Ohio Online Gambling
As the home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and several successful major league sports teams, including the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Browns, it’s no surprise that sports betting is legal and live in the Buckeye State.
In late 2021, Ohio legalized mobile and retail sports betting. Governor Mike DeWine signed HB29 into law on December 22, 2021, but one provision stated that sports betting would open for business no later than January 1, 2023. So, true to its word, 16 sportsbooks opened their virtual doors in the Buckeye State on New Year’s Day 2023. Now, Ohio is home to 20 online sportsbooks.
While online casinos are not yet permitted in Ohio, several great and legal alternatives are available to players, including 11 land-based casinos and numerous sweepstakes sites. For more on Ohio’s legal online gambling scene, continue reading this in-depth guide. We’ll walk you through exactly what is legal and the best Ohio gambling sites.
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Best Ohio Gambling Sites
If you’re looking for the best Ohio online gambling platforms, you’re on the right page. Our dedicated experts have decades of combined experience and know exactly what to look for when reviewing the best OH gambling sites. We spare no expense during our thorough reviews, analyzing everything from a site’s bonuses to its security, payment methods, and customer support. Check out our top list of Ohio online gambling sites below and pick your new favorite today!
Is Online Gambling Legal in Ohio?
Ohio’s regulated online gambling market recently expanded with the launch of sports betting on January 1, 2023. That same day, retail sports betting went live state-wide, allowing Ohioans to place wagers in over a dozen land-based sportsbooks. From FanDuel Sportsbook at Belterra Park in Cincinnati to Caesars Sportsbook at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs in Columbus, not to mention the state’s 20 active sportsbook apps, Buckeye State bettors have lots to choose from.
But sports betting isn’t the only type of legal online gambling in Ohio. In fact, those within the state’s borders can partake in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), horse racing, charitable gambling, and even the state lottery. While online casinos remain illegal in Ohio, the state is home to eleven land-based casinos and racinos.
Ohio State Gambling History
The history of gambling in Ohio dates back to 1933 when the Ohio General Assembly approved Pari-Mutuel wagering for horse races, which led to the creation of the Ohio Racing Commission. The commission has since been responsible for overseeing all racing, including county fair harness racing and simulcasts.
The state lottery made its way to Ohio in 1973, while legislators passed new laws permitting land-based casinos, racinos, and poker games in 2009. Here are some of the other big milestones in Ohio’s gambling history:
- 1933: The Ohio General Assembly legalized pari-mutuel betting on horse races and established the Ohio Racing Commission.
- 1971: Ohio Senator Ron Mottl launched a lottery campaign, with tickets for the first Buckeye 300 lottery game going on sale three years later.
- 1973: Ohio voters supported a ballot measure establishing the Ohio Lotto Commission by a 2-to-1 margin.
- 1980: Efforts to legalize casino gambling in Ohio are unsuccessful, with the state facing a similar outcome in 1990.
- 1996: Ohio voters reject the legalization of riverboat casinos.
- November 2009: After many unsuccessful attempts, Ohio residents passed a ballot initiative and amended the Ohio Constitution to allow casino gaming. This amendment permitted four casinos to be built in Ohio, one each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
- May 2012: Ohio’s first casino, Jack Cleveland Casino, opened on May 14, 2012.
- May 2018: The US Supreme Court ruled the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) as unconstitutional, allowing individual states to legalize sports betting and iGaming.
- March 2019: Ohio state Senator John Eklund introduced SB111 to tax and regulate sports betting in the Buckeye State, but this failed in the 2020 legislative session.
- May 2021: Ohio state Senator Kirk Schuring introduced SB176 to legalize sports betting in the state, which passed through the Senate after a month of deliberation. However, the momentum stopped when it reached the House, so Schuring introduced HB29.
- December 2021: HB29 passed through both the Senate and the House, with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signing HB29 into law in December 2021.
- January 2023: Legal online sports betting launched on New Year’s Day 2023.
Legal Gambling Options in Ohio
It is no secret that the relationship between online gambling and Ohio has had its ups and downs. There have been numerous debates over the years regarding whether or not the law will ever pass to allow players to play casino games for real money from the comfort of their homes.
However, retail and online sports betting is now legal throughout the state for those over 21, which is a great way to place cash wagers on your favorite Ohio teams. In a fun twist, you can also bet on collegiate sports in the state, which is fantastic news for fans of local teams like the Ohio Bobcats and Dominican Panthers.
While there are no current plans to legalize online casinos, sweepstakes casinos are available in the Buckeye State, where users can play for Gold Coins or Sweep Coins instead of real money. These sites are a great legal alternative to real money games and have proven to be popular throughout the state.
| Type of Gambling | Legal? | When Legalized? |
| Online Casinos | No | N/A |
| Land-Based Casinos | Yes | 2009 |
| Online Poker | No | N/A |
| Land-Based Poker | Yes | 2009 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes | 2021 |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes | 2021 |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | 2017 |
| Horse Racing | Yes | 1933 |
| Lottery | Yes | 1973 |
| Charitable Gambling | Yes | 1976 |
Sports Betting
In December 2021, the Ohio Legislature approved HB29, the sports betting law, which later received Governor Mike DeWine’s signature. Then, legal online sports betting officially launched in the Buckeye State on January 1, 2023, with several online sportsbooks opening their virtual doors.
In order to place a bet, players must be at least 21 and physically present in Ohio, even when betting online.
Sportsbook operators wanting to launch in Ohio have several different types of sports wagering licenses to pick from. To launch a sportsbook, thorough testing and licensing with Type A licenses are required. However, the number of Type A licenses is limited to only 25 throughout the state, making it a pretty exclusive club!
Ohio is currently home to 20 sportsbook apps, including major players in the US online gambling space like BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and more. It’s also noteworthy that Ohio has become one of the 14 states offering legal college football betting.
Online Casino
Remember that real money online casinos are illegal state-wide in Ohio. However, Ohio is home to 11 land-based casinos where you can spin the reels of your favorite slot machines and try your hand at classic table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps.
Moreover, sweepstakes and social casinos are another way for Ohio players to experience online casino games without actually playing for real money. Instead, you use a virtual currency system, often called Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins, which you can spend on games. At sweepstakes casinos, you can even eventually exchange your Sweeps Coins for real-life prizes.
Three of Ohio’s neighbors also offer legal online casino gambling: Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Therefore, you can register and play casino games online legally with just a quick visit across the border.
Poker
Despite online poker being illegal in the Buckeye State, players can still indulge in state-wide poker tournaments at land-based poker tables in Ohio’s brick-and-mortar gambling establishments. Plus, with around 27 poker rooms spread across 4 different cities in the state, it’s clear that Ohioans are passionate about this game.
There are currently no online poker proposals under consideration with the Ohio Legislature, so it seems unlikely that Ohio would reverse its laws anytime soon. Likely, until an online casino bill appears, online poker will remain illegal in the state. However, with numerous retail casinos offering poker tables, you could argue that Ohio doesn’t require online poker for it to be a part of its prosperous gambling landscape.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Ohio became the 18th US state to legalize paid-entry Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) after Ohio Governor John Kasich signed a bill and passed H132 in 2017. Just like the Ohio State Lottery, those who wish to participate must be 18 or older.
Top DFS operators, like FanDuel and DraftKings, have been active in the Buckeye State for some time. These operators also boast a wide range of contests, like guaranteed prize pools, cash games, showdowns, tiers, and more. They also offer responsible gambling support and implement strict player safety and data protection measures to ensure all Ohio players have a safe and enjoyable DFS experience.
Lottery
The Ohio Lottery has been a significant part of the state’s gambling history for around 5 decades, starting back in August 1974 with its first game, Buckeye 300. Within a few years, the Ohio General Assembly began using lottery profits to fund state schools and improve education services. Then, the Ohio Lottery joined the Multi-State Lottery Association in 2002, giving players access to several popular draw-style games.
Since its inception, the lottery has transferred over $31 billion to support education in Ohio, which is an impressive achievement that encourages more people to play. The lottery’s popularity is mainly due to the big jackpots available every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday!
Responsible Gambling in Ohio
There is nothing more important than staying safe and protected when you’re gambling online. If your spending habits have become worrying or you’re concerned about someone you love, it’s completely normal and acceptable to reach out. Plenty of Ohio judgment-free services and tools help guide you through this.
Firstly, Ohio players can benefit from the initiative Ohio for Responsible Gambling. This is a coalition of four state agencies: The Ohio Lottery Commission, The Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Ohio State Racing Commission, and OhioMHAS (The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services).
Users can contact the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-99 or text 800GAM (800426). Also, we highly recommend visiting GamblingHelpOhio.org to find the resources that are most local to you. Remember, setting play limits is sensible, and even contacting Gamban to access free year-long blocks to internet gambling sites of any caliber is a good idea if you wish to control your habits.
FAQs
Is online gambling legal in Ohio?
Online sports betting is legal in Ohio, meaning sports fans can enjoy placing bets online from the comfort of their homes. However, it’s worth noting that online casinos and online poker are still illegal in the Buckeye State. That being said, players can play online slots and table games for free with sweepstakes casinos, which are permitted in the state.
Can I bet on sports in Ohio?
Of course you can! Since January 1, 2023, sports betting has been legal in Ohio. There are 20 sportsbooks currently available, including Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, and more. You can wager on a range of professional and college sports in OH, including betting on in-state teams.
Does Ohio have any online casinos?
No, Ohio does not allow real money online casinos. However, you can play at social and sweepstakes casinos and enjoy online casino games without having to spend any of your hard-earned money. Some sweepstakes sites will let you trade your Sweeps Coins winnings for real-life prizes.
Is DFS legal in Ohio?
In 2017, DFS was legalized in Ohio, meaning bettors can participate in DFS competitions at leading operators like FanDuel and DraftKings anywhere in the state. If you create teams that earn more points than other players in your competition, you can walk away with cash prizes.
Are Ohio online gambling sites safe?
Absolutely. The Ohio Casino Control Commission has established strict guidelines that sportsbooks must follow. These sites are regularly tested to ensure compliance with the commission’s regulations. You can wager on your favorite sports with peace of mind, knowing that OH sportsbooks are subject to thorough testing and oversight.
Do I have to pay taxes on gambling winnings in Ohio state?
Making a profit from wagering on sports can be super exciting, but it is essential to be aware of the tax implications that come with it. In Ohio, if you win more than $600, the state will withhold 4% of your winnings as taxes. Similarly, federal regulations require withholding of 24-28% of the winnings, ensuring that you comply with tax laws and regulations.
