Ohio Governor Race Puts Online Gambling in Focus

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Aug 05, 2026, 11:00 am ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Ohio Governor Race Puts Online Gambling in Focus

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The Ohio Governor race has become an important battleground for the future of online gambling. While lawmakers continue debating internet casinos, the state's leading candidates have begun outlining where they stand.

Democratic nominee Amy Acton and Libertarian candidate Don Kissick both support expanding regulated online gambling. They believe legalization could generate new revenue while bringing more players into regulated markets. 

Meanwhile, Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy has remained silent on the issue despite repeated opportunities to comment.

The next governor could play a major role in shaping Ohio gambling policy. Any proposal to legalize online casinos would ultimately require legislative approval and the governor's signature.

As a result, the election may determine whether Ohio joins other states offering regulated US online casinos alongside its existing sports betting market.

Two Ohio Governor Candidates Back Online Gambling Expansion

Amy Acton Supports Regulated iGaming

Amy Acton is a physician and public health expert who previously served as director of the Ohio Department of Health. She gained statewide recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic before launching her campaign for governor.

Acton supports legalizing online casino gaming as part of a broader economic strategy. Her campaign argues that regulated iGaming could create a new revenue stream for Ohio without raising taxes.

She has suggested directing additional gambling revenue toward public education, childcare programs, and property tax relief. At the same time, Acton believes expansion should include strong consumer safeguards.

Her platform supports maintaining Ohio's current 20% sports betting tax. She also favors stricter advertising standards that reduce gambling promotions targeting young adults or implying guaranteed financial success.

Acton has additionally called for tighter oversight of certain sports wagers. While she does not support banning proposition betting altogether, she favors restrictions on some microprop markets that regulators believe carry greater integrity risks.

Don Kissick Favors Expansion Through Personal Freedom

Don Kissick represents the Libertarian Party in Ohio's gubernatorial race. His campaign centers on limited government, individual liberty, and reduced regulatory intervention.

Kissick supports expanding regulated online gambling because he believes adults should have the freedom to make their own entertainment choices. In his view, legalization would provide safer alternatives to offshore gambling websites while allowing licensed operators to compete in a regulated environment.

Although he generally supports fewer restrictions, Kissick recognizes the importance of responsible gambling initiatives. He has indicated that treatment programs and consumer protections should remain part of any expansion framework.

Vivek Ramaswamy Remains Silent on Online Gambling

Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy is an entrepreneur, author, and former presidential candidate. He entered Ohio's gubernatorial race after building a national political profile through his business background and conservative policy positions.

Unlike his opponents, Ramaswamy has not publicly addressed whether he supports legalizing online casinos. Multiple news organizations reported that his campaign either declined to answer questionnaires or did not respond to requests for comment.

Even so, his ticket has not been entirely silent on the issue. His running mate, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley, backed online casino legislation in 2025. McColley argued that regulated iGaming could generate additional state revenue and help support long-term plans to phase out Ohio's state income tax. 

While Ramaswamy has not adopted that position publicly, McColley's earlier support suggests online gambling could still become part of broader tax reform discussions under a Republican administration.

The issue also carries added significance because outgoing Governor Mike DeWine opposed online casino legalization. DeWine has previously expressed regret over legalizing sports betting, making his administration largely resistant to additional gambling expansion.

Ohio's Online Gambling Landscape Continues to Evolve

Ohio already operates one of the nation's largest regulated betting markets. Residents can legally access US online sportsbooks after statewide sports betting launched in January 2023. However, online casino gaming remains prohibited.

Several lawmakers have attempted to change that status in recent years. Most notably, House Bill 298 sought to legalize online casinos while establishing a regulatory framework for licensed operators. 

The proposal also outlined tax provisions, licensing requirements, and responsible gambling measures. The bill did not advance before the legislative session ended, leaving future legalization efforts to a new General Assembly.

The debate has continued alongside other gambling-related proposals. House Bill 971, known as the Save Ohio Sports Act, seeks to tighten sports betting regulations by restricting certain wagering practices and strengthening consumer protections. 

While the measure does not address iGaming directly, it reflects ongoing legislative efforts to increase oversight of Ohio's expanding gambling market.

Expansion proposals have also faced resistance from some established gaming interests. Jack Entertainment, which operates casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati, has previously expressed concerns about online casino legalization. 

Like other brick-and-mortar operators around the country, the company has urged lawmakers to carefully evaluate how iGaming could affect retail casino visitation and existing gaming investments.

Is there Any Possibility for Online Poker in the State?

Legalizing online casinos would also extend beyond slot games and table games. Any comprehensive iGaming framework would likely authorize regulated online poker alongside casino offerings.

That change could allow Ohio to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement, enabling players to compete across state lines with larger tournament prize pools and cash-game liquidity. 

Given Ohio's population, the state would become one of the largest members of the agreement behind Michigan, creating one of the country's most significant regulated online poker markets.

These ongoing discussions provide important context for the candidates' positions. Acton and Kissick see regulated expansion as an opportunity, while Ramaswamy's position remains unknown despite his running mate's previous support.

Election Could Shape the Future of Ohio Gambling

The outcome of the 2026 election may influence Ohio gambling policy for years.

If voters elect a governor who supports online casino legalization, lawmakers could receive stronger executive backing for future legislation. That support may increase the likelihood of renewed iGaming bills reaching the governor's desk.

A future legalization package would also reshape Ohio's place in the broader gaming industry. Beyond expanding US online casinos, it could establish a regulated online poker market connected to other participating states through the MSIGA. That prospect has generated interest from operators seeking larger player pools and from poker players hoping for bigger tournaments.

On the other hand, continued opposition or uncertainty could slow legislative momentum despite growing interest among gaming operators and industry stakeholders.

As neighboring states continue expanding regulated gaming, Ohio faces increasing pressure to decide whether it will embrace online casinos or maintain its current sports betting-only model. 

The next governor will likely play a defining role in that decision, making online gambling one of the election's most closely watched policy issues.

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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