Online gambling in Ohio has been partially legal since 2017. Unfortunately, OH residents still can’t play online casino games or online poker but the local gambling legislation nowadays allows online sports betting and daily fantasy contests. Quite a few licensed platforms are accessible in the state, the best of which will be discussed in our guide.

Matt Speakman, Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

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Matt Speakman is a Connecticut-born and raised betting expert with a soft spot for the Patriots. He is also a proud member of the online-gambling.com team. You can read his articles on a broad range of topics, including sports betting and DFS.

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Ohio Online Gambling — Best Legal Products and Sites

Understandably, some Ohio online gambling products are legally available, whereas others are not permitted. Therefore, in the following sections of our guide, we will briefly explain the legitimacy of online casinos, sports betting, poker, and lottery in the Buckeye State.

In addition, we will give you a list of the best Ohio gambling sites by category. To do that, we have conducted detailed reviews of the top operators, considering essential factors like safety and security, mobile optimization, available promotions, customer service quality, and more.

Sportsbooks

Following several years of debates, the online and retail sports betting in Ohio were eventually signed into law in December 2021.^[1] The first sportsbook in the state went live on January 1, 2023, and today, sports fans are free to legally place bets at various licensed operators, the best of which we’ve included below:

The recommended sites for gambling online in Ohio are entirely legal. They offer various promotions, including welcome bonuses for newcomers and other regular deals for long-term players. The best OH sports betting sites provide an excellent range of wager types and support reliable apps for iOS and Android devices.

Daily Fantasy Sports

Late in December 2017, Ohio Governor John Kasich gave daily fantasy sports fans in the state a Christmas present in the form of legislation. House Bill 132 removed uncertainty about the legality of the activity. Licensed and safe DFS sites launched in September 2019 and have been in operation ever since.

The recommended daily fantasy sports operators are licensed and regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Therefore, they are secure and adhere to the latest consumer protection standards. You will find top sports leagues, including NFL, MLB, and NBA available at the best DFS sites in Ohio.

Online Lottery

The Ohio Lottery was legalized in 1973 and has generated $24 billion for public education services. The available gaming options include instant games and draws, such as the multi-state Powerball. While iLottery is unavailable in the state, you can purchase Ohio Lottery tickets on your mobile device using the Jackpocket app.

Jackpocket is a licensed, third-party lottery app offering an easy and secure way to purchase tickets for the lottery in Ohio. This is a courier service that can operate legally even though online lottery is illegal in the state. How this works is you pay for your tickets through the app, and Jackpocket buys the ticket for you from an official retailer.

Online Casinos

As of writing this article, the online casinos in Ohio have not been legalized, and there are no plans in the pipeline to update the current laws. If you want to play real money games, you can do that at the four land-based casinos (authorized by OH voters in 2009) and seven racinos on the state’s territory.

Online Poker

You can play poker at one of the land-based casinos in the state. Most of them hold tournaments, including ones for Hold’em-style games. Still, online poker remains illegal in Ohio, and this doesn’t look likely to change any time soon. There have been no bills proposed to amend the OH online poker laws.

Online Gambling Bonuses & Promo Codes in Ohio

The best gambling sites in Ohio are rather generous. They feature a range of promotions for new and existing players. First, there’s the appealing welcome bonuses you can claim upon your first deposit. Then, you will come across other offers like free spins, cashback, and even enticing loyalty programs.

When comparing the available online sportsbooks in Ohio, you have to pay close attention to the promotional terms and conditions. Remember that the size of the bonus is not all that matters and you should consider key aspects like the minimum deposit, validity period, and wagering requirements.

Upon joining a site for online gambling in Ohio, you could occasionally benefit from a no deposit bonus. However, the most common type of a sign up offer is a first deposit match amount. Upon making a qualifying deposit, you could be rewarded with bonus bets or bet credits.

Deposit Bonuses

The leading Ohio online gambling sites give you extra value for your money by offering a first deposit welcome bonus. The minimum amount you have to add into your player’s account to claim such promotion ranges from $5 to $20. In return, you could receive a matched deposit bonus, bonus bets, or bet credits, with your stake returned if your first bet loses.

No Deposit Bonuses

A no deposit bonus is not commonly offered at online gambling sites in Ohio. However, the top operators may occasionally feature such promotions. A no deposit bonus is usually smaller than a first deposit one. It usually comes with short validity and other conditions. Still, it is a great way to try a new site with limited risk.

Top Gambling Apps – Bet on the Go

If you are located in Ohio, you can legally play daily fantasy sports on mobile. Thanks to the recent updates to the state’s gambling laws, the same applies to sports betting. All legitimate gambling sites in OH are optimized for iOS and Android devices and provide the most convenient way to place your bets.

In fact, if you are into Ohio online gambling, you have two options. First, you can download a native app from Apple Store or Google Play. The other thing you can do is access reliable sites directly through your mobile browser, with no download required. The top-rated gambling app in OH allows you to make deposits, claim bonuses, and place wagers safely on the go.

The highlighted sports betting app offers the best all-around experience for gambling on the go. It is reliable and secure, with an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface. The app is optimized for iOS and Android, making it accessible on all modern mobile phones and tablets. You can claim a generous welcome bonus and bet on many sports and leagues.

Live Gambling

We already mentioned that online casinos are not permitted under Ohio gambling laws. Consequently, live dealer games are also illegal in the state. You can try the four OH land-based venues or venture over to the neighboring Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, where live casino games online are entirely legal.

One thing that is available and legal in Ohio is live online betting. Many sports enthusiasts prefer in-play betting or pre-game wagers. Once an even has started, the pre-match betting odds are locked, and new live options become available. They are updated based on the in-game action.

All top gambling sites in Ohio also offer live streaming of various sporting events. You can watch the action directly on your PC or mobile device and conveniently place further in-game wagers based on what you see. With live streaming and betting available on soccer, tennis, cricket, basketball, and various other sports, every taste is well-catered for.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Before engaging in real money online gambling in Ohio, you have to make a deposit. The top operators in the state offer various payment methods, including debit and credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. Online banking, wire transfers, prepaid Play+ cards, and eCheck by VIP Preferred are also widely accepted.

Most licensed online sports betting sites in Ohio have retail locations, where you can deposit cash in person. Yet, the most popular payment provider in the state remains PayPal. The e-wallet provides extra security and privacy protection, as well as fast payment processing. This is what makes the top PayPal gambling site in OH such a favored operator.

If you are new to Ohio online gambling, rest assured that the depositing process is typically quick and easy. All you have to do is head to the banking cashier, select your preferred payment, and fill in the required details. Remember that you can claim a welcome bonus upon your first deposit. To do that, you must opt in or enter the required promo codes.

Deposits are instant, but the same doesn’t apply to withdrawals. You have to submit a request via the banking cashier and verify your identity. In addition, you must complete any bonus wagering requirements. The Ohio gambling sites aim to keep the processing time to a minimum, but this depends on your preferred payment method.

Odds & Payouts

When betting on sports at Ohio gambling sites, it’s essential to understand how odds and payouts work. You will see different odds featured for different sports and types of bets. They tell you how likely it is for you to win. For example, the odds offered for a basketball team on a winning streak will be lower than that of a poor-performing competitor.

Therefore, if you bet on the best-performing team, your payout would be smaller, but your chance of winning would be higher. A betting site will calculate its odds based on the likelihood of an outcome occurring and in such a way that it maintains a profit margin over the long run.

RNG casino games also have dedicated RTP rates, whose purpose is the same – they show you the likelihood of winning over time. Payout rates programmed into casino games include a small house edge. This ensures that the casino always makes a profit.

How to Gamble Online in Ohio

If you want to participate in DFS contests or bet on sports online, it is easy to get started. The process is similar, regardless of which gambling product you opt for. The most important step is to choose a legit gambling site that is licensed to operate in Ohio.

Always check for a valid license from the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). This ensures not only that the operator is legal but that it is also safe and secure. To get started with your best foot forward, follow these steps showing how to bet on sports at online gambling sites in Ohio:

When entering your information during the sign-up process, you will need to verify your identity and confirm you meet the legal age to gamble in Ohio. We would also like to remind you to gamble responsibly. Set limits and stick to them to ensure your experience stays safe and fun.

Advantages of Online Gambling

With legal land-based and online gambling options, OH players get the best of both worlds. However, there are clear advantages to gambling sites and apps, including the most important one – convenience. Still, brick-and-mortar venues also have their pros. We’ve compared offline vs online gambling in Ohio:

If you want to bet on sports or participate in daily fantasy contests in Ohio, online gambling sites are the best option. You can claim generous bonuses and easily place wagers at any time and any place. However, if you want to play casino games or poker, land-based casinos are the only legal option in the state.

Land-based Casinos, Racinos, Sportsbooks & Lottery Retailers

Ohio has four land-based casinos. Jack Cleveland Casino was the state’s first establishment, which opened on May 14, 2012. The other venues are Hollywood Casino Toledo, Hollywood Casino Columbus, and Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. Hollywood Casino Columbus is the biggest one. It features over 1900 slot machines, 65 table games, and 34 live poker tables.

In addition to its land-based casinos, Ohio has seven racinos. These horse racing tracks offer electronic gaming devices, specifically video lottery terminals. MGM Northfield Park is a premier gaming venue with over 2300 gaming devices. Miami Valley Gaming also stands out with its 2200 VLTs. All OH casinos and racinos are licensed to offer retail sports betting.

The Ohio Lottery provides the other opportunity for land-based gambling in th state. There are more than 9800 official OH Lottery retailers. In addition, there are self-serve kiosks, where you can buy scratch-offs and tickets for lotto draw games. Sports betting, provided by the lottery, is available at various licensed locations, including bars, kiosks, and lottery agents.

Ohio Gambling Laws

There are many forms of legal gambling in Ohio. This includes the Ohio Lottery, charitable bingo and lotteries, casino games, poker, daily fantasy sports, horse racing betting, and sports betting. Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing was the first type of gambling to be legalized in Ohio in 1933. The Ohio Lottery was established in 1973 following a voter referendum.

In 2009, Ohio voters approved the establishment of commercial casinos in the state’s four largest cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. Racinos were authorized in 2011 when an executive order approved electronic gaming devices to be offered at the state’s established racetracks. Ohio racinos are permitted to offer a maximum of 2500 electronic gaming devices each, which is half the limit applied to casino venues.

The first type of legal online gambling in Ohio was daily fantasy sports. DFS was legalized in December 2017, with rules and regulations becoming effective in September 2019. The next Ohio online gambling update came in December 2021, when House Bill 29, a bill to fully legalize sports betting in Ohio, was passed by the Senate and the House. Retail and online sports betting in OH went live on January 1 2023.

Gambling Guides for Other States

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• IN Gambling
• KY Gambling
• PA Gambling

History of Gambling in Ohio

Legal gambling in Ohio began in 1933 with pari-mutuel horse racing betting. The next milestone came in 1973 with the approval of a state lottery. In recent years, Ohio legalized casinos and racinos, with DFS and sports betting later joining the list of legal gambling activities. Below, you can see the milestones in Ohio’s gambling history:

State Facts & Statistics

Ohio is one of the most populous US states, but it is by no means the largest. It has been the home and birthplace of very successful people from many different fields, though notably often in the context of flight. Airplane inventors, the Wright Brothers, hail from Ohio, as does the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong.

Legal Gambling Age in Ohio

The legal gambling age in Ohio varies for different gambling activities. You must be 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets^[2] and participate in online daily fantasy sports contests. The legal age for playing table games or slots at one of the state’s 11 casinos and racinos is 21. However, the minimum age for pari-mutuel wagers at the racetracks is 18.

Betting on sports, both at retail venues and online gambling sites in Ohio, has a minimum age requirement of 21. You may be required to provide proof of age at a gambling venue. The operator will conduct verification checks upon registration to prevent underage gambling.

• Legal Gambling Age
  You must be 21+ to gamble at sports betting sites in Ohio.
• Legal Drinking Age
  The legal drinking age in the state of Ohio is 21.
• Legal Age for Marijuana
  Possession and use of marijuana are prohibited unless prescribed.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

Ohio provides services for residents struggling with gambling addiction through the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO), which is a state affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). There are also funds dedicated to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS).

Players can access services such as a gambling helpline, treatment options, and literary resources through these organizations. The state also funds Ohio for Responsible Gambling, an initiative that promotes responsible gambling in collaboration with the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Lottery Commission, and the Racing Commission.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

It took years of debates between the Ohio Senate and House members before sports betting was legalized in the Buckeye State. Several sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks went live on January 1, 2023. When you also consider that DFS is legal and regulated in the state, the state is now a top location for online gambling in the US.

Despite the lengthy battle to legalize sports betting in Ohio, no further updates to OH gambling laws are expected anytime soon. No bills have been proposed to legalize and regulate online casinos and poker sites. To learn more about the legalization process, check out our guide to online gambling in the US.

Still, as the state starts to reap the rewards of taxation on legal sports betting, it may spark the discussion of further updates to the state’s online gambling laws. Rest assured, as soon as there is an Ohio online gambling update to report, you will find it here.

References

1. Axelrod, Ben, (12/22/2021), Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signs sports betting bill into law, Retrieved December 1, 2023.
2. Play It Safe, (10/18/2012), Frequently Asked Questions About Gambling, Retrieved December 1, 2023.