Lawmakers Push for Online Casino Legalization to Boost State Budgets

Lawmakers from various states are pushing for the legalization of online casinos to boost state budgets and address economic shortfalls. Virginia Sen. Jeremy S. McPike (D), Ohio Rep. Brian Stewart (R), and Massachusetts Rep. David K. Muradian (R) indicated there would be efforts to expand online casinos in the upcoming session.

Massachusetts Rep. David K. Muradian (R) highlighted that tax revenue from online casinos would be part of the solution to lower the state income tax. He emphasized the state’s commitment to consumer protection, stating, “iGaming seems to me to be the next logical step in progression. We want to provide a proper and safe avenue for people to participate.”

Ohio Rep. Brian Stewart (R) pointed out that Ohio could reap an additional $400 million in tax revenue from online casino legalization. He suggested that this extra money could be used to eliminate the state’s income tax, stating, “People are warming up to the idea that if there are individuals that want to participate in the activity, you can tax it at a fairly aggressive rate. That’s an awful lot of money we can use to eliminate our income tax.”