Ohio could soon become the next U.S. state to ride the online gambling boom, as a new 2025 report from a bipartisan state commission recommends the legalization of online casinos. The study—commissioned by the Ohio State Legislature—suggests that a fully regulated iGaming market could bring in over $200 million annually in tax revenue, create thousands of jobs, and offer safer, more transparent gambling options to residents.
“The time has come for Ohio to modernize its gaming laws,” said Rep. Daniel Keller, a member of the commission. “We’re losing millions each year to unregulated offshore sites. This is revenue that should be supporting Ohio communities, schools, and infrastructure.”
Ohio’s Online Gambling Bills: Projected Revenue at a Glance
| Bill Number | Tax Rate | Projected Annual Revenue | Licensing Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HB 298 | 28% | $400M–$800M | $50M | $10M |
| SB 197 | 36%–40% | $500M+ | $50M | $5M |
The report highlights the success of neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, which have already legalized online casino gaming and are pulling in over $1.5 billion in annual gross gaming revenue each. Ohio, with a population of nearly 12 million and a thriving tech and sports culture, is seen as well-positioned to replicate—and potentially exceed—those numbers.
How Does Ohio Stack Up? A Look at State Tax Rates
| State | Online Casino Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Ohio (Proposed) | 28%–40% |
| Michigan | 28% |
| Pennsylvania | 54% |
| New Jersey | 15% |
Global Momentum, Local Opportunity
Ohio’s shift comes as the global online gambling industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. A new research report from GlobeNewswire projects the market will reach $169.2 billion by 2030, up from just under $100 billion today.
The Global iGaming Surge: What’s Driving $169B in Growth
| Year | Market Size (USD Billion) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $103.0 |
| 2026 | $114.5 |
| 2027 | $127.4 |
| 2028 | $141.8 |
| 2029 | $157.9 |
| 2030 | $169.2 |
Key drivers include:
Mobile-first platforms enabling seamless play from smartphones and tablets
Faster, more secure payment options such as PayPal, crypto, and real-time bank transfers
Major brand sponsorships across the NFL, NBA, and global eSports leagues
A growing trend toward personalized, AI-powered gaming experiences
“Convenience and entertainment are merging in ways we’ve never seen before,” said Clara Jennings, lead analyst at Research and Markets. “Players want security, variety, and speed—and online casinos are delivering just that.”
A Safer, Smarter Future for Ohio Gamers
Beyond economics, the Ohio commission underscores the consumer protection benefits of legalization. Unregulated sites often lack age verification, self-exclusion tools, or responsible gambling features—something a state-regulated market could address head-on.
“We’re not just talking about revenue,” said Ohio Gaming Commissioner Sarah Montgomery. “We’re talking about accountability, oversight, and ensuring Ohioans have access to safe, fair platforms—not black-market operators.”
The report proposes a regulatory framework modeled after successful states, including:
Mandatory age verification and geolocation enforcement
Self-exclusion programs and deposit limits for responsible gambling
Strict licensing requirements for operators and software providers
What Ohio Has Already Learned from Legal Sports Betting
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Wagered (25 months) | $17.5 Billion |
| Percentage Online Bets | 97.3% |
| State Tax Rate | 20% |
What Happens Next?
While legislation has not yet been introduced, experts believe the report could fast-track a bill in late 2025 or early 2026. Governor Mike DeWine has not taken an official stance but has previously expressed support for “regulated, responsible gaming” in Ohio.
“This is no longer a fringe discussion,” said gaming policy expert Jonathan Marks. “Ohio is staring down a golden opportunity to modernize, monetize, and protect—at the same time.”
As lawmakers weigh their next steps, operators and investors are watching closely. The question isn’t if the market will grow—it’s who’s willing to lead.
And right now, Ohio is stepping up to the table.