Ohio Lawmakers Introduces Bill that Protects Crypto Payments

Players who frequent crypto casinos in the Buckeye State are set to potentially have a safer crypto environment, as local legislators have introduced a bill that aims to protect cryptocurrency and digital assets within the state.

Known as the Ohio Blockchain Basics Act (OH HB116), the bill outlines protections for activities like self-custody, mining, and staking while also exempting certain crypto transactions from money transmission licensing requirements.

OH HB116 was introduced by Representative Steve Demetriou and co-sponsored by fellow lawmakers Tex Fischer, Brian Lorenz, Ty D. Mathews, Riordan McClain, and Josh Williams.

What are the Key Proponents of the Ohio Blockchain Basics Act?

A central provision of the bill prohibits state and local governments from imposing extra taxes, fees, or charges on digital assets used for payments, ensuring they receive the same treatment as traditional fiat transactions. However, crypto transactions would still be subject to standard taxes, including state and sales taxes, maintaining parity with conventional payment methods.

Beyond tax-related measures, the bill reinforces digital asset rights by ensuring individuals can use hardware or self-hosted wallets to self-custody their cryptocurrencies. Moreover, OH HB116 also protects the right to participate in crypto staking and mining without requiring a money transmission license, provided participants comply with local zoning regulations.

On the side of transactions, OH HB116 promotes adopting cryptocurrency as a viable payment option by prohibiting state agencies from restricting individuals from accepting digital assets as payment. It supports the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions and allows residential crypto mining, provided it follows local ordinances. 

Additionally, OH HB116 also prevents selective zoning modifications that could disadvantage mining businesses in industrial zones, creating a fair regulatory environment for the industry.

Ohio Legislators Heavily Pushing for Crypto Bills

Prior to the Ohio Blockchain Basics Act, local lawmakers have been lobbying for crypto-related bills over the past months. This includes House Bill 703, which was filed by former Waterville Mayor Derek Merrin back in December 2024, which strives to create an “Ohio Bitcoin Reserve” in the state treasury.

House Bill 18 was the second crypto-related bill that was introduced by Representative Steve Demetriou. This bill allows the state treasurer to make the investments. Specifically, HB 18 would enable Ohio to allocate up to 10% of its state-controlled funds toward building a Bitcoin stockpile.

What Does This Mean for Online Casinos?

Lawmakers who are pro-cryptocurrency nowadays have a more even playing field. This is due to the Trump administration leaning heavily on towards establishing a cryptocurrency environment for North America.

Such endeavor has led the Trump administration to create the SEC Task Force which is in-charge of creating the necessary documents and potential laws pertaining to cryptocurrency regulation.

This has led the SEC Task Force to hold meetings with various cryptocurrency companies to provide their insights to help draft regulatory frameworks that both achieve the Commission’s important regulatory objectives such as protecting investors and preserving the industry’s ability to offer products and services.

In the event that the Ohio Blockchain Basics Act is approved, it can open the door for Ohio crypto casinos to begin operating online casino games within the state, while utilizing cryptocurrencies.