Ohio Election Race: Candidate Amy Acton Pushes for Online Casino Legalization

Ohio is at a crossroads regarding its gambling future. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has publicly endorsed the legalization of iGaming to generate fresh revenue for the state and tackle the unregulated black market. Acton, a former health official, argues that many residents are already playing online but doing so without protections or tax benefits for the public. The debate is intensified by Ohio's status as a major gambling hub, already hosting a robust terrestrial casino and sports betting industry.

The political landscape is divided. While Acton focuses on public health and strict regulation, her Republican rival Vivek Ramaswamy is playing it safe. Ramaswamy has yet to commit to a stance on online casinos, stating only that any changes must be made responsibly to protect Ohioans. He is likely gauging whether endorsing such a divisive topic would cost him political capital. Meanwhile, Libertarian Don Kissick also favors expansion but prefers significantly less government intervention compared to Acton's proposed "draconian" consumer protections.

Numbers and facts

The economic stakes are high. According to the American Gaming Association, Ohio's four casinos and seven racinos generated a record $3.5 billion in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) last year. Sports betting, legalized in 2023, has shown explosive growth, with Ohioans wagering over $10 billion in 2025 alone. Acton sees iGaming as a logical next step to fill budget gaps, provided it comes with rigorous safeguards. She is particularly concerned about the current state of advertising and its impact on younger populations.

“That said, I am a doctor and a public health professional, and I want to make sure we have the right regulatory environment around it. I want to make sure we stop the sort of predatory advertising we’re seeing, and I want to make sure our young people are protected.” - Amy Acton, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate

Background

Ohio's gambling framework has remained relatively stable for a decade, built around its casinos and racinos. However, legislative resistance remains a hurdle. On June 29, State Representatives Johnathan Newman and Beth Lear introduced House Bill 971, the "Save Ohio Sports Act," which aims to tighten sports betting rules rather than expand them. Even if Acton wins the election, passing iGaming legislation would require significant cooperation from the General Assembly in Columbus. Acton’s primary motivation remains closing the loophole where players engage in illegal segments without state oversight.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, the Ohio debate underscores a global shift toward high-standard regulation. The measures Acton is calling for, such as advertising bans and consumer safeguards, are already central to the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). While Ohio is still debating these protections, German players already benefit from mandatory deposit limits of 1,000 Euro and the OASIS exclusion system. The U.S. market is effectively looking to European models to solve issues regarding predatory marketing and player addiction.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Casinos holding a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) operate under the strict conditions Acton desires for Ohio. This includes the 1 Euro per spin limit for slots and the mandatory five-second delay between rounds. The controversy in Ohio reinforces the value of the GGL whitelist. Operators without a German license, such as those from Curacao or the MGA, often lack the integrated protection systems like LUGAS. For licensed operators, international developments like those in Ohio validate the necessity of a regulated, transparent market that prioritizes player safety over short-term revenue.