Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton said she is open to expanding online casinos if elected, while calling for strong regulation, protections for young people and restrictions on predatory advertising.
Acton said online gambling could provide revenue to help fund proposals aimed at lowering the cost of living and supporting public services. Her comments came in an interview with Statehouse News Bureau.
“Certainly, I see it as a source of revenue that can help fund the proposals that we need to help bring down the cost of living in this state and provide for the services we need to fund,” Acton said.
Acton, a doctor and former state health director, said any expansion would need to be accompanied by stronger safeguards.
“That said, I am a doctor and a public health professional, and I want to make sure we have the right regulatory environment around it. I want to make sure we stop the sort of predatory advertising we’re seeing, and I want to make sure our young people are protected,” she added.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has also addressed gambling, although his remarks were broader.
“What I’m committed to is whatever we do, it is going to be done in a responsible way that protects Ohioans,” Ramaswamy said.
Acton’s comments represent a campaign position rather than a specific legislative proposal. Neither candidate has outlined details on an online casino bill, tax structure, player protections or advertising restrictions.