Ohio Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
Ohio has a robust gambling industry for players to enjoy, with options for casino gaming, sports betting, and the lottery.
Players can access online betting via the sports market with services provided by the best operators in the business. As far as Ohio online casinos are concerned, the state does not have a regulated market.
Players can access offshore services from providers based in other jurisdictions. In this guide, I have compiled insight into the offshore market so players can learn more about their iGaming options. Learn more about online gambling in Ohio below.
Gambling Highlights
The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state. From online casinos to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
16 (Bingo) – 21 (Casino)
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Grey Area
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
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Is Online Gambling Legal in Ohio?
Key Takeaways
- Ohio online sports betting is legal and regulated.
- Online casinos and poker sites are not regulated in this state.
- The Buckeye State takes a hands-off approach towards offshore gambling sites.
- Nobody has ever faced prosecution for gambling online in Ohio.
Online sports betting is legal and regulated in Ohio since December 2021, with Ohio betting apps going live on January 1, 2023.
The Buckeye State does not offer other forms of legal online gambling besides sports wagering. However, many offshore sportsbooks and poker sites accept OH players.
They feel comfortable serving this state because the Ohio Revised Code does not specifically address online gambling.
The Revised Code seemingly only prohibits operating an illegal gambling site as a business within state lines. Offshore operators are located and licensed in other countries, like Curaçao and Costa Rica.
As a player, you can gamble at online casinos in Ohio with little fear. State authorities have never arrested or prosecuted anyone for gambling online.
Take a more in-depth look at Ohio’s gambling laws.
Best Ohio Online Casinos in 2024
I have collectively reviewed dozens of online casinos serving the Buckeye State. Here are my recommendations for the best Ohio online casinos this 2024.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 749 | SLOTS 646 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
My Top Online Casinos: Main Features
Red Dog, DuckyLuck, and Bovada are some of my go-to gambling sites. Below, you can see where they excel the most.
Best Ohio Site for Slots & Casino Games
DuckyLuck is my top online casino choice, and the most well-rounded site I’ve reviewed.
It features an impressive slot selection, including hits like A Night With Cleo, and Caesar’s Victory, among other jackpot games.
They offer players nearly 600 games, including unique table games, slots, casual games, and live dealer options.
Notable table games include Card Clash, craps, Dragon Roulette, Ride’em Poker, Rolling Stack Blackjack, and Tri-card poker.
The DuckyLuck live dealer casino has baccarat, blackjack, Casino Hold ’em, and roulette.
Top Features
- Unique table games like Card Clash and Dragon Roulette
- Casual games section with plenty of bingo, keno, and scratchcard variations
- Several live dealer casino games
Best Ohio Sports Betting Site
Bovada is an established online sportsbook with over two decades of experience serving US residents.
The platform offers an extensive array of betting opportunities, encompassing major American sports, college events, soccer, boxing, and more, alongside a comprehensive online casino.
Users have the flexibility to choose from various deposit options, including cryptocurrency, credit cards, and MatchPay. The withdrawal process is swift, typically processing winnings within a 1-24 hour timeframe.
It’s worth highlighting that the 15.9% fee associated with credit card deposits is high, prompting players to explore alternative deposit methods like cryptocurrency for a more cost-effective approach.
Top Features
- Exceptional gambling platform
- Sportsbook and casino offerings
- Diverse betting portfolio
How to Choose the Best Online Casinos
I consider several key factors to determine the top Ohio online casinos. Here are the main points you should keep in mind when choosing an online casino.
Reputation
An OH online casino must have a good industry reputation to land on my top list.Fast & Reliable Payments
I like casinos that process payouts within 1-3 days —preferably 24 hours. They also offer different casino banking options.Security & Safety
Any respectable gaming site must protect its players’ information through high-level encryption.Games Variety
Our team prefers online casinos that offer at least 200 games spread across several categories (e.g., slots, table games, live dealer, video poker).Quality Bonuses
Big bonuses are great but should have reasonable rollover requirements alongside other terms and conditions.
Top Online Casino Games in Ohio
Online casinos provide many games for Ohioans, ranging from Andar Bahar to scratchcards. But what are the best real-money online casino games available in this state?
See the top options below and how they compare to Ohio’s land-based offerings.
Online Slots
Numerous offshore casinos in Ohio provide a wide range of real money slots, often offering 100-200 games or more. This means Ohio players can enjoy a diverse selection of online slots.
Here are some of my top picks for slot games available to OH players: Blazin’ Buffalo, Cash Bandits 3, and Dr. Winmore.
You can enjoy online slots in Ohio for as little as $0.01 to $0.20
Online Poker
Online gambling sites with real money poker often host larger tournaments than traditional land-based poker rooms.
As an example, Bovada hosts an impressive $200,000 guaranteed tournament every Sunday.
Additionally, Ignition offers a Triple Header Sunday event featuring three consecutive tournaments with prizes of $150,000, $75,000, and $10,000.
Online Blackjack
Real money blackjack is the most popular table game at Ohio online casinos, offering several variations with stakes ranging from $1 to $500. Some common online blackjack games in Ohio include Classic, Double Deck, European, Multi-hand, Perfect Pairs, and more.
Online blackjack starts at just $1, while land-based casinos typically require a minimum bet of $10 to $25.
Live Dealer Games
Experience the thrill of live dealer games in Ohio from the comfort of your own home.
Many online casinos in the state offer live dealer tables that bring the authentic brick-and-mortar gambling experience to your device, featuring real dealers, tables, and cards.
Other Online Casino Games
Blackjack, slots, poker, and live games might be the most popular at OH mobile casinos. Yet, you can find other entertaining online casino games in the Buckeye State, including those listed below.
Online Casino Bonuses
Almost every online casino offers tempting welcome bonuses to OH players. However, these are the top ones that feature standout Ohio bonuses. Here’s a look at these offers and their main terms and conditions.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
My Favorite Bonuses
Discover the top welcome bonus promotions at Ohio’s online casinos.
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Welcome Bonus
You can score 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins plus 150 free spins with the DuckyLuck Casino bonus.
You get 50 free spins daily for the first three days after depositing.
Deposit bonus wagering requirements are lower than the industry average at 30x.
Craps, live dealer games, and progressive slots do not contribute towards playthrough.
$8,000 Welcome Package
Red Dog has a 225% match up to $8,000 Welcome Package, which is one of the industry’s biggest offers.
Wagering requirements are 40x the bonus plus deposit.
Minimum qualifying deposits start at $10 (Neosurf).
To qualify, you need to enter the Red Dog promo code PATIO when depositing.
Ohio Casino Apps
No real money Ohio online casino apps exist, but you can still play games on your Android or iOS devices.
You can visit any gaming site covered here through an iPhone, iPad, or Android browser.
The next step involves registering by entering all required information. You must also visit the cashier and deposit to play for real money.
Our reviewers have covered regulated casino apps and offshore mobile casinos like those in Ohio.
I haven’t noticed any performance difference when moving from an app to a browser-based mobile play. The pages still load quickly, and the games run smoothly.
Legal Gambling Facts for Ohio Players
The OH online gaming market is tricky due to the lack of regulation. You can gain a better understanding of how it works and other aspects through the following seven facts:
- Many offshore casinos serve Ohians and other US players.
- The Ohio Revised Code does not specifically ban online casinos and poker sites.
- Nobody has ever faced prosecution for playing at gaming sites here.
- Offshore casinos offer games unavailable in OH land-based casinos, like crash games, scratchcards, and Teen Patti.
- You might not be able to make bank transfers through a US bank at offshore casinos.
- Online casinos accept cryptocurrencies, while OH brick-and-mortar casinos do not.
- Most offshore casinos offer big welcome bonuses.
Ohio Gambling Laws Summary
The Buckeye State has legalized most forms of gambling, minus online casinos and poker sites. The following table summarizes these legal games and any relevant laws surrounding them.
| Ohio Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-Based Casinos in Ohio | Four commercial casinos are available in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. Seven racinos operate in Austintown, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, North Randall, Northfield, and Turtlecreek Township. The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees commercial venues, while the Ohio Lottery Commission regulates racinos. Surprisingly, there are no tribal casinos in this state. |
| Online Gambling | Legal online sportsbooks have been running here since January 1, 2023. Ohio online casinos and poker rooms remain unregulated but common throughout the state. Authorities take a hands-off approach towards offshore gambling. |
| Online Sports Betting and Land-Based | This state legalized sports betting in December 2021. Betting apps and retail sportsbooks launched on New Year’s Day 2023. Sports betting is currently the only regulated form of Ohio online gambling. |
| State Lottery | Voters legalized lottery games in 1973 with a 64% positive vote. The Ohio Lottery launched one year later with the now-defunct Buckeye 300 game. It offers multiple in-house (e.g., Pick 3) and multi-jurisdictional games (e.g., Powerball). |
| Charitable Gambling | Qualified charities can raise funds through bingo and raffles. |
| Poker | The four OH commercial casinos all feature poker rooms. Hollywood Columbus has the largest poker room with 34 tables. Several charitable card clubs operate in the state, too. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | The seven racinos feature active horse tracks, with JACK Thistledown being the biggest and most popular. Ohio featured unregulated greyhound racing in 1926, but it stopped in 1934 when authorities threatened to raid any active dog track. |
| Fantasy Sports | Ohio legalized daily fantasy sports (DFS) in 2018 through HB 132. It requires DFS operators to pay a $10,000 licensing fee. |
| Social Gambling | Social gambling is legal here as long as nobody takes a cut or profits in other ways (e.g., selling liquor). For example, a poker game between friends where nobody collects a rake is fine. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | The Buckeye State treats gambling winnings as income. According to official OH tax guidelines, income tax rate ranges from 2.77% to 3.99%. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
Ohio has slowly transformed into one of the most liberal states regarding gambling. It offers many land-based betting opportunities, ranging from casinos to poker rooms.
Below, you can read more about the specifics of each form of gambling. I’ll cover where you can place different bet types and whether any restrictions are involved.
Land-Based Casinos
The floodgates for Ohio gambling opened when voters passed Issue 3 in 2009. This vote approved four casino resorts in the state’s major metropolitan areas. These casinos include:
- Hard Rock Casino (Cincinnati) – Opened March 4, 2013; features 1,600 slots & 100 tables
- Hollywood Casino Columbus – Launched June 1, 2012; has 2,150 slots & 70 tables
- Hollywood Casino Toledo – Opened May 29, 2012; features 1,700 slots & 45 tables
- JACK Cleveland Casino – Launched May 14, 2012; has 1,300 slots & 30 tables
In 2012, Gov. John Kasich signed HB 386 and effectively legalized racinos. This legislation paved the way for seven racetracks (covered next) to add video lottery terminals (VLTs).
These terminals look and play much like slot machines, with only slight differences in determining prizes. Unlike the four commercial casinos, racinos cannot offer table games like blackjack and roulette.
Horse & Dog Tracks
The Buckeye State has seven horse racks and one off-track betting facility, including the following:
- Belterra Park (Cincinnati) – Thoroughbred & quarter racing
- Dayton Raceway – Standardbred
- JACK Thistledown (North Randall) – Standardbred
- Mahoning Valley (Youngstown) – Thoroughbred & Quarter
- Miami Valley (Lebanon) – Standardbred
- MGM Northfield Park (Northfield) – Standardbred
- Scioto Downs (Columbus) – Standardbred
- Cedar Downs (Sandusky) – Off-track wagering & no video lottery terminals
These seven tracks offer VLTs alongside horse racing. They can accept horse bets from gamblers aged 18+ and allow VLT players aged 21+.
Bingo, Lottery
and Charitable Gambling
Section 2915.09 of the OH Revised Code code explains that veteran organizations, fraternal organizations, and public schools can apply for a bingo license.
They must visit a page on OH charitable bingo to apply. The same groups do not need a license to conduct rattles but should still comply with record-keeping requirements.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost writes that games of chance (e.g., craps, poker) can potentially serve as fundraisers. However, he also notes the following precautions:
However, anyone interested in conducting games of chance is strongly encouraged to review the Ohio Attorney General’s Policy 201 for more information.
The Ohio Lottery has been selling tickets since launching in 1974. Its current games include:
- Pick 3
- Pick 4
- Pick 5
- Rolling Cash 5
- Classic Lotto Kicker
- Mega Millions
- Powerball
- Lucky For Life
Social Gaming at Home
Like most states, Ohio permits social gambling, provided the host does not collect rake. Nobody can profit from a private game by selling alcohol, serving food, or other ventures.
This state does have an odd rule involving gambling in hotels and restaurants. Section 2915.04 (Public gaming) notes:
“No person, while at a hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall, or other place of public accommodation, business, amusement, or resort shall make a bet or play any game of chance or scheme of chance.”
This section appears to prohibit playing poker, street dice, or anything else in hotels, bars, and other public businesses. But authorities are unlikely to raid a bar because people play poker in the back.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Ohio legalized poker at the same time as casino resorts in 2009. Each commercial casino has a poker room, as seen below:
- Hollywood Columbus – 34 tables
- JACK Cleveland – 23 tables
- Hard Rock Cincinnati – 30 tables
- Hollywood Toledo – 12 tables
Poker clubs also operate throughout the state by exploiting loopholes in OH gambling laws.
They make money through annual membership fees and daily door fees rather than collecting rakes from pots.
Some state officials have questioned the legitimacy of Ohio poker clubs, but no legal action has taken place.
Online Sports
Betting and Land-Based
Three types of OH sports betting licenses exist, including the following:
- Type A – Up to 25 licenses available for casinos and pro sports teams.
- Type B – Up to 40 licenses available for retail sportsbooks. A single county can have up to five retail betting venues.
- Type C – Open to numerous bars, restaurants, and smaller businesses that want to offer betting kiosks.
Type A licensees are eligible to run online sportsbooks. So far, 20 Ohio betting apps have launched under the Type A distinction.
Meanwhile, 14 retail sportsbooks are operating under a Type B license.
Casinos in Ohio
Eleven brick-and-mortar gaming venues are available throughout Ohio. You can find where these casinos and racinos are on the following map.
Top Casinos
- Hollywood Casino Columbus
- Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
- JACK Cleveland Casino
Summary
- Total Casinos: 4
- Total Racinos: 7
- Total Poker Rooms: 21
Ohio Gambling vs. Neighboring States
The Buckeye State’s motivation for legalizing casinos in 2009 was to compete with gaming in neighboring states. Much like Ohio, its neighbors offer many gambling options.
| State | Is some form of Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | Yes | 16 – 21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Indiana | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Kentucky | Yes | 18 | Not Legal | Grey Area | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Michigan | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| West Virginia | Yes | 18 – 21 | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Ohio is similar to its neighbors in most respects regarding gambling. Like most surrounding states, it features casinos, sportsbooks, lottery games, and charity games.
However, a clear division exists on regulated casinos among this group of states. Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have regulated online gaming, while Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia treat it as a grey area.
The Buckeye State also allows 16-year-olds to play bingo. No neighboring state allows people to gamble on anything until they are 18 or older.
A Brief History of Ohio Gambling
The Buckeye State has had plenty of gambling milestones in its history, including the following:
| Year | Historical Event |
|---|---|
| 1926 | Unregulated dog races begin running in Grove City. |
| 1934 | Pari-mutuel betting becomes legal for horse racing only; Grove City dog races cease afterward. |
| 1973 | Voters approve lottery games by a 64-36 margin; the Ohio Lottery launches the following year. |
| 2002 | Ohioans can begin playing Mega Millions—the state’s first multi-jurisdictional game. |
| 2009 | Voters amend the state constitution to allow four casinos in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. |
| 2012 | The legislature approves HB 386, which lets race tracks offer video lottery terminals. |
| 2012 | The Hollywood Columbus, Hollywood Toledo, and JACK Cleveland casinos open. |
| 2013 | Cincinnati Horseshoe (now Hard Rock Casino) becomes the fourth OH casino to launch. |
| 2021 | Gov. Mike DeWine makes Ohio sports betting (HB 29) official with his signature. |
| 2023 | Retail and online sportsbooks go live. |
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG) is a statewide initiative dedicated to helping problem gamblers. It covers common warning signs of gambling addiction and tips for dealing with it.
ORG also lists many helpful resources for problem gaming, such as the following:
- Gamblers Anonymous
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-589-996)
- Problem Gambling Network of Ohio
Summary: Ohio’s Gambling Journey
Until 2009, the Buckeye State only had legal lotteries and horse racing. It has since experienced a gambling explosion, rolling out casinos, poker rooms, sportsbooks, and online sports betting.
The way things are going, I would not be shocked to see regulated online casinos in the next 3-5 years. After all, neighboring Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have legal gaming sites.
However, the push for online gaming regulation does not seem overly strong. Many within the state were hyper-fixated on legal mobile betting. Now that this mission is accomplished, Ohio may wait a while before the next big gambling legalization move.
You can continue enjoying offshore online casinos and poker rooms until then. State officials have never been concerned with offshore gaming—a stance unlikely to change anytime soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any more questions regarding OH gambling? The following FAQs can provide a better understanding of this market’s legalities, best games, problem gambling resources, and more.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Ohio?
Tribal casinos are not legal in Ohio because there are no federally recognized tribes or reservations here. Therefore, Native Americans cannot negotiate with the state to open a casino. As for commercial gaming, OH laws allow four traditional casinos and seven racinos.
Are there real money online casinos in Ohio with no deposit bonuses?
Some real money online casinos offer no deposit bonuses in the Buckeye State.
