Ohio’s race for governor is becoming increasingly relevant to the future of gambling in the Buckeye State, with two candidates openly backing further expansion while the Republican nominee has yet to reveal where he stands. Although no major online casino legislation is currently moving through the statehouse, the next administration could play a pivotal role if lawmakers revisit proposals for online casinos, poker, or lottery products.
The debate comes after Ohio’s regulated sports betting market quickly established itself as one of the country’s largest. Gamblers spent more than $10 billion during 2025 alone, reinforcing the industry’s economic importance while renewing discussions about whether the state should broaden its regulated gambling framework.
Candidates Take Different Paths on Gambling
Democratic nominee Amy Acton has indicated she would support expanding regulated online gambling, arguing that additional tax revenue could help fund public schools, childcare programs, and property tax relief. She has also said Ohio should strengthen consumer protections, including tighter restrictions on betting involving college athletics, limits on certain microprop wagers, and tougher rules around gambling advertising aimed at minors or promotions implying guaranteed winnings.
Libertarian candidate Don Kissick has also expressed support for broader online gambling, although from a different perspective. Rather than introducing additional restrictions, he believes adults should be free to gamble through licensed operators while paying taxes on their winnings. Kissick has instead emphasized directing more gambling revenue toward addiction treatment and maintaining a regulated market that discourages players from using offshore platforms.
Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy has not publicly outlined his position on gambling expansion despite requests from local media, leaving uncertainty over how his administration would approach future legalization efforts.
Lawmakers Continue to Debate Consumer Protections
The gubernatorial race comes as some lawmakers push in the opposite direction. House Bill 971, known as the Save Ohio Sports Act, proposes stricter controls on sports wagering, including banning bets on college sporting events and limiting betting markets viewed as vulnerable to manipulation. Supporters argue the bill would strengthen sports integrity while expanding consumer protections.
Those discussions mirror broader national conversations about balancing tax revenue with responsible gambling measures. Ohio currently operates four commercial casinos, seven racinos, and statewide online sports betting, but unlike neighboring states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania, it has yet to legalize real money online casinos or online poker.
With the state’s gambling market now firmly established, whichever candidate wins in November could have significant influence over whether Ohio’s next chapter focuses on expanding regulated gaming or tightening oversight of the products already available.