Ohio Casinos – Online Gambling in 2024

Our comprehensive guide provides information on legal online gambling in Ohio. Online gambling is not fully legalized in Ohio, but gambling options are available in the state. Recently, sports betting has been legalized as an addition to the existing gambling offerings. Ohio has four full-service casinos, seven racinos located at racecourses, and the Ohio Lottery.

Ohio residents have access to various gaming opportunities. However, brick-and-mortar casinos have limitations in terms of venue selection and available games. Online sports betting sites were launched in Ohio on January 1, 2023. The market offers online apps, retail bookmakers, and betting kiosks throughout the state. There are currently 18 gaming apps available, some with significant bonus bets. The new Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio platform was launched on August 16th.

The legal situation of gambling in Ohio

There has been a noticeable growth in online gaming in Ohio, and there are ongoing inquiries about the legality of real money online gambling in the state. The availability of online gambling options in Ohio varies depending on the specific type of gambling product. Some gambling products are legally available on online platforms, while others are not allowed.

The state lawmakers have acknowledged the potential economic benefits of the legal gaming industry. The state of Ohio currently has 11 land-based casinos, including seven racinos. In the upcoming sections of our guide, we will provide a concise overview of the legal status of online casinos, sports betting, Poker, daily fantasy, and lottery in Ohio.

Who regulates gambling in Ohio?

The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates casinos, table games, slot machine operators, and skill-based amusement machines (SBAMs) in Ohio, as mandated by the Ohio Casino Control Law of 2011. These activities require a certain skill level but provide opportunities to win prizes. Some of the components of SBAMs are:

• Type A: Arcade games with a skill element

• Type B: Claw games

• Type C: Redeemable tickets for prizes

The Ohio State Racing Commission is responsible for regulating horse racing in Ohio. The commission oversees both harness and thoroughbred racing at tracks throughout the state. Additionally, some tracks have added slot machines and casino gambling after a legal amendment in 2011.

Ohio Gambling Laws and Regulations

This is an overview of the laws and regulations that have shaped the current gambling environment in Ohio.

• The Ohio Constitution establishes the guidelines for the Ohio lottery, bingo, and casino gaming and the allocation of proceeds from these activities.
• Ohio HB 29. The legislation allows for legalizing sports betting in all forms, including online platforms, physical locations, and kiosks. The licenses required for these activities are classified as A, B, or C based on their type.
• Chapter 3772. The state of Ohio has authorized casino gaming at four land-based facilities. Each of the following Ohio cities, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo, has permission for one casino.
• HB 132. Daily Fantasy Sports has been allowed in Ohio by signing a bill by Governor John Kasich.
• Ohio SB 269. The State Lottery Commission in Ohio authorizes and defines electronic lottery gaming in the state.
• Section 6, Article XV of the Constitution of Ohio. The State Lottery Amendment, known as, was approved by Ohio voters, giving authorization to the Ohio State Lottery.
• Ohio Code 3769. This legislation outlines the regulations and establishment of the Ohio State Racing Commission and the guidelines for live and simulcast horse racing in Ohio.

Taxes on gambling winnings in Ohio

The Ohio gambling tax is 24% at the federal level and an additional 4% at the state level. Ohio casinos must deduct 4% from their winnings and remit the total amount to the state in quarterly payments. After a 4% deduction, individuals must pay 24% of their gambling winnings in federal income tax. Not reporting gambling income on your taxes is a criminal offense and is strongly advised against. If you bet using an international online casino, reporting your winnings to the state is recommended to ensure legal compliance.

Are online casinos legal in Ohio?

In Ohio, there are currently no legal online casinos where real money can be played. Currently, online casino games are prohibited in Ohio. With online sports betting nearing its launch, real money slots and table games will inevitably be accessible to Ohio gamblers. Currently, gamblers in Ohio have limited options and can only create accounts at play-money social casinos and sweepstakes gambling sites.

Casinos with sweepstakes and social casinos

Sweepstakes casinos provide a legitimate opportunity to win actual money by playing traditional gambling games. The sweepstakes model is unique compared to other forms of online gambling in Ohio. The process begins with the purchase of virtual Gold Coins in order to play slots and games. You can win Sweeps Coins that can be exchanged for cash rewards by participating. It is allowed and within the boundaries of current legislation.

Ohio online gambling extends to social casinos as well. Certain commercial casinos and racinos in Ohio provide online social casino gaming options, allowing free play. Hard Rock Social is a legally operating social casino in Ohio, among other similar sites.

You can log in and experience various video slots, including China Shores and Double Ruby. Additionally, you can participate in the Choice Rewards Program to receive benefits or enter prize slot leaderboard challenges and potentially win significant credits to use on your chosen games.

Are online slots allowed in Ohio?

Currently, no online casinos in Ohio offer legal slot games for play. The online slot options available for play in Ohio are limited to the sweepstakes sites mentioned earlier, which are considered legal. Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, and Funzpoints provide visually appealing slot games that can be played at no cost and provide the chance to win actual prizes. The games function similarly to other slot games and feature bonus rounds, free spins, and jackpots.

What about online Poker in Ohio?

Online Poker is often not prioritized as highly as other online gambling types by companies and state legislatures despite having a dedicated group of supporters. Typically, the expansion of an online casino is facilitated by legalization. The Ohio Legislature is currently not considering any proposals for online Poker, and one will likely be introduced once an online casino bill is presented.

Global Poker is an online poker option that provides continuous gaming opportunities for players from nearly every state. It offers various poker games, including cash games, tournaments, and sit-n-gos, featuring no-limit hold ’em, pot-limit Omaha, and Crazy Pineapple. This platform is affiliated with Chumba and LuckyLand and is a suitable alternative while waiting for sites like PokerStars and WSOP’s approval in Ohio.

Legal Gambling Options in Ohio

Ohio has legalized gambling for many years. Horse racing and betting are permitted by law, and there are commercial casinos where individuals can engage in slot machines and table games. Reputable racinos offer VLT (video lottery terminals) and slot machines for individuals who enjoy gambling while waiting for the next race.

Online Sports Betting

Online sports betting is now legal in Ohio as the state launched it on New Year’s Day 2023, following a national trend. Several well-known operators, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars, have entered the state, offering players access to top-notch betting apps on their favorite sports. Ohio residents now have access to many sports betting options, including live betting, college betting, Super Bowl and March Madness betting, and various sports betting apps. There are expected to be as many as 50 apps and 40 retail properties in the state in the future. In addition, more than 1,000 sports betting kiosks are expected to be installed at various retailers such as grocery stores, sports bars, and gas stations.

Horse Betting

An alternative that can be considered is engaging in online horse betting. Since 2000, betting on horse racing has been legal in all states. The US House of Representatives passed a bill to include wagers placed through electronic media, which refers to the internet, in the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978. Each state then had the choice to decide whether to allow their citizens to participate. In Ohio, TVG is considered the top choice.

Ohio Lottery

The Ohio Lottery is a state lottery system. It offers scratchers, in-state draw games, multi-state draw games, and instant win games. Ohio, online lottery terminals have standard keno options and instant-win variants. Lawmakers have attempted to add an online lottery option, but it has yet to be approved. Ohioans must visit licensed retailers in the state to participate in the lottery.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Ohio is one of the states that permit daily fantasy sports contests, also known as DFS. The law was signed by Ohio Gov John Kasich in 2017, and as a result, major companies like DraftKings and FanDuel have been operating in Ohio for a considerable period. The DraftKings Fantasy Millionaire contests and special events like the World Cup are accessible in Ohio.

Land-based casinos and gambling in Ohio

There are 11 casinos in Ohio. The cities of Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo each have one full-service casino. These casinos offer slot machines, table games, and live Poker for residents and tourists. Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and JACK Casino Cleveland are two commercial casinos in Ohio. Additionally, Ohio has seven racinos, which are horse racing tracks that offer live racing, simultaneous betting, and video lottery terminals, in addition to the four main venues.

Casino Name	Address	Phone	Owner/Operator
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati	1000 Broadway St, Cincinnati, OH 45202	(513) 257-2253	Hard Rock International
Hollywood Casino Toledo	1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH 43605	(419) 661-5200	Penn National Gaming
Hollywood Columbus Casino	200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228	(614) 308-3333	Penn National Gaming
JACK Cleveland Casino	100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113	(216) 297-4777	JACK Entertainment

Racinos

Name	Address	Phone Number	Type	Owner/Associated Racetrack
Belterra Park Gaming	6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230	(513) 232-8000	Racino	Boyd Gaming
Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs	6000 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207	(614) 295-4700	Racino	Caesars Entertainment
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway	3100 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45414	(937) 235-7800	Racino	Penn National Gaming
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course	655 N Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515	(877) 788-3777	Racino	Penn National Gaming
JACK Thistledown Racino	21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 44128	(216) 662-8600	Raci no	JACK Entertainment
MGM Northfield Park	10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067	(330) 908-7625	Racino	MGM Resorts International
Miami Valley Gaming & Racing	6000 OH-63, Lebanon, OH 45036	(513) 934-7070	Racino	Delaware North/Churchill Downs

Legal age for gambling in Ohio

The legal gambling age in Ohio varies based on the specific gambling activity. Individuals from Ohio must be 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets and participate in online daily fantasy sports contests. In order to play table games or slots at any of the state’s 11 casinos and racinos, individuals must be 21 years of age or older. The minimum age for pari-mutuel wagers at the racetracks is 18.

Both retail venues and online gambling sites in Ohio require individuals to be at least 21 years old in order to bet on sports. At a gambling venue, you may need to show proof of age. During registration, the operator will conduct identification verification checks to ensure that online gambling is not accessible to minors.

Responsible Gambling in Ohio

Practicing responsible gambling is important in Ohio, whether you engage in activities at Belterra Park, purchase state lottery tickets, or gamble at Ohio online casino sites. The state offers a range of treatment programs for individuals needing assistance. The Ohio Lottery Commission provides funding to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) to aid individuals with gambling addiction in the state.

• OMHAS Recovery Services. Phone: 1-866-614-9588 (Toll-Free)
• Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline. Phone: 24-hour toll-free support (1-800-589-9966)
• National Council on Problem Gambling: (202) 547-9204 or NCPGambling.org
• Gambler’s Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
• Gam-Anon: gam-anon.org

One option available is to participate in the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program, which applies to all racinos and casinos throughout the state for one year.

Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program

The state of Ohio offers the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program for individuals dealing with gambling addiction who need additional support to regain control. By joining this program, you will be restricted from participating in any activities at Ohio casinos, racinos, and lottery games for a specified duration.

The length of exclusion can differ, ranging from one to five years or even indefinitely. Other properties owned by the same Ohio-based companies will also be informed about your exclusion if you gamble while in the program. You may face arrest for trespassing and forfeit any winnings or funds used for gambling. It can be a challenging choice, but for those who struggle to quit, it may be necessary.

Problem gambling has financial costs and negative impacts on individuals suffering from the disorder and their families. If you are experiencing gambling-related difficulties in Ohio, it is essential to take prompt action. Please call today to start finding support and working towards a positive state.

What does the future hold for online casinos in Ohio?

After extensive discussions and deliberations, sports betting was finally legalized in Ohio following years of debates between Ohio Senate and House members. On January 1, 2023, several sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks became available. Ohio has become a prominent destination for online gambling in the US, thanks to its legal and regulated status of DFS. Despite ongoing efforts to legalize sports betting in the state, there have been no recent updates to Ohio gambling laws.

There needs to be legislation to legalize and regulate online casinos and poker sites. Additionally, as the state begins to benefit from tax revenue generated by legal sports betting, it might prompt discussions about potential revisions to the state’s online gambling legislation. You can find the latest information on gambling and online casinos in Ohio on our website as soon as it becomes available.

When online casinos become legal, who will regulate them in Ohio?

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is likely to be involved. It is currently unclear which state agency in Ohio will regulate the various industries, given that online casinos still need to be established. The OCCC would be the most appropriate choice for regulating online gambling activities, as they are more akin to casino games. Regardless of the involvement of other agencies, the Casino Control Commission will always be part of the oversight efforts.

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