Ohio pastors oppose online casino expansion
An expanding coalition of religious leaders in Ohio are opposing lawmakers’ plan to legalize online casino gaming.
More than 100 churches statewide have signed a joint letter in opposition, warning of the social and emotional fallout tied to gambling addiction.
David Mahan, policy director at the Center for Christian Virtue, emphasized the high stakes. “Gambling addiction has the highest rate of suicide. It’s not just the gamblers, their spouses are twice as likely to die by suicide as well. We cannot ignore the human cost,” he told Spectrum News.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission reports that 80% of those struggling with gambling addiction have considered suicide, a rate significantly higher than other addictions.
In addition to concerns about mental health, Mahan argues that the legislation could violate the state constitution. However, Greg Lawson of the Buckeye Institute noted that constitutional interpretation often depends on court rulings.
Supporters of the bill cite practical reasons for its advancement. Lawson said the move could help bring unregulated gambling into the legal fold and generate significant revenue.
If either of the two gambling bills is approved, Ohio would become the sixth US state to introduce igaming, with a possible launch by March 2026.
Still, faith leaders are urging lawmakers to reconsider their stance. “This is more than a budget issue,” said Mahan. “It’s a moral one. We’re opening the floodgates to an addiction-for-profit industry that thrives only when Ohioans lose.”
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Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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