Ohio Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Amy Acton Open to iGaming

Dr. Amy Acton, the Ohio Democratic Party’s gubernatorial nominee for the November 2026 election, says she’s open to exploring the liberalization of online casino gambling. Her Republican opponent, entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, is remaining silent on the controversial matter.

Acton is a physician and researcher who helped lead Ohio’s COVID-19 response as the director of the Ohio Department of Health. A spokesperson for her campaign told Cleveland.com in response to a series of questions regarding gambling that Acton recognizes the societal risks of gambling.

“As a doctor and public health professional, Dr. Acton would prioritize mental health protections and support strengthening safeguards for our children,” Acton spokesperson Addie Bullock said.

Bullock explained that the former health director understands that prohibitions rarely work, so Acton would be open to regulating, taxing, and providing consumer safeguards for new forms of online gambling.

“Consumers should be able to spend their money how they please,” Bullock said.

Can iGaming Move Voters?

Acton is polling slightly ahead of Ramaswamy, with the Real Clear Polling average putting her 0.8 points ahead. Acton is leading despite being at a considerable fundraising disadvantage, with her campaign having just $8 million in cash on hand to his more than $30 million.

Ramaswamy, endorsed by President Donald Trump, has remained mum on gambling expansion, though his running mate, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley (R-Hancock), in 2025 supported a bill to authorize iGaming.

“There’s a different tone and tenor about some of these things than maybe there was 10 years ago. I think a lot of times Ohioans want to have a little bit more choice as to how they spend their money and spend their recreational time,” McColley said in May 2025 in support of the bill that would have authorized online casinos, iLottery, and internet parimutuel wagering.

Acton is telling voters that online slot machines and table games could generate money for K-12 public schools, provide childcare subsidies, and relief for property taxes. Acton’s 2026 campaign focus is on reducing costs for families, improving education, and ensuring that Ohioans can age in place.

Ramaswamy has pledged to lower costs by “reviving the American dream in Ohio” and making the state the most affordable place to live and work.

iGaming Gold Mine

Online casino gambling is currently legal in only eight states—Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Ohio joining the iGaming market would be a monumental win for online casino operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, as only Maine has legalized internet gambling since Rhode Island did so in 2023.

The Sports Betting Alliance is leading the pro-iGaming fight in Ohio. Its adversary is the National Association Against iGaming, whose members include Jack Entertainment, the oldest and largest land-based casino operator in Ohio.