Examining the Ohio Senate bill that would legalize and tax internet gambling
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Legislators in the Ohio Senate are considering the conditions of a proposed piece of legislation that would legalize and tax internet gambling.
In a nutshell, it would allow users to gamble on table games like blackjack or poker, or on digital slots, which could create a large pot of taxable revenue.
Senate Bill 197 was introduced by Nathan Manning of District 13, a large portion of our viewing area west of Cleveland.
Kent State to close LGBTQ+, women's, multicultural centers
It would create two new forms of gambling: iGaming and iLottery — functions possible through the internet or smartphone applications.
This could create large revenue for casinos or other online gaming websites and, in turn, tax revenue that would go back into the general fund or other designations still being considered.
The bill currently sits in Senate committee, where opinions are mixed.
'With iGaming, you can sit on your back patio and lose all your money,' Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman said. 'And for addicts, that's a problem.'
'I think a lot of times Ohioans want to have a little bit more choice as to how they spend their money and spend their recreational time,' Ohio Senate President Rob McColley said.
'Not everyone is affected by addiction, and for some people it is recreational,' Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio said. 'But I think we all always need to have an awareness.'
In fiscal year 2024, gross casino tax revenues were more than $330 million across the state. That money goes to various funds benefiting counties, schools, host cities and more.
Lawmakers are also split on dedicating tax revenue to gambling addiction services. Recovery resources in Cuyahoga County said there's already a growing need.
'In Cuyahoga County alone, we have enough people to fill Browns Stadium and have people standing outside who are middle risk or have a disorder for problem gambling,' said Nora Larson, supervisor of prevention for recovery resources.
Some taxpayers may receive tax refunds in June: When payments could arrive
Larson said that estimate was calculated before sports betting was legalized. She said having table games or slots at your fingertips could be problematic.
'So some people, similar to alcohol, can have one drink and be okay,' Larson said. 'Some people can gamble with friends and be okay. Some people can't. Some people need to keep going.'
Governor Mike DeWine's office said the governor has no stance on the proposed legislation.
Both JACK Casino and MGM Northfield Park declined to comment for this story.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Axios
30 minutes ago
- Axios
OH Senate proposes giving Browns $600M from taxpayers' unclaimed funds
The Ohio Senate passed its version of the biennial state budget this week, which includes a new method for publicly subsidizing the proposed Browns stadium in Brook Park. State of play: Under the proposal, the state would give the Haslam Sports Group $600 million in a cash grant siphoned from a pot of Ohioans' unclaimed funds. Per the Ohio Department of Commerce, the state currently holds roughly $4.8 billion in these funds: things like uncashed last paychecks, dormant bank accounts and rental and utility deposits. What they're saying: "It's dead on arrival," Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said Wednesday in criticizing the proposal during a wide-ranging interview on ESPN 850. "This is not just robbing Peter to pay Paul," he earlier said at a press conference Tuesday evening. "It's robbing Bob and Betty Buckeye to pay Jimmy and Dee Haslam." Ronayne referred to the proposal variously as "a boondoggle," "piracy" and "the worst idea in the history of public policy." Between the lines: The House budget version calls for paying the Browns $600 million in money financed with state bonds, which would be paid back over 25 years with tax revenue generated by the project. DeWine prefers doubling an existing tax on sports betting companies to pay for the Browns stadium and other pro sports facilities. Ronayne likes that idea, too. In the meantime, Ronayne's on a campaign to publicize the pot of unclaimed funds and is urging Ohioans to collect.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Wayne Dawson talks about when he'll return to FOX 8
CLEVELAND (WJW) – Longtime FOX 8 News in the Morning anchor Wayne Dawson is sharing a powerful message of resilience. He was declared cancer-free just weeks ago, after undergoing extensive treatment for oral cancer. Bear spotted in Trumbull County backyard The veteran broadcaster was diagnosed with oral cancer in May 2024. After a grueling year of treatment and recovery, doctors declared him in remission on May 21. 'I'm in remission and that's a blessing,' Dawson said. 'There's no sign of cancer in my body.' While the news is uplifting, Dawson acknowledged the physical toll of treatment remains. 'Still feeling the effects of chemo and radiation,' he said. 'My taste is not 100%.' One of the most visible reminders of his battle is dental: 'They pulled my teeth out to get the cancer out,' Dawson explained. 'They have to put my teeth back in.' Doctors won't be able to do that until six months after radiation, which puts his dental reconstruction timeline in late August or early September. 'And I'll admit there are some days that I'm feeling pretty good and other days I wake up and I don't really like what I see in the mirror,' he said. Despite the challenges, Dawson is focused on healing and returning to the anchor desk. 'Then after that I'm going to work very hard to get back on the news at FOX 8 News in the Morning,' he said. He's also using his platform to speak directly to others facing cancer. 'I know what you're going through. I know what you've been through,' Dawson said. 'Don't give up, don't give in.' Ground beef sold nationwide possibly contaminated with E. Coli His mantra throughout the journey has been to stay positive, a message he's extending to those still fighting. 'When you're going through this fight you have to stay positive,' he said. 'I had shirts that said 'Fight Like Wayne.' I want you to fight better than me.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
2 hours ago
- The Hill
Jerky and snack sticks recalled nationwide
(WJW) — More than 15,000 pounds of ready-to-eat jerky and snack stick products are being recalled due to misbranding and undeclared allergens. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recalled products, made by Springville Meat & Cold Storage Co., Inc., contain anchovies, a known allergen that is not declared on the product label. According to FSIS, production observations by its inspectors revealed that anchovies were contained in the Worcestershire sauce used in the jerky and snack stick products. Worcestershire sauce without anchovies had been previously used. The recall includes a total of about 15,388 pounds of not only beef products, but venison, buffalo, and elk jerky as well. Here's what else to know: Below, you can view the multiple product labels and lot codes subject to the recall: So far, the FSIS said, there have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to these products. However, anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider. Consumers with food safety concerns can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@ Issues with a meat, poultry or egg product can be reported to the Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.
