Ohio Gambling Guide: Legal Options and Regulations
Ohio maintains a regulated gambling framework centered on four commercial casinos, seven racinos with video lottery terminals, mobile sports betting, the state lottery, and charitable gaming. Real-money online casinos and poker are not authorized, though legislative proposals for iGaming continue to advance. The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees casinos, racinos, and sports betting, ensuring compliance, fairness, and responsible gaming measures.
Technical Sheet
Casino: Ohio Regulated Gambling (No Online Casinos), Website: casino.ohio.gov, Established: Commercial casinos 2012, sports betting 2023, License: Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), Operator: Multiple commercial and racino partners, Providers: N/A for online casinos (sports: various), Payment Methods: Varies by sportsbook (cards, PayPal, ACH, etc.), Withdrawal Times: Varies (often 1-5 days), Customer Support: Operator-specific (live chat, phone), Active Bonuses: Sportsbook welcome offers (bet credits, matches),
Overview of Gambling Regulations
Ohio Revised Code Section 2915 governs gambling, prohibiting unlicensed activities while permitting specific regulated forms. Enforcement prioritizes operators over recreational players. Offshore sites operate without state oversight, lacking protections. Regulated options include geolocation verification for mobile betting, age restrictions (21+ for casinos and sports), and tools like self-exclusion through TimeOut Ohio.
Commercial casinos and racinos provide core land-based experiences, bolstered by mobile sports betting since 2023.
Commercial Casinos and Racinos
Ohio features four commercial casinos and seven racinos (video lottery terminals at racetracks), offering slots, table games, poker, and retail sports betting:
- Jack Cleveland Casino (Cleveland): Slots, table games, poker tables.
- Jack Cincinnati Casino (Cincinnati): Extensive slots and table games.
- Hollywood Casino Columbus (Columbus): Large gaming floor with poker.
- Hollywood Casino Toledo (Toledo): Slots, tables, and entertainment.
- Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway (Dayton): VLTs and racing.
- MGM Northfield Park (Northfield): VLTs, poker, harness racing.
- Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course (Youngstown): VLTs and racing.
- Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center (Cincinnati): VLTs and simulcast.
- Miami Valley Gaming (Lebanon): VLTs and harness racing.
- Eldorado Scioto Downs (Columbus): VLTs and harness racing.
- Jack Thistledown Racino (Cleveland): VLTs and thoroughbred racing.
These venues deliver diverse gaming with loyalty programs and events.
Mobile Sports Betting
Launched January 1, 2023, mobile sports betting operates statewide for those 21+ via licensed apps. Over 15 operators include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, and others, covering professional and college sports (with prop restrictions on in-state college athletes). Retail betting is available at casinos, racinos, and select venues.
Poker and Casino Games
Live poker rooms operate at major casinos (e.g., Hollywood Columbus, Jack Cleveland) with cash games and tournaments, primarily no-limit Hold’em. No regulated online poker exists. Sweepstakes and social platforms offer legal alternatives for casino-style games using virtual currencies.
Daily Fantasy Sports and Lottery
DFS is regulated and available through platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. The Ohio Lottery provides draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life), scratch-offs, Pick games, and Keno, sold at retail locations; no direct online ticket sales are available, though courier services exist in some contexts.
Bingo and Charitable Gaming
Charitable bingo operates under licenses with prize limits. No regulated online bingo is permitted.
Payment Methods and Protections
Licensed sportsbooks support secure options like debit/credit cards, PayPal, ACH, and digital wallets. Transactions use encryption and geolocation. Responsible gaming features include deposit limits, self-exclusion, and support via 1-800-GAMBLER or TimeOut Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online casino gambling legal in Ohio?
No, real-money online casinos are not regulated or authorized.
What gambling forms are legal?
Commercial casinos, racinos, mobile sports betting, state lottery, DFS, and charitable bingo.
What is the legal age?
21 for casinos, sports betting, and poker; 18 for lottery and certain activities.
Can offshore sites be used?
While not actively prosecuted for players, offshore platforms lack Ohio protections.
What is the outlook for online casinos?
Bills propose legalization potentially by 2026, but progress depends on legislative approval amid concerns over addiction and market impact.
Ohio delivers robust regulated gambling through land-based venues and mobile sports betting, balancing entertainment with oversight and revenue for public services. Verify details with official sources like the Ohio Casino Control Commission.