Ohio gaming regulations influence countless stakeholders and operators within the Ohio casino, sports betting, and lottery markets. But more importantly, proper regulations and safeguards make all the difference between a well-protected public and an at-risk population.
The Ohio Study Commission on the Future of Gaming recently released a report that sheds light on the current state of Ohio gambling and the performance of Ohio gaming regulators to date. The report also includes testimonies from multiple parties offering responsible recommendations for the future.
Study Commission Report discusses Ohio responsible gambling
Ohio gaming regulators are divided into three agencies: the Ohio State Lottery Commission, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and the Ohio State Racing Commission.
The extensive report on the future of Ohio gaming offered heaps of praise for each agency and its regulators. The testimony sent in from State Representatives Jay Edwards, Jeff LaRe, and Cindy Abrams — who led the report — did so as well, saying:
“Even with the tax revenue growth, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Ohio State Lottery Commission, and the Ohio State Racing Commission have been able to excel in their regulatory role with the ever-growing and ever-changing industry.”
When discussing the Ohio Lottery Commission, the trio of Ohio lawmakers noted the success of the Intercept program. Intercept conducts background checks on lottery players who win $600 or more and Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) players who win prizes over $1,200.
“Through the Ohio State Lottery Commission’s (“Lottery”) intercept program, the Lottery was able to intercept over $13.9 million last year in state debt or child support/spousal support.”
Additionally, the report mentions horse race betting and the Ohio Racing Commission:
“In 2023 alone, Ohio hosted 2,385 Thoroughbred races and 6,658 Standardbred races which contributed to an economic impact of around $1.3 billion for the state.”
Ohio Senator Nathan Manning agreed with the success of Ohio gaming regulators thus far but maintained that the work is just starting.
“While Ohio is investing more than many other states in order to combat this issue, we must continue to do so and make sure we do not lose sight of this problem in the midst of increased gaming in the state.”
The desire for increased responsible gaming efforts was not just a slogan either. Multiple stakeholders pitched proposals in their testimonies toward that end.
Ohio gaming stakeholders request enhanced consumer protection
Ohio has shown it is one of the best states in the country at combating irresponsible gambling. However, data from many testimonies prove there is much to still do.
The Study Commission report also conveys input from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Its testimony outlined the stark increase in Ohio residents at risk of problem gambling, rising from 5% in 2012 to nearly 20% in 2022. Additionally, the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline saw a 55% increase in 2023, when sports betting launched in Ohio, compared to 2022.
The Ohio Department of Mental Health had one request regarding the future of Ohio gaming:
“We must consider the fact that the highest rates of at-risk gambling are among the youngest players, in many cases developing a gambling problem before they reach the legal age to play. As we consider gaming for future generations, consumer protections are key to ensuring the safety of the players.”
This is one reason Ohio gaming regulators have already submitted an official rule change regarding gambling advertising. The rule change put heavy restrictions on promoting gambling through other non-gambling businesses. This was seemingly pointed at Fanatics Sportsbook, which was offering bonus bets to sports merchandise customers, potentially marketing to underage audiences.
The rule change is not yet official. That did not stop Edwards, LaRe and Abrams from mentioning this in their testimony.
“One point of future regulatory clarification that may be needed to the Ohio Revised Code was recommended by the Executive Director of the OCCC during the hearings and we would recommend implementation of such change.”
Ohio online casino & iLottery legalization call for enhanced efforts
Enhanced gaming regulations and responsible gambling safeguards are more important for Ohio now than ever. According to the report, further action on Ohio online casinos could arrive sooner rather than later. Ohio lawmakers seem hesitantly in favor of iGaming legalization, and the same can be said for Ohio iLottery legalization.
The report discussed ways to help Type B and Type C sportsbook operators in the state. Options included lowering tax rates for such operators and lifting some restrictions currently in place. Additionally, operator testimonies offered pushback on further sports betting tax rate increases and requested the removal of Ohio’s college prop betting ban.
One last interesting gaming regulation proposed came from the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. It outlined the idea of creating one unified Ohio gaming regulation commission instead of having three separate entities operating under different guidelines. This would streamline regulation as gaming continues to expand in the Buckeye State.
“PGNO recommends that the legislature establish a dedicated State Gaming Commission to serve as the sole regulator for all gambling activities within the state. This entity would be exclusively tasked with overseeing and regulating casinos, racinos, sports wagering, bingo, and iLottery should the legislature choose to authorize it.”
Clearly, Ohio regulators intend to keep adapting to the times to best serve their state. There is still much work to be done to safeguard Ohio and its citizens. But fortunately, plenty of solutions have already presented themselves.
