Gambling Advocate Senator Manning Moves to Judiciary: What This Means for Ohio

A prominent advocate for legalized gambling in Ohio, Senator Nathan Manning, is leaving the legislative branch. He will become a judge on the Ohio Ninth District Court of Appeals this August. This appointment could have significant implications for the future gambling policy of the US state.

Governor Mike DeWine announced Manning's appointment to fill a judicial vacancy. Manning, elected to the Senate in 2018, was serving his final year. Ohio law limits senators to two consecutive four-year terms. While Manning initially planned to run for the House, he has now opted for the judicial position. He replaces Donna Carr, a Republican who retired last month after 28 years on the court. To serve the remaining two years of Carr's six-year term, Manning must win a special election in November.

Numbers and facts

Manning chaired the "Select Committee on Gaming." For the current session, he sponsored Senate Bill 197, a bill to legalize iGaming in Ohio. This measure has not yet passed his committee. The further expansion of gambling, including online casino games, lotteries, and horse betting, faces opposition from religious and mental health groups.

Ohio generated over $209 million from sports betting in 2025. However, Governor DeWine expressed regret over the legalization of sports betting. He is in his final year as governor. His successor in November will significantly influence gambling policy for the next four years. Experts predict a close race between candidates Amy Acton and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Background

Senator Manning played a pivotal role in shaping Ohio's gambling laws in recent years. He was involved in the introduction of the comprehensive gambling bill, Senate Bill 176. This legislation legalized sports betting and charitable E-bingo offerings. Manning advocated for a free-market approach that also ensured responsible expansion of gambling. The Senate also approved the final draft of the sports gaming bill, "Substitute House Bill 29". This legislation established the regulatory framework for online and retail sports betting.

"I am proud of what we have accomplished in this comprehensive gaming bill for Ohio. It is fair, it creates opportunity for economic development and it's a win for taxpayers and our economy." - Senator Nathan Manning, then in the Ohio Senate

The bill outlined three types of gambling licenses: mobile apps (Type A), brick-and-mortar operators (Type B), and kiosks (Type C). The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) was designated as the regulatory authority to ensure compliance. Manning emphasized that the legislature aimed to create a secure, professional, and reliable regulatory framework, overseen by the OCCC.

Following Manning's departure from the Senate, Senate President Rob McColley will determine who takes over as chairman of the gaming committee. Senator Mark Romanchuk, currently the vice-chair, is a likely candidate. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the future leadership will position itself.

Why it matters for German players

In Germany, discussions about gambling laws and the expansion of online gambling, as shown by the German Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021), are ongoing. Strict regulation is essential here too, with player protection at the forefront. The Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL) licenses and supervises online gambling providers. This creates trust and a secure framework. Players in Germany can rely on this license, ensuring player protection at GGL casinos. This includes strict rules such as a deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and a stake limit of one euro per spin on online slot machines. The cross-state self-exclusion system LUGAS also helps prevent gambling addiction.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For online casinos with a GGL license, developments in Ohio mean that regulation in other countries remains an important issue. A change in legislators there can have far-reaching consequences for business practices and market conditions. The experiences from Ohio show that even established advocates can suddenly leave the stage. Operators of German GGL casinos must keep an eye on such political developments worldwide. They set precedents for other markets. Stable and predictable regulation in the home market of Germany is a great advantage for GGL casinos. It provides planning certainty.