Sharing borders with three states – Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania – that offer legal online casinos, Ohio is pressured to legalize online casinos and hold onto the gambling revenue.
In January 2023, Ohio legalized online sports betting, a significant step forward for gambling, especially for online bettors. The state does not currently provide access to legal online casinos, but we expect that to change soon.
In our guide to online casinos in Ohio, we’ll tell you more about legal sweepstakes online casinos, how to access the best online casinos in America from surrounding states, and when to expect legal online casinos in Ohio.
Are Online Casinos in Ohio Legal?
Real-money online casinos in Ohio are illegal and not regulated. However, in February 2024, the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio included the possibility of online casinos. The meeting was not made public, and Rep. Jay Edwards – who was a part of the meetings – commented that it’s unlikely for online casinos to enter the market in 2024.
Legalizing online casinos in Ohio would assist in problem gambling, especially for players using illegal offshore gambling sites that commonly provide unfair games. Furthermore, the state would earn between $205 million and $410 million in additional tax revenue.
What Types of Online Casinos are Legal in Ohio?
Ohio online casinos for real money are illegal, but since sweepstakes online casinos do not provide real money play, they are 100% legal.
The great benefit of these social casino sites is that you can still claim cash rewards by redeeming your sweepstakes. There’s no need to make any purchases, and you’ll have access to the latest slots, live dealer games, video poker, and much more.
When will Ohio Legalize Online Casinos?
Even if the discussion by the newly formed Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio does not result in legalizing online gaming, it’s still a great step in the right direction as it shows the state is considering the addition.
It’s also important to remember that Ohio is under tremendous pressure from three surrounding states that already provide legal online casinos. Therefore, if Ohio hopes to hold onto the gambling revenue, lawmakers would need to legalize online casinos, which would also aid in responsible gambling, security, and reliability.
Brief History of Gambling in Ohio
Ohio’s first gambling laws banned all forms of lotteries in the 18th century, and private organizations were tasked to catch illegal gamblers and enforce fines. The following major change occurred in 1933 when pari-mutuel betting was legalized, followed by the establishment of the Ohio State Racing Commission a few years later.
Leaping forward nearly 40 years, Ohio established a state lottery, generating significant revenue for various projects. Other than race betting, the lottery was the only form of gambling available, making it a popular choice among residents.
Multiple attempts to legalize land-based casinos in Ohio failed over the years. However, in 2009, an amendment was finally approved as 52% of voters favored a casino in the four major cities. With the new legalized gambling, the state set the legal age of 21+ and applied a 33% tax rate to revenue generated at land-based casinos and 33.5% for revenue at racinos.
Even though online gambling in Ohio took longer than most states to arrive, in January 2023, the state finally legalized online sports betting. While online casinos remain illegal, it’s a step in the right direction.
Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Ohio
Sweepstakes online casinos in Ohio are legal and provide excellent gaming opportunities. You can enjoy slots, table games, live dealer games, and much more at the best sites without ever spending a dollar. Of course, for those who want to take full advatnage of the games and benefits, purchase options are suitable for all budgets.
Can you win real money at Sweepstakes online casinos in Ohio? You can redeem your sweepstakes for cash prizes and gifts, making it the most attractive way to get the best out of legal online casinos in Ohio.
| Rank | Sweepstakes Online Casino | Welcome Reward |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Funrize | 75,000 Coins |
| 2. | Pulsz | 5,000 Game Coins + 2.3 Sweeps |
| 3. | High 5 Casino | 250 Coins + 600 Diamonds + 5 Sweeps |
| 4. | BetRivers.net | 10 to 1,000 VC$ |
| 5. | Stake.us (Crypto) | 250,000 Coins + $25 Stake Cash |
In which States are Online Casinos Legal?
The first online casinos in America were legalized in 2013 by New Jersey, launching multiple sites simultaneously. The market has grown substantially over the last decade and will continue to thrive. The success of legal online casinos in NJ motivated multiple states in the east to follow and also provide legal online gaming, many of which are within driving distance from NJ.
Closest State with Legal Online Casinos from Ohio
Players in Ohio have easy access to multiple states with excellent online casinos. Three of these states share borders with Ohio, which is why lawmakers are under pressure to legalize online casinos.
Depending on where you are in Ohio, you can visit Pennsylvania, Michigan, or West Virginia to enjoy the latest online casino games. If you’re traveling specifically to play casino games, we highly recommend Pennsylvania, as the state provides a wider range of games, bonuses, and online casinos.
Choose from our best Pennsylvania online casinos, register your account, and claim the welcome bonus before you arrive.
Land-Based Casinos in Ohio
There are two casinos in Cincinnati, Ohio: Jack Casino Cincinnati and Belterra Park. Or, if you are looking for casinos in Dayton, Ohio, you can visit Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Valley.
There are even places to gamble in smaller areas in the state. If you are looking for casinos near Youngstown, Ohio you can head to Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley which is less than 10 miles outside of town.
Unless otherwise noted, all regular Ohio casinos offer blackjack, craps, roulette, slots and video poker. Some Ohio casinos also offer mini-baccarat, baccarat, poker, pai gow poker, Mississippi stud, sic-bo, let it ride, three card poker, four card poker, casino war, big-six and bingo.
NOTE: If you happen to win a jackpot of $1,200 or more at any casino in Ohio, they will withhold approximately 5% of your winnings for the Ohio Department of Taxation. The $1,200 threshold also applies to any cash prizes won in casino drawings or tournaments.
Additionally, the casino will withhold another approximately 2.5% of your winnings for city taxes in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Toledo won’t withhold city tax until you win $2,000 or more. The $1,200 and $2,000 thresholds would also apply to any cash prizes won in casino drawings or tournaments.
Online Casinos in Ohio Might be Closer than We Think
Having legalized land-based casinos in 2009 and online sports betting in 2023, there’s no doubt that Ohio is making positive moves toward legal gambling. In 2024, online casinos will be included in discussions, an essential topic as multiple neighboring states already offer the best American online casinos.
While we might not see online casinos in Ohio in 2024, we believe the state would have a final plan forward, perhaps aiming to introduce popular casino brands in 2025.