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Democrat Amy Acton’s win in Ohio’s governor’s race may ease the road to legalizing iGaming as a source of state revenue, according to Jordan Bender, an analyst with Citizens. CDC Gaming Reports published Bender’s post-election assessment on Nov. 4.
Ohio iGaming outlook after the governor’s race
Citizens estimates Ohio iGaming could generate $2.9 billion in gaming revenue at maturity, according to CDC Gaming Reports.
Bender cautioned that the path would not be simple. "iGaming legalization would represent a major milestone for the industry, although we see an uphill battle for the Democratic governor, with the Ohio House and Senate holding Republican supermajorities," he said.
Bender’s comments came as part of a broader review of how the midterm results could affect gaming policy in Texas, Nebraska, Georgia and Virginia, as well as at the federal level.
Federal prediction market questions
Nationally, Bender said Democrats taking control of both the House and Senate could make prediction markets a greater political topic. He noted Democrats could advance legislation to ban sports- and political-event contracts.
"Any bill would need to be signed by the president, which we view as unlikely," Bender said. He added: "We also believe Congress lacks the ability to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority."
Ohio has already acted on the issue. PlayOhio reported in October that Ohio sent cease-and-desist letters to 10 prediction markets and brokers.
Bender expects the U.S. Supreme Court to decide the prediction markets issue, with a potential decision timeline that runs through 2028.
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Source: As reported by CDC Gaming Reports.
