Ohio Considers Standalone Online Poker Amid iGaming Expansion Debates

Legislators in Ohio are looking at a new way to expand its online gambling industry, which involves launching real-money online poker independent of traditional casino operations. This plan, a product of the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, seeks to grow Ohio’s iGaming sector while simultaneously addressing concerns about income cannibalization from the state’s four land-based casinos.

A New Direction and Differing Opinions

The commission has fronted several well-received recommendations since it was formed to investigate potential alternatives to mobile sports betting beginning January 1, 2023.

In particular, online poker being kept separate from other forms of online casino games has raised some eyebrows. With this approach, casino executives who are concerned about the loss of money to digital platforms will have their concerns addressed.

Proponents of iGaming claim that it brings in more money and more clients, while opponents are concerned that it will take business away from brick-and-mortar casinos and shift that to mobile applications. Representative Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Westlake), who is a member of the panel, made the point that there are new studies on both sides of the issue, so the truth may potentially lay somewhere in the middle.

The prospect of linking more iGaming licenses to already land-based enterprises is another proposal. For this to happen, prominent poker sites like WSOP, BetMGM Poker, and Hollywood Casinos in Ohio (Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, and Hard Rock) would have to team up with local casinos in Ohio. Tethering is not without its problems, however, particularly since certain high-ranking Jack Cleveland Casino officials are against more iGaming.

Pilot Programs and Future Prospects

To gauge the potential effects of iGaming on the Ohio market, the commission recently suggested launching a pilot program. The state would be able to study the reactions of the market and make adjustments to its strategy if it took this route before completely committing to expanding iGaming.

Additionally, the report of the Study Commission rekindled the discussion on the expansion of electronic lottery games. A senator has suggested proposing Senate Bill 269, which would legalize online electronic games offered by the Ohio Lottery.

After Pennsylvania, Ohio would become the second-largest U.S. market for regulated online poker if it were to take the plunge. Even though Michigan has emerged as a major player in the lucrative iGaming industry, Ohio’s 11.8 million residents offer a larger potential customer base.

Becoming a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) would also increase player interest and liquidity for major operators like BetMGM Poker, BetRivers Poker, PokerStars, and WSOP, who are keen on entering Ohio’s market.