The bill introduced by Senator Manning seeks to significantly modernize Ohio's gambling laws by legalizing internet gambling, including internet lottery gaming and online horse racing wagering. It establishes a new charitable law fund within the state treasury, funded by various fees and revenues, to support the attorney general's office's charitable law section. The bill also includes provisions for criminal records checks for applicants in positions requiring such checks, ensuring that individuals with disqualifying offenses are identified. Additionally, it updates and reorganizes existing sections of the Ohio Revised Code, repealing outdated provisions and introducing new definitions and regulations related to gambling activities, including the operation of bingo and charitable gaming.

Key amendments include the transfer of regulatory authority over bingo and games of chance from the Attorney General to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, effective January 1, 2027, and the establishment of a framework for internet gambling, with a mandated launch date by March 31, 2026. The bill introduces new tax rates for sports gaming and internet gambling operators, creating dedicated funds to support education and problem gambling initiatives. It also emphasizes responsible gaming practices, including the implementation of a voluntary exclusion program for individuals with gambling issues. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance regulatory oversight, ensure compliance, and promote a safer gambling environment in Ohio.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 109.32, 109.572, 119.12, 121.95, 131.02, 173.121, 718.031, 959.05, 1309.109, 1711.09, 1716.21, 2915.01, 2915.02, 2915.06, 2915.061, 2915.08, 2915.081, 2915.082, 2915.09, 2915.091, 2915.092, 2915.093, 2915.094, 2915.095, 2915.10, 2915.101, 2915.11, 2915.12, 2915.13, 2915.14, 2915.15, 2923.121, 2927.21, 2933.51, 3123.89, 3123.90, 3517.091, 3763.01, 3769.03, 3769.031, 3769.04, 3769.041, 3769.05, 3769.06, 3769.07, 3769.071, 3769.072, 3769.08, 3769.082, 3769.083, 3769.084, 3769.085, 3769.087, 3769.089, 3769.0810, 3769.09, 3769.091, 3769.10, 3769.101, 3769.12, 3769.13, 3769.131, 3769.14, 3769.20, 3769.201, 3769.21, 3769.22, 3769.25, 3769.26, 3769.27, 3770.02, 3770.03, 3770.05, 3770.06, 3770.07, 3770.071, 3770.072, 3770.073, 3770.08, 3770.10, 3770.13, 3770.21, 3770.24, 3770.25, 3770.99, 3772.01, 3772.02, 3772.03, 3772.031, 3772.04, 3772.062, 3772.07, 3772.09, 3772.091, 3772.10, 3772.13, 3772.131, 3772.15, 3772.16, 3772.17, 3772.18, 3772.23, 3772.31, 3772.37, 3772.99, 3774.01, 3774.02, 3774.03, 3774.04, 3774.09, 3775.01, 3775.02, 3775.03, 3775.06, 3775.09, 3775.10, 3775.11, 3775.13, 3775.99, 4301.03, 4301.58, 4303.17, 5701.11, 5747.01, 5747.02, 5747.062, 5747.063, 5747.08, 5747.12, 5747.20, 5751.01, 5753.01, 5753.021, 5753.03, 5753.031, 5907.18, 3768.20, 3777.03, 3777.04, 2915.07, 3768.18, 3768.04, 3768.16, 3768.17, 3768.05, 3768.06, 3768.02, 3768.07, 3768.08, 3768.09, 3768.14, 3768.13, 3768.15, 3768.19, 3768.10, 3768.11, 3768.12, 3769.01, 3769.02, 3770.01, 3770.011, 3768.21, 3769.021, 3770.23, 3772.25, 3775.16, 5747.064