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Ohio Online Poker Bill Hits a Dead End

Ohio Online Poker Bill Hits a Dead End
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Iva Dozet News Editor
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: December 30, 2024 · 1 minutes to read

Ohio’s hopes for legalized online poker are slipping away as Senate Bill 312 (SB312) inches toward expiration without so much as a ripple in the legislature. The bill was originally introduced in September this year by State Senator Niraj Antani, aimed at bringing online poker and other forms of iGaming to the Buckeye state. But with little fanfare and even less action, it’s clear SB312 never really stood a chance.

Journey to Nowhere for Ohio Online Poker

The bill didn’t get much traction after its introduction. It sat untouched for weeks before landing in the Senate Finance Committee in mid-November. Even then, there were no hearings, no votes, and no sign of urgency. With no companion bill in the state’s House of Representatives, the effort stalled before it could even start.

SB312 aimed to give Ohio’s 11 gaming venues — casinos and racinos — the chance to apply for online gaming licenses. This included Penn National’s properties, which dominate the state’s casino market. While Ohio online poker wasn’t specifically named, it would have been part of the broader iGaming expansion outlined in the bill.

Antani’s push seems more like a conversation starter than a full-on legislative effort. The late timing and lack of support make it clear this wasn’t Ohio’s year to join the eight other states offering regulated online poker. For now, the idea is likely on hold until another attempt comes along.

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