Ohio continues to see the introduction of additional gaming bills since both SB 197 (iGaming & iLottery) and HB 298 (iGaming) were introduced in May 2025.
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, sponsored by Representatives Mike Dovilla and Gayle Manning, the Ohio House Finance Committee introduced HB 344.
The proposed bill makes significant changes to Ohio's gaming laws by (1) expanding the locations and regulations of electronic instant bingo (eBingo) and (2) authorizing a new form of gaming machines—retailer video lottery terminals (RVLTs)—to be placed in establishments beyond the existing Ohio racinos/racetracks (the only locations currently authorized to offer VLTs).
eBingo Expansion
First, the bill expands the scope and regulation of eBingo by permitting charitable organizations—specifically 501(c)(3) entities—and certain licensed hosts to conduct electronic instant bingo outside of traditional bingo sessions. These games may now be offered at retail locations, such as bars and restaurants, provided that the establishments hold the appropriate liquor license and enter into written agreements with the charitable organizations, pursuant to R.C. 2915.093. The bill also establishes a revenue-sharing model and tax structure for eBingo operations. A new section, R.C. 5753.022, imposes a tax on the gross receipts of electronic instant bingo, while R.C. 5753.032 outlines rules for tax filing and remittance by operators and distributors. Oversight of licenses remains under the Attorney General, but the Ohio Department of Taxation is tasked with enforcing compliance with the new tax provisions.
Under the bill, each new location may operate up to seven eBingo systems, which is three fewer than those allowed for veteran and fraternal organizations. Additionally, the bill extends the permissible hours for eBingo and instant bingo at veteran, fraternal, and sporting organizations from 12 to 16 hours per day, allowing sales to begin as early as 8 a.m. instead of 10 a.m., while maintaining the 2 a.m. cutoff. Notably, no time restrictions are placed on hosts operating instant or eBingo games.
Retail Video Lottery Terminals
Second, the bill authorizes the creation of RVLTs, establishing a new class of gaming machine defined in R.C. 3770.31(E). These terminals are electronic video game machines featuring games like video poker, keno, blackjack, and spinning reels, and are activated with money but issue payouts via vouchers rather than cash. The machines may be installed in licensed RVLT establishments, including, but not limited to, bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys, as long as they qualify as or can be licensed as lottery sales agents. Regulation and licensing responsibilities are divided between the Ohio Lottery Commission (the Lottery) and the Ohio Casino Control Commission. All machines must be linked to a central communications system. The Lottery receives 50 percent of the net income from retailer VLTs, which is allocated to the Lottery Profits Education Fund, as specified in R.C. 3770.38(B)(3).
To ensure a controlled rollout, initial deployment of RVLTs is limited to three machines per location in the first year, with a possible increase to five under future regulations.
Key Issues Discussed at the Hearing
At the House Finance Committee hearing, Representatives asked important questions about the bill, covering topics such as:
- How expanded access to e-Bingo and VLTs could impact problem gambling and whether new safeguards are needed;
- Ways new tax revenue from e-Bingo and retailer VLTs could support public programs, especially education;
- How the expansion of gaming to retail locations might affect revenue for racinos and veteran organizations; and
- Whether legalizing and regulating e-Bingo could reduce the prevalence of illegal gaming machines in Ohio.
We are working on better understanding this bill and how eBingo and RVTLs could co-exist in the current gaming market and are tracking this bill and the other gaming bills related to iGaming and iLottery that were recently introduced.
