Proposed Gambling Expansion Would Hurt Businesses

The Ohio General Assembly is considering several proposals that would expand state-sponsored predatory gambling in the state. Among the proposals are the expansion of “iGaming” or online casinos, and Video Lottery Terminals (VLT) in bars and restaurants that look and feel like slot machines. The Christian Business Partnership strongly opposes any effort to expand predatory gambling because of how these proposals exploit low-income Ohioans, hurt families, and damage local economies and businesses.

This Tuesday, Center for Christian Virtue Policy Director David Mahan testified against House Bill 298 before the House Finance Committee.

Watch David Mahan’s Testimony.

A 15-year study from Boise State found that casinos don’t grow the economy; they just shift consumer spending away from local businesses. Areas with casinos actually saw slower job growth. That means less revenue, fewer jobs, and more financial strain on communities.

Since 2012, Ohioans have lost $38 billion to gambling. In 2024 alone, that number was $4.73 billion, with another $24 billion projected over the next five years. According to economist Earl Grinols, the long-term costs of gambling outweigh the benefits three to one.

The human impact is just as troubling. One in ten young men qualifies as a problem gambler. The gambling industry relies on the highest-risk users to stay profitable, many of whom face addiction and even suicide. The APA classifies gambling addiction alongside cocaine and opioids, and its effects can show up in the workplace through lost productivity and presenteeism.

Take action today!

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