Three state representatives—Jay Edwards, Jeff LaRe, and Cindy Abrams—have voiced their support for making online gambling and lotteries legal in the state. Ohio has legalised and launched its online sports betting market in January 2023.

"Although the state should exercise caution and care when considering an expansion of this scale, it is possible for certain forms of gaming to flourish within our current system's regulatory framework," the representatives stated.

The letter was released on Friday, July 12th, as part of a research panel report regarding Ohio's gaming future. The study commission reportedly convened four times, with one meeting devoted to online casinos in February, as reported in PlayUSA. The bulk of the 354-page report consists of written statements given during the proceedings.

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Ohio lawmakers may introduce the state's first online casino bill next year, according to a letter from House Republicans. Online gambling and lotteries were deemed to have "tremendous potential" in the report.

"As we examine other states that have introduced ilottery or igaming, we observe not only a rise in tax revenues due to increased participation, but also a continuation of the upward trend in in-person sales," the letter stated.

"That is mainly due to the fact that more individuals are shopping on their phones and getting better at doing it in person."

Legislators have found it more difficult to legalise internet gambling, even though over 25 states already provide legal digital sports betting. Gambling can be done online in seven states.