November 10, 2026 · 5:00pm ET | 2:00pm PT
Ohio’s push to legalize online casinos could find new life in 2027, with Democrat Amy Acton set to become the state’s next governor.
Acton defeated Republican Vivek Ramaswamy in the 3 November election and will take office on 11 January 2027, the same day term-limited Governor Mike DeWine steps down.
The change is a notable one for the industry. DeWine has long opposed igaming, saying in late 2025 that putting a casino in everyone’s hands around the clock would cause more harm through gambling addiction.
Acton, meanwhile, has signaled she is open to the idea. Speaking to the Statehouse News Bureau in September, she described online gaming as a potential revenue source to help fund cost-of-living proposals in the state.
The former Ohio health director added that she wants the right regulatory environment in place, including an end to predatory advertising and protections for young people, promising “a very nuanced and comprehensive strategy.”
