potentially bring in millions of dollars in revenue and create hundreds of new jobs.
The push for online gambling legalization comes as Ohio faces a budget shortfall due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers believe that legalizing online gambling could be a way to fill that gap and provide much-needed relief to the state’s struggling economy.
State Senator Bill Coley, a strong advocate for online gambling legalization, believes that allowing Ohio residents to gamble online could bring in an estimated $300 million in revenue annually. This revenue would come from taxes on online gambling activity, as well as licensing fees for operators.
“We’re leaving money on the table by not legalizing online gambling in Ohio,” Coley said in a recent statement. “We have an opportunity to create jobs and generate much-needed revenue for the state by tapping into the online gambling market.”
In addition to the economic benefits of online gambling legalization, proponents argue that it could also help to combat illegal gambling activities in the state. By providing a safe and regulated online gambling environment, lawmakers believe that they could reduce the prevalence of black market gambling operations.
However, not everyone is in favor of legalizing online gambling in Ohio. Some lawmakers are concerned about the potential for increased problem gambling and addiction if online gambling is made more accessible to residents.
“I understand the economic benefits of legalizing online gambling, but we also need to consider the social costs,” said State Senator Stephanie Kunze. “We must ensure that proper safeguards are in place to protect vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of online gambling.”
Despite these concerns, the momentum for online gambling legalization in Ohio appears to be growing. Lawmakers are set to hold hearings on the issue in the coming weeks, and a bill could be introduced as early as next year.
If online gambling is legalized in Ohio, it would join a growing number of states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, that have already embraced online gambling as a source of revenue and entertainment. Only time will tell if Ohio will follow suit and join the online gambling market.
