Ohio HB 298 On Hold, Delaying Sweepstakes Casino Ban

After an aggressive start, Ohio’s campaign to ban sweepstakes casinos has appeared to have stalled. HB 298 was sponsored by Rep. Brian Stewart and Rep Marilyn John and filed May 20th, 2025 initially gained momentum from its supporters. However, after being referred to the House Finance  Committee on May 21st, the bill failed to move, with a report or a vote.

HB 298, a bill which aims to legalize and regulate internet gambling in Ohio and to levy taxes on regulated platforms, is actually one of two casino bills under consideration. There’s also SB 197, introduced by Sen. Nathan Manning, which would introduce lotteries and online casinos. Manning’s bill will require a $50 million licensing fee and a 36% tax. However, the bill has not advanced beyond the committee level.

What’s the Latest on HB 298 and Latest Developments

HB 298 was filed by Rep. Brian Steward and Rep. Marilyn John, which aims to ban sweepstakes casino operations that are built on the dual-currency model (Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins). The state’s push will make popular sweepstakes casino sites like WOW Vegas, High 5, and Chumba Casino inaccessible to players, unless authorized by the state. Here’s a quick listing of the important features included in the bill:

• Legalizes internet gambling. The bill aims to authorizes and regulate casino-style gambling, including slots, dice, and card games, directly supervised by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
• Complete ban on online sweepstakes casinos. No person or entity will be allowed to operate and offer sweepstakes-style games, particularly those that rely on a dual-currency system.
• Eligibility restricted to existing operators. Only current state-based physical casinos may apply for a gambling license.
• Licensing fee. Interested operators need to pay $50 million as an upfront fee (for five years), and $10 million renewal fee.
• Tax rate. The bill imposes a 28% tax on gross receipts, with 99% of revenues going to the state’s general fund and 1% to responsible gambling programs.

Debates and Opposition Pushed the Bill to the Sidelines

As of October 2025, HB 298 remains stuck at the committee level. Legislative pushback and opposition from the governor’s office and Speaker Huffman’s stand against expanding online gambling have created a deadlock in the House Finance Committee. There is no committee report, no House floor vote, and no Senate participation. Also, committee records and public testimony are based on early summer records, and no new information as of this writing.

Until new developments occur, Ohio’s existing gaming market remains unregulated and unchanged. Experts and industry observers are one in saying that a ban on sweepstakes casinos is off the table in 2025.

REFERENCES:

• HB 298
• SB 197