Ohio’s next governor will inherit an online casino debate that has drawn legalization sponsors, political opposition, and growing questions about gambling on phones.
Democrat Amy Acton supports considering regulated iGaming expansion with protections for young people and limits on predatory advertising. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy has emphasized “responsible decision-making” in his campaign without committing to legalizing online casinos.
The candidates are competing Nov. 3 to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, whose gaming opposition has complicated expansion efforts. DeWine even went so far as to call signing legislation that legalized online Ohio sports betting his “biggest mistake” in office.
Prediction markets and recent independent polling favor Acton, but either nominee would still need agreement with a legislature expected to remain Republican controlled.
