Ohio Gov Candidate Amy Acton Backs Online Casinos

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Fri Sep 11, 2026, 8:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Ohio Gov Candidate Amy Acton Backs Online Casinos

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Democratic Ohio governor candidate Amy Acton is open to expanding the state's gambling market through online casinos. However, she wants strong protections for consumers and young people.

Acton recently discussed online gambling as part of her campaign platform. She described iGaming as a potential source of additional state revenue while emphasizing responsible regulation.

"Certainly I see it as a source of revenue that can help fund the proposals that we need to help bring down the cost of living in this state and provide for the services we need to fund," Acton said.

Her comments come as lawmakers continue debating the future of Ohio gambling. The state already allows regulated sports betting, giving operators experience with a legal online wagering market.

However, online casino gaming would represent a significant expansion. It would allow residents to access casino games through digital platforms rather than only visiting physical casinos and racinos.

Acton Wants Stronger Protections

Although Acton supports exploring iGaming, she does not want expansion without appropriate safeguards. Her background as a doctor and public health professional influences that approach.

"That said, I am a doctor and a public health professional, and I want to make sure we have the right regulatory environment around it," Acton said.

She also raised concerns about gambling advertising and its potential impact on younger audiences.

"I want to make sure we stop the sort of predatory advertising we're seeing, and I want to make sure our young people are protected," Acton said.

Those priorities could shape how Ohio approaches online casino legislation if Acton wins the governor's race. In particular, advertising restrictions and age protections could become central components of any future iGaming framework.

Acton described her proposed approach as a "very nuanced and comprehensive strategy." Therefore, her position supports expansion while recognizing the potential risks associated with online gambling.

Revenue Could Support State Priorities

Acton also sees tax revenue as a major reason to consider online casino expansion. A regulated iGaming market could create another source of state funding while bringing existing offshore activity into a legal framework.

The additional revenue could support initiatives aimed at lowering costs for Ohio residents. Acton has discussed priorities involving public services and other affordability measures.

The potential market could also complement Ohio's existing betting industry. The state already has US online sportsbooks operating under its regulated sports betting framework.

Meanwhile, US online casinos have expanded across several regulated states. Ohio could eventually join that market if lawmakers approve a suitable framework.

Ohio Gambling Debate Could Gain Momentum

Acton's comments add another political dimension to Ohio's broader gambling debate. Her support could become significant if lawmakers pursue iGaming legislation during the next administration.

At the same time, her conditions could influence the structure of any expansion. Operators may face stricter advertising standards, age-verification requirements, and responsible-gambling obligations.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has also addressed gambling expansion. However, his comments have focused more broadly on responsible gambling and protecting Ohio residents.

Consequently, online casinos could become an important policy issue during the 2026 governor's race. Acton's position gives voters a clearer indication of how she would approach the industry.

For now, Acton is positioning herself as supportive of online casino expansion with significant regulatory guardrails. Her public-health background also distinguishes her approach from a simple revenue-driven gambling proposal.

If Ohio eventually legalizes iGaming, those safeguards could determine how the market develops and how the state balances revenue opportunities with consumer protection.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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