Rep. Brennan Supports Casino Control Commission Action Against Kalshi, Calls for Stronger Financial Penalties

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today expressed strong support for the Ohio Casino Control Commission following its decision to levy a $5M fine against Kalshi for operating unlicensed sports gaming activities in Ohio.

"The Commission is absolutely right to take enforcement action here," said Rep. Brennan. "Ohio has clear laws governing sports gaming, and companies that choose to ignore those laws should expect consequences."

Rep. Brennan also noted that he recently sent a formal letter to the Commission urging the pursuit of a significantly stronger penalty in light of Kalshi's continued unlawful operations in the state.

"I wrote to the Commission to encourage them to go further," continued Rep. Brennan. "If enforcement is going to be meaningful, the penalty must be strong enough to actually deter illegal conduct - not simply be absorbed as a cost of doing business."

Rep. Brennan emphasized that while the $5M fine is a step in the right direction, it may not go far enough to deter future violations.

"If a company is generating tens of millions of dollars in revenue while operating illegally, a flat fine - no matter how large it sounds-can quickly become just another cost of doing business," added Rep. Brennan. "That's not accountability. That's a slap in the wrist."

Rep. Brennan is calling for a more robust enforcement framework that ties financial penalties directly to the revenue generated from unlawful activity within the state.

"The fine should match - or exceed - the total revenue the company has made in Ohio while operating outside the law," he continued. "Anything less risks incentivizing bad actors to roll the dice, profit first, and deal with modest penalties later," said Rep. Brennan.

The Commission's action follows a ruling by Sarah Morrison, who serves on the federal bench for the Southern District of Ohio, affirming that Kalshi's activities fall under state jurisdiction and must comply with Ohio's regulatory structure.

"This is about fairness and integrity," concluded Rep. Brennan. "Licensed operators in Ohio follow the rules, pay taxes, and contribute to our communities. We cannot allow unlicensed entities to undercut them while avoiding the responsibilities every other operator is required to meet."

Rep. Brennan reiterated his commitment to working with colleagues and regulators to strengthen Ohio's enforcement mechanisms and ensure a level playing field for all participants in the state's gaming industry.