Ohio has cautiously embraced some aspects of online gambling in recent years, but not completely.
Like so many other states, its laws prohibit online casinos from operating within its borders but simply don’t address gambling at sites outside of them.
So, where exactly does Ohio stand on this and other forms of betting?
We will explain all there is to know about online gambling in the Buckeye State, from finding the top real-money casinos and understanding main gambling laws to what might happen in the future.
Summary of Ohio Gambling Laws
Ohio has quite a few options for gambling, including land-based casinos, racinos, bingo halls, the lottery, and sports betting.
Online casinos have yet to be legalized, but that doesn’t mean Ohioans can’t gamble on the Internet. Below is a summary of the basics.
| Gambling | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Is Online Gambling Legal? | Grey Area |
| Playing at Online Casinos | Legal |
| Legal Age Online | +18 |
| Land-Based Casinos | Legal |
| Legal Age Land-Based | +21 |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal |
| Charitable Gambling | Legal |
| State Lottery | Legal |
| Social Gaming | Legal |
Is Gambling Legal in Ohio?
Yes, gambling is legal in Ohio under certain restrictions.
The chart below shows the current status regarding land-based casinos, online gambling, sports betting, and more per the Ohio Revised Code.
| Gambling | Ohio Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Online Gambling | Casino sites based in Ohio aren’t allowed, but sites that are free-to-play or “sweepstakes” casinos are. No legislation specifically targets real money online casinos licensed outside of the state, so Ohioans can still play at offshore sites. |
| Casino Gambling | Gambling at land-based casinos is legal in Ohio, and there are four full-service locations and seven racinos throughout the state. |
| Poker | Poker is legal at licensed casinos, private clubs, and small, residential games. |
| Horse Racing Betting | Horse race betting is legal in Ohio at seven tracks and one pari-mutuel location. You can also wager on races online at several sites that operate in the state. |
| Dog Racing Betting | Dog racing has been illegal in Ohio since 2020. |
| Lottery | Playing the Ohio state lottery is legal. Its main games include scratch tickets, Powerball, Mega Millions, and Keno. |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Daily Fantasy Sports has been legal in Ohio since 2017. Sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo Fantasy Sports all operate in the state. |
| Sports Betting | As of 2021, sports betting is legal in Ohio. You can wager on 18 sportsbook apps and at 14 retail locations, with more to come. |
| Charitable Gaming | Charities in Ohio can legally raise funds through bingo, raffles, and other games of chance. |
| Social Gaming | Social gambling is legal in Ohio under a few stipulations. The game must take place in a private residence and not in public, and it must be rake-free. |
Best Ohio Online Casinos
We’ve come up with the top sites for gambling from the Buckeye State.
Check out the best real money online casinos for Ohio players below; all have a wide game offer, popular US banking methods, attractive bonuses, and a good reputation among players.
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Where to Gamble in Ohio
Residents of Ohio can enjoy gambling at land-based casinos, betting on horse races, and wagering on sports online and at retail locations. No online casinos operate in the state, but it’s not explicitly illegal to play at sites licensed elsewhere.
Land-Based Casinos in Ohio
Ohio has four full-service casinos and seven racinos throughout the state. Here are all of the locations where you can gamble in person.
– Jack Cleveland Casino
100 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44113
Cuyahoga County
– Jack Thistledown Racino
21501 Emery Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44128
Cuyahoga County
– Hollywood Casino Columbus
200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Franklin County
– Scioto Downs
6000 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
Franklin County
– Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center
6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
Hamilton County
– Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
1000 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Hamilton County
– Hollywood Casino Toledo
1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH 43605
Lucas County
– Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Racecourse
655 N Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515
Mahoning County
– Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway
777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414
Montgomery County
– MGM Northfield Park
10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
Summit County
– Miami Valley Gaming
6000 OH-63, Lebanon, OH 45036
Warren County
Horse & Dog Tracks
Horse racing is popular in Ohio, with seven tracks and one off-site betting location. You can also wager online using sites like FanDuel. Dog racing was outlawed in Ohio and hasn’t occurred since 2020.
Online Sports Betting
Ohio legalized sports betting in 2021, and online and retail sportsbooks went live on January 1, 2023. Now, Ohio residents can access sports betting on 18 different sites and multiple physical locations, with more planned on the horizon.
Bingo Halls and Charitable Gambling
Bingo halls are legal in Ohio as long as they are run by charitable organizations and are licensed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section. There are bingo halls in just about every county of the state.
Social Gaming at Home
This is legal with a few restrictions. It must be done in private, as public gambling is prohibited, and there must be no house rake or fee to play.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Ohio has at least 20 locations for playing poker, including dedicated rooms at land-based casinos and private clubs around the state. In order to operate, clubs are not allowed to collect a rake and must charge a membership fee.
Eight-Liners
Electronic games of chance are not legal outside casinos in Ohio. However, gas stations and other establishments can offer electronic games of skill, where the machine doesn’t determine the outcome.
Winners aren’t paid in cash but can earn items like gas, phone cards, and food.
Casino Cruises
Despite bordering Lake Erie to the north and the Ohio River to the south, casino cruises and riverboat gambling are illegal in Ohio.
Real Money Online Casino Games for Ohio
Ohio residents can access various exciting games at gambling sites. Whether you like to spin the reels or sharpen your blackjack strategy, there’s a game for everyone.
Online Slots
While you can find thousands of slots at many casinos in Ohio, you can find an even more extensive selection online.
Choose from various titles with different themes, unique features, and high RTPs. The slots at our recommended casinos use RNG software and are regularly tested for fairness.
Online Poker
Ohioans can play poker at land-based casinos or join a local private club with a membership fee, but an even easier option is to play online.
Many gambling sites offer multiple variations of poker games, like Texas Hold ‘Em, Pai Gow, and Caribbean Stud. You can also find live dealer tables and poker tournaments.
Blackjack
If you don’t want to travel to one of Ohio’s four major land-based casinos for blackjack, playing online is a good bet.
Gambling sites have traditional titles and other game variations, like Perfect Pairs and Spanish 21. Or you can bring the casino experience to your screen with live dealer blackjack.
Live Dealer Games
Ohio has four full-service casinos, one in each major city, and they are the only places you can find live table games. Your next best option is to play at one of our recommended gambling sites.
They have great selections of HD live dealer games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, with a wide range of betting limits.
Other Available Games at Online Casinos in Ohio
You can also find an impressive assortment of other games at online casinos if you’re in Ohio, like Keno, Bingo, and Craps. Take a look at some of the popular options below.
Top Bonuses at Gambling Sites for Ohio Players
One of the best facets of online gambling is that websites offer lucrative casino bonuses. Many of them will match a percentage of your first deposit and are a great way to get extra funds in your account to play.
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Ohio Online Gambling Laws
Ohio has made some positive changes regarding gambling over recent years.
In 2009, an amendment was passed that permitted one full-service land-based casino in four of Ohio’s major cities. It’s since progressed to legalizing online sportsbooks, with the first apps available to its residents at the beginning of 2023.
Although Ohio has yet to permit online casinos, the law doesn’t address playing at sites licensed outside of the state. That leaves an open window for residents to access their favorite online games.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Ohio?
While operating an online casino in Ohio is illegal, the laws do not say anything about gambling online at sites that are licensed elsewhere. Ohio residents can play at “offshore” casinos with no issue.
The Authority that Regulates Ohio’s Casino Gaming
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is a board of seven members appointed by the governor. Their responsibilities include ensuring the integrity of casino gaming in the state and completing licensing, regulating, investigating, and penalizing. (Ohio Revised Code Section 3772.033)
About Licensed Operators and Permitted Activity
Only licensed casino operators at the four permitted facilities or management companies retained by a licensed operator may provide casino gaming in the state.
While there is no limit on the number of table games casino facilities can have, they can only operate up to 5,000 slot machines.
The casino determines minimum and maximum betting limits and is subject to approval by the commission. Slot machines must not pay out any less than the theoretical payout percentage as determined by the commission. (Ohio Revised Code 3772.20)
Charitable gaming, charitable bingo, pari-mutuel betting, and lottery games are not subject to or restricted by the limits of the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3772: Casino Gaming.
Purchase or Lease of Equipment
Only licensed gaming-related vendors can furnish, sell, or lease gaming devices, supplies, and equipment. Gaming vendors must file a quarterly return with the commission for all transactions. (Ohio Revised Code 3772.21)
*Please be advised that the information provided on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our team strongly recommends you seek professional counsel from a qualified attorney regarding your specific questions or concerns on the topic.
Ohio Online Gambling vs. Neighbor States
How does Ohio compare to its neighboring states? Let’s take a look at the laws and other regulations of surrounding areas.
| US State | Playing at Online Casinos | State Regulated Casinos | Social Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Lottery | Fantasy Sports | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Indiana | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Kentucky | Grey Area | Not Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| West Virginia | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
The states bordering Ohio vary in their restrictions. Some have licensed and fully legal online casinos, while others prohibit them. Indiana and Kentucky are similar to Ohio in that they don’t permit gambling sites to operate. Online gambling at offshore sites is sort of a loophole.
Pennsylvania and West Virginia residents are on the other end of the spectrum and have easy access to state-regulated online casinos.
Tips for Playing at Online Casinos in Ohio Safely
You should keep a few things in mind when gambling on the internet. Consider the following tips for safely playing at online casinos if you live in Ohio.
Choose The Right Site
Make sure that the online casino you pick accepts Ohio players and is a trusted operator with valid licenses in place.
Read Reviews
Do your research before signing up! Look for positive and not-so-positive reviews from multiple sources to have an overall idea of the casino’s reputation versus the facts.
Check For a License
Reputable gambling sites will have a visible gaming license from a regulatory body. They also will show the certificates they have for ensuring fair gameplay.
SSL Encryption
Verify that the online casino uses SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial information.
Review Banking Methods
Ensure multiple popular and reliable banking methods like credit cards, cryptos, and bank transfers exist. This will ensure you have more than one viable option when making deposits and withdrawals.
Transparency is Key
Look for gambling sites that openly share information about games, RTPs, rules, and bonus terms and conditions.
Pros & Cons of Gambling in Ohio
Ohio has many pros regarding gambling, but it also has some cons.
Make sure you consider both before start playing.
Pros
- Online sports betting is legal, with multiple apps available.
- There are four land-based casinos with various table games and thousands of slots.
- Private poker clubs allow you to play the game without having to go to a casino.
- There are seven racinos around the state with slots, keno, and horse races throughout the year.
- Charitable bingo halls are plentiful.
Cons
- Ohio doesn’t have any casino cruises despite having several large bodies of water.
- You can only play table games at one of the four full-service casinos.
- There are no state-regulated online casinos.
Future of Online Gambling in Ohio: Our Prediction
The future of online gambling in Ohio looks bright. Daily fantasy sports were legalized in 2018, and online sportsbooks followed in 2021.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Ohio eventually heads in the same direction as Pennsylvania and West Virginia by introducing state-regulated gambling sites. Although there is currently no legislature in motion, it’s safe to say some consideration down the road is possible.
In the meantime, Ohioans can enjoy gambling at land-based casinos, racinos, and online sportsbooks. Of course, there is always the option to gamble at sites outside of the state.
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Answers to Our Reader’s FAQ
Here are the most popular questions about gambling in Ohio.
There are a few ways to legally gamble online from Ohio. You can play at gambling sites licensed outside of the state, social casinos that don’t use real money, or bet on sports online.
Offshore online casinos are not strictly banned for Ohio residents. No written online gambling laws in Ohio regulate the industry, so read our casino reviews to assure you’re playing at only the most trusted online casinos.
There are no online casinos based in Ohio, but there are real money gambling sites outside of the state that have no deposit bonuses. These usually come with higher rollover requirements and more restrictions than other types of bonuses.
If you win over $5,000 at a casino in Ohio, it will automatically withhold 24% for federal taxes. Wins smaller than that are still subject to taxes, and you must fill out a W-2G form. We recommend you get professional advice regarding your finances and taxes.
Ignition Poker is our top pick for Ohio online poker players. Ignition is one of the largest US online poker rooms and it offers a $1000 welcome bonus for new depositors. If you deposit using Bitcoin, you’ll receive a bonus as high as $1250. Ignition supports a weekly $150k guaranteed poker tournament, turbo tournaments, sit-and-go events, jackpot SNGs, monster stack poker tournaments, and $1.5 million per week in guaranteed prize money. The poker platform offers Zone Poker and anonymous tables.
Yes, online gambling in Ohio is safe if you follow the regulations and only play at reputable sites.
The legal age for betting on the lottery or Keno games is at least 18 in Ohio. If you wish to place bets on pari-mutuel horse races, you’ll need to be 18. If you want to buy charitable bingo cards, you’ll need to be 16 or older. If you want to play inside a land-based casino, you’ll need to be 21 or older. Online betting sites require players to be at least 18.
Disclaimer
As part of our commitment to transparency, it’s important to disclose that this website engages in affiliate marketing. This means that when you click on our links to online casinos and make a purchase or sign up, we may earn a commission.
These commissions contribute to the upkeep of our platform and the creation of valuable content. While we aim to provide accurate and unbiased information, it’s crucial to note that our reviews are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Additionally, we advocate for responsible gambling practices and encourage users to gamble responsibly. If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please seek assistance from relevant support services.