Lawmakers in Columbus heard testimony in support of House Bill 298, one of two bills in the legislature aimed at clearing the way for Ohioans to play casino games, such as poker, roulette, and slots, online.

Those testifying were in agreement that this would be a tax revenue generator for the state, which voters essentially cut out of the tax revenue stream when they legalized casinos in 2009.

With Ohio’s large, growing market, we believe that iGaming can contribute more than $600 million in annual tax revenue,” said FanDuel’s head of government relations, Cesar Fernandez. “And that’s net new tax revenue for the state.”

The question is at whose expense? Critics argue that the ability to play casino games anytime, anywhere on your phone will add to the problem of problem gambling. Those testifying in favor of House Bill 298 argued they are the ones gambling illegally online already in Ohio right now, at an estimated two dozen illegal sites.

“The vast majority of the people that are going to do this are currently doing it,” said Scott Ward of the Sports Betting Alliance. “$5 billion being bet currently in the state of Ohio today in illegal online casino gaming.”

The disagreement centers on the impact on the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos. Given the option, won’t gamblers simply choose to play online, as they have with sports betting, where nearly 98% of bets are wagered online?

Ryan Soultz with Boyd Gaming, which operates 28 properties in 11 states, including both online and brick-and-mortar locations in Pennsylvania, said no.

“I can tell you that if we thought this was a threat to our brick and mortar business, I wouldn’t be here today to speak on this bill. In fact, we’d be opposing it,” Soultz said.

But just last week, we introduced you to Mark Stewart, head of the National Association Against IGaming, a group that lists Cleveland’s JACK Entertainment among its members. They’re opposed to legalized online gambling in part because of its negative impact on existing casinos. He’s also an executive vice president with the Cordish Companies, which operates several casinos, including two in Pennsylvania, where they also hold an online gambling license.