Ohio Eyes New Path for iGaming Legalisation
Efforts to legalize iGaming in Ohio have gained new momentum with the introduction of a fresh legislative proposal. State Representative Brian Stewart has put forward a new Ohio online casino bill designed to break the previous deadlock that has stalled progress in the state.
The core of Stewart's proposal is a unique approach that directly connects the burgeoning online market with established brick-and-mortar gaming establishments. This move is seen as a strategic attempt to balance the interests of various stakeholders within the state's gaming industry.
Licensing Restricted to Existing Venues
Under the proposed legislation, online casino licenses would be exclusively available to Ohio's existing casinos and racinos. This structure acknowledges the significant investments these venues have already made in their local communities and economies. By tethering Ohio igaming to these properties, the bill aims to create a symbiotic relationship between the digital and physical gaming worlds.
A New Approach to Player Bonuses
Perhaps the most distinct feature of the bill is its plan for player promotions. The proposal would eliminate traditional online casino bonuses that are common in other regulated markets. Instead, any promotional offers would be structured to encourage players to visit the land-based partner properties.
Stewart argues this change could also help mitigate potential gambling-related harm by removing some of the more aggressive direct bonus incentives. This novel approach prioritizes foot traffic for physical locations over purely digital engagement, a significant departure from typical online casino legalisation frameworks.
"Stewart argued that the bill balances competing interest groups, which he believes gives it a better chance of passing than previous proposals that stalled amid internal disagreement."
| Feature | Stewart's Proposed Ohio Model | Traditional iGaming Model |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing | Tied exclusively to existing land-based casinos and racinos. | Often includes standalone online licenses and multiple skins. |
| Player Bonuses | No direct online bonuses; promotions drive traffic to physical venues. | Direct deposit matches, free spins, and other online-focused bonuses. |
| Primary Goal | Support and integrate with the existing land-based industry. | Maximize online market growth and tax revenue. |
Despite the strategic design, the bill's path forward is not without challenges. With midterm elections on the horizon, the political calendar could complicate its chances of passing in the near term.
Global Regulation Sees Key Appointment from Brazil
On the international stage, Brazil gaming regulation continues to evolve, with a key figure gaining a prominent global role. Fabio Macorin, the deputy secretary of Brazil's Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), has been elected to the board of trustees for the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR).
This appointment highlights the growing influence of South America in the global gaming dialogue. IAGR President Ben Haden noted that Macorin’s appointment “brings an important South American perspective to the IAGR board of trustees at a time when regulators worldwide are facing similar transnational challenges.”
Extensive Experience in Combating Financial Crime
Fabio Macorin IAGR's addition to the board is backed by deep experience. Before his work at the SPA, Macorin served for 17 years in Brazil's Federal Police, with a decade dedicated to investigating banking and financial fraud. This background has been instrumental in shaping Brazil's regulatory framework, particularly in areas like anti-money laundering (AML) controls and combating the illegal market.
Since joining the Ministry of Finance in 2024, Macorin has been a central figure in implementing Brazil's betting regulations. His work has focused on supervising authorized operators and strengthening enforcement actions in coordination with government and private sector partners.
Brazil's Rapid Regulatory Transformation
Brazil officially launched its regulated betting market in 2025, an initiative that has been closely watched by the global industry. Macorin's experience at the heart of this rapid and ambitious transformation is expected to provide valuable insights for other regulators. He expressed his honor in joining the board and sharing Brazil's journey.
“Brazil learned a great deal from the experience of regulators worldwide while developing our own regulatory framework, and I view the IAGR as one of the most important forums for this exchange of knowledge,” Macorin stated.
Macorin is scheduled to attend the upcoming IAGR Annual Conference in Peru from October 19-22. The conference, themed “Steady Hands, Changing Ground: Advancing Regulation in a Connected World,” will focus on enhancing regulatory oversight amidst rapidly evolving technology and markets.
