Last Updated: October 31, 2024, 3:52PM PDT |
6 min. read
There are multiple reputable offshore casino options for Ohio residents and visitors to the Buckeye State. But Ohio online casinos operating within the state’s borders are yet to be approved.
In 2009 Ohio passed a bill to legalize four land-based casinos in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus.
Our informative guide reveals all the best online gambling options for Ohioans. We cover casino games, poker, horse racing, and sports betting. On this page, you’ll discover where to play and how to sign up at the online casinos we recommend. We’ll also explore the current status of Ohio gambling laws and any pending regulation centered on the future of online gambling within the state.
Here are five of the top online gambling sites available to Ohio players. These offshore casinos have been thoroughly reviewed to determine the categories they excel in. Find out which one fits your gambling style best.
DuckyLuck — Best Overall Loyalty Program for Ohio Residents. A great loyalty program that rewards everyone from the casual gambler to the high-roller. Bettors receive points that convert to free spins, cashback bonuses, matching bonuses, and special gifts.
Slots.lv — Best Selection of Slot Games for Ohioans. Slots.lv features over 150 popular slot games including, an extensive library of progressive slots and Hot Drop Jackpot games.
Bovada — Best Live Dealer Casino. Buckeye bettors are spoiled for choice at the Bovada live dealer platform. Nothing creates a more realistic casino experience than having a real-life dealer at the table.
Ignition Casino — Best Poker Options. Ignition Casino has a thriving poker scene. Ohio players can ante up in the designated poker room and play everything from cash games to tournaments.
Wild Casino — Best Variety of Game Selection for Ohio Players. Choose from 400+ games from reputable software providers with stunning graphics. Wild Casino excels at providing multiple game variations and hard-to-find online casino staples like Craps, Keno, and Baccarat.
DuckyLuck Casino
Best Overall Loyalty Program for Ohio Residents: Ohio residents will love the DuckyBucks Rewards program. The casino rewards one level point for every $20 deposit, and automatically enrolls you in the program. The tiered model quickly moves you from a Lucky Duckling, to a Minted Mallard, to a Swanky Swan. You earn more points and better bonuses as you climb. The highest level is Golden Goose, but you can only join by invitation. The ample bonuses are by far the highlight of the DuckyBucks program. The number of bonuses available outrank many other online casinos. Ohio players receive a reload bonus every time they deposit, and cashback bonuses are awarded the following day. Free spins are distributed daily, and birthdays earn free chips, or free spins for extra gameplay. The highest levels also have custom bonus packages tailored to the type of player you are. If you bank with cryptocurrency, you are eligible for the Crypto Elite Program and your rewards are even greater. Instead of a 250-285% bonus you would receive with a non-crypto deposit, your award is boosted to 290-315%. Another perk of the Crypto Elite program over DuckyBucks, is cashable comp points, which can be redeemed for cash.
500% welcome bonus up to $2,500 plus, 150 free spins on select slot games
DuckyBucks reward program earns one point with each $20 deposit and offers additional perks & bonuses
Crypto bankers are eligible for the Crypto Elite Rewards program
Free demo mode available on all casino games
Cons
Payout options are limited to bitcoin, wire transfer, and paper check
No poker room or poker tournaments
Slots.lv
Best Selection of Slot Games for Ohioans: Slots.lv is a lively casino site with a fantastic variety of slot titles. Ohio players will love the progressive jackpot slots and the popular slot games such as Book of Cats, Elvis Frog in Vegas, and Incan Rich. With top-notch software providers Real Time Gaming, Rival, and Betsoft the game play does not disappoint. Slots.lv has a few excellent bonuses that award free spins on select games. For instance, the Double Up bonus is available every Monday. You can claim a 100% match bonus up to $150 and score 30 free spins on 5 Times Vegas. If you claim this same bonus and deposit with crypto, you receive 50 free spins. Slots.lv also features Hot Drop Jackpot titles with jackpots that drop every hour and every day. The Hot Drop super jackpot can reach up to a whopping $300,000.
Payment Options:
American Express, Mastercard, Visa+7 more
, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Zelle, Bank Transfer, Check By Mail
see less
Pros
300% welcome bonus of up to $7,500 with slots contributing 100% to clearing
More than 30 progressive jackpot slots
Hot Drop Jackpots with hourly, daily, and $300,000 payouts
Earn five My Slots Rewards points for every $1 wagered on slot games
Cons
Lacks a digital wallet banking method
Customer support options do not include a phone number
Bovada Casino
Best Live Dealer Casino: Bovada offers a robust casino, sportsbook, and racebook all in one platform. In addition to its vast casino library, Ohio users can enjoy Bovada’s live dealer casino. Live dealer casinos stream via a live HD feed. Instead of gaming alone, you have a real casino dealer and the opportunity to interact with other players through a chat box on the right-hand side of your screen. Bovada’s live dealer is one of the best overall for many reasons. Here’s a few: Tables with unlimited seating, so there’s always a spot to play. Various betting limits to suit all budgets. For example, blackjack tables range from $5-10,0000 and roulette betting limits are $1-$3,000. Adjustable video settings to match the speed of your network. Live dealer games at Bovada include blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Table limits range from $1 – up to $10,000, so there’s a game for every budget. And if you want to step away from the live dealer action, Bovada’s RNG game selection boasts a selection of over 300 titles, including table games, slots, and speciality games.
Ability to chat with the live dealer and interact with other players at the table in the live dealer room
Bet behind tables allow you to join games already in progress
Early payout live dealer blackjack tables
Multiple variations of live dealer games including, Early Payout Blackjack, European Roulette, American Roulette, and Super 6
Cons
Live dealer games do not have practice or free mode
Live dealer tables are only available in English
Ignition Casino
Best Poker Options: Buckeye players can access a selection of casino games at Ignition. However, the main draw to this casino is their designated poker room, with games you can’t always find at other online casinos. Ignition poker players can play Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo at Quick Seat tables. If you’re looking for fast-paced action, you’ll appreciate Zone Poker, where you can play up to 100 hands per hour. Ignition also hosts daily and weekly poker tournaments, including the annual Black Diamond Poker Open and the Super Millions Poker Open. In general, you’ll find games for all skill levels, from beginner to pro. Poker players can access mixed poker and video poker games too. Ohioans have access to Caribbean Hold ‘Em, Pai Gow, Tri Card, Caribbean Stud, Joker Poker, Jacks or Better, Bonus Deuces Wild, and more!
Combined $3,000 casino & poker bonus for new players
Bad Beat poker bonus up to $1,000
Ignition reward points can be redeemed for poker tournament tickets
Weekly $2,500 poker freeroll tournaments
Cons
Lacks a phone option for customer support
Mobile casino game selection is smaller than desktop
Wild Casino
Best Variety of Game Selection for Ohio Players: Wild Casino has an impressive array of online casino games. The large variety and number of games make it the best compared to other online competitors. Players can access over 400 slot titles, with new titles regularly added. There are 57 table games, including 19 blackjack games, 15 roulette options, 11 kinds of poker, five variations of baccarat, and a craps game (which can be hard to find online). But that’s not all. There are 23 video poker games, including single and multi-hand varieties. Two Keno games, 14 scratch cards, and six arcade-style games. If you’re feeling social, you also have access to the live dealer casino, where you can interact with the dealer and other players. What more, Wild is one of the few casinos offering regular slots, roulette, and blackjack tournaments. For variety, there’s no better place than Wild Casino.
Each online casino site we recommend to Ohio players undergoes a rigorous review process before it receives our stamp of approval. We evaluate several key areas, paying extra attention to the points listed below.
Safety & Security
The sites we recommend for Ohio residents adhere to industry standards regarding fair gaming protocol, data protection, and security features.
Game Variety & Quality
We look for sites that offer a diverse selection of high-quality games with superb graphics and multiple variations.
Bonuses & Promotions
We evaluate the bonuses and promotions available and make sure the terms and conditions of the offers are fair and attainable.
Payment Options
We assess the number and types of payment options offered. We also check the payout speeds and disclose any associated fees.
Customer Support
We test the customer support features to ensure the team is knowledgeable about the topic and courteous to the users. We also look for multiple contact points like chat, email, and phone.
UI & Mobile Experience
We evaluate the site for its user-friendliness. We consider the layout, design, and ability to find what you want quickly. We also test it on our mobile phones to ensure the experience is equally enjoyable.
Yes, there are several forms of legal gambling in Ohio. There are four retail casinos in Ohio and seven racinos with live horse racing. Other forms of in-person gambling in the Buckeye State include professional and college sports betting, poker, the state lottery, charitable raffles, and bingo. In January 2023, online sportsbooks also became available in Ohio.
Currently, online casinos operating within Ohio's borders are not accessible. Therefore, the only options for Ohio residents looking for online casino action is to access offshore casino sites. These are internationally based sites, and not bound by the state of Ohio’s online gambling laws.
Ohio State Gambling Laws and Regulations
Here’s a look at the laws and regulations that have formed the current gambling landscape in Ohio.
Ohio Constitution – Defines the parameters of the Ohio lottery, bingo, and casino gaming and how the proceeds from those activities are distributed.
Ohio HB 29 – Permits the legalization of sports betting in all forms, including online, brick-and-mortar, and kiosks. It outlines the different types of licenses necessary for these activities, categorized as A, B, or C.
Chapter 3772 – Authorizes casino gaming at four land-based facilities in Ohio. One casino is allowed in each of the following Ohio cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
HB 132 – Signed by Governor John Kasich, allowing Daily Fantasy Sports in Ohio.
Ohio SB 269 – Authorizes and defines the use of electronic lottery gaming in the state of Ohio by the State Lottery Commission.
Section 6, Article XV of the Constitution of Ohio – Known as the State Lottery Amendment, was approved by Ohio voters, thereby authorizing the Ohio State Lottery.
Ohio Code 3769 – Defines the legislation related to horse racing and all it entails, including the establishment of the Ohio State Racing Commission and the regulations for live and simulcast racing in Ohio.
Ohio Casino Control Commission – Regulates OH casino gaming, sports gaming, DFS, and skill-based machines.
Are Online Casinos Available in Ohio?
Yes, online casinos are available in Ohio through offshore providers. The offshore casinos we recommend have been vetted and reviewed by our panel of online casino experts and offer a safe and enjoyable gambling experience. There are no online casinos based in Ohio at this time.
There are multiple variations of games to play, including, slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, bingo, keno, and scratch cards.
Yes, online poker is available to Ohio residents at the offshore online casinos we recommend on this page. Poker players can discover various popular poker games like Texas Hold’Em and Omaha. Many sites also have designated poker rooms with sit-and-go, and zone poker tournaments. Online poker sites based in Ohio are not available.
Two famous poker players with Ohio roots - David Edward “Chip” Reese and Byron Kaverman have made a name for themselves on the poker circuit. Reese received a payday of 1.8 million in the 2006 World Series of Poker, and Kaverman earned his first WSOP bracelet in 2015.
Yes, online sportsbooks are legal in Ohio. Two months after HB 29 legalized sports betting in Ohio in 2023, $1.7 billion in gross revenue was reported in online revenue.
HB 29 permits three types of licenses for Ohio sports betting:
Type A license for retail casinos and professional sports organizations – 25 slots allotted
Type B license for retail sportsbooks – up to 40 licenses may be issued
Type C license for facilities with a class D liquor license or any retailer that sells lottery tickets – these locations would have sports betting kiosks
Even though Ohio residents and visitors can legally bet online through state-supported apps, we often recommend using one of our trusted and tested international online sportsbooks. Here’s why:
In addition to all the mainstream professional and college sports, you’ll also find more obscure sports like darts and table tennis.
You can wager on entertainment, political, and other events and contests that may not be available on a local sports betting app.
Yes, online racebooks are available to Ohio residents. Just like other forms of gambling, offshore online racebooks offer popular events like the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Breeders Cup. Bettors will also find well-known tracks like Churchill Downs, Hoosier Park, and Gulf Stream Park.
BetUS features several Ohio racetracks including, Thistledown, Belterra, and Northfield Park. Plus, they offer a cashback special if your horse places 2nd or 3rd in select races.
Although there aren’t any tribal casinos in Ohio, the state is home to four retail casinos and seven racinos. Most of the facilities are in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
Commercial Casinos
In 2009, legislative Chapter 3772 passed, allowing for the construction of four commercial casinos in each of Ohio’s four major cities: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. Three of the four casinos have sportsbooks, and all have a dedicated poker room. You must be 21 to gamble at Ohio casinos.
Casino
County
Address
What You’ll Find There
Hollywood Casino Toledo
Lucas
777 Hollywood Blvd., Toledo, OH
• 1,700 slots
• 30 video poker machines
• Table games
• Dedicated poker room
• Barstool Sportsbook & Restaurant with three betting windows & 25 kiosks
Hollywood Casino Columbus
Franklin
200 Georgesville Rd., Columbus, OH
• 34 table dedicated poker room
• 1,900 slots & video poker machines
• 65 table games
• Barstool Sportsbook & Restaurant with seven betting windows, & 30+ kiosks
Jack Cleveland Casino
Cuyahoga
100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH
• 1,300 slot machines
• Table games
• 30 table dedicated poker room
Hard Rock Casino
Hamilton
1000 Broadway St., Cincinnati, OH
• 31 table World Series of Poker room
• Slots
• Table games
• Hard Rock Sportsbook
Racinos
In addition to the four land-based casinos, Ohio is also home to seven racinos. A racino is a horse racing track with video lottery terminals or VLTs. VLTs are similar to slot machines and have random number generators. But unlike slots, they have a pre-determined number of winners.
All seven of Ohio’s racinos have live horse racing and simulcast racing. The legal gambling age in Ohio for pari-mutuel betting is 18. Horse racing is the oldest form of gambling in the state and has been legal since 1933. The famous horse Seabiscuit participated in races at Belterra Park, formerly known as River Downs, in 1936. Here’s a look at some of the larger racinos in Ohio.
Racino
County
Address
What You'll Find There
Jack Thistledown Racing
Cuyahoga
21501 Emery Rd., North Randall, OH
• Live Thoroughbred racing
• Simulcasting
• 1,400 VLTs
Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center
(formerly known as River Downs)
Hamilton
6301 Kellogg Avenue, Anderson Township, OH
• Live Thoroughbred racing
• Simulcasting
• 1,600 VLTs
• FanDuel Sportsbook
Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
Franklin
6000 South High St., Columbus, OH
• Live harness racing
• 2,100 VLTs
• Simulcasting
• Caesars Sportsbook
MGM Northfield Park
Summit
10705 Northfield Rd. Northfield Park, OH
• Live harness racing
• Simulcasting
• 2,300 VLTs
• BetMGM Sportsbook
Miami Valley Gaming
Warren
Turtlecreek Township, OH
• Live harness racing
• Simulcasting
• 2,500 VLTs
• MVG sportsbook
Other Ways to Gamble in Ohio
There’s no shortage of gambling options available to Ohioans. In addition to casino games, sports betting, and horse racing, residents and visitors may also enjoy the following activities.
State Lottery
The Ohio Lottery Commission was approved in 1973 by a 2 to 1 vote from Ohio residents. Since its first ticket sale in 1974, the Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $31 billion to the education programs in Ohio. The commission also oversees Keno, the VLTs at Ohio’s racinos, and the newly approved sports betting kiosks. You must be 18 to purchase lottery tickets.
Bingo Halls
Fortunately for Ohio bingo enthusiasts, bingo halls are prevalent throughout the state. Charitable organizations run the halls for fundraising and must have a license from the Attorney General of Ohio. Games that are permitted include traditional bingo and instant bingo or pull tabs.
With a lenient schedule of three bingo sessions per seven-day period, finding an active game should be easy. You must be 18 to play bingo in Ohio.
Social & Sweepstakes Casinos
Social casinos, also known as sweepstakes casinos, are free online casino-style games that use a freemium model. Players earn virtual coins, sometimes called VC or virtual credits, and can use them to buy more coins or make in-app purchases. Some social casinos allow you to cash your virtual currencies out for real money.
Social casinos are popular among Ohio residents who want the excitement of casino games without any financial risk. As the name implies, social casinos can be found on Facebook, app stores, or other social media platforms.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports, or DFS, is another popular pastime in Ohio. In 2017, HB 132 was approved to allow DFS operations within the state. Ohio's residents can create virtual teams and participate in daily and weekly competitions based on the performance of real-world athletes in the quest for prizes and, of course, bragging rights.
Professional Ohio football, basketball, baseball, and hockey are popular DFS contests. They are readily available through online platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings. Whether you support the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, Columbus Blue Jackets, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Guardians, or the Cleveland Cavaliers, you’ll have plenty of options to create your lineup. Ohio law prohibits any DFS college, university, high school, or youth sporting events.
Most Popular Games to Play at Ohio Online Casinos
Slots
According to the 2023 Ohio Casino Control Commission’s revenue report, slots produced $58,640,910 million in revenue for June. Clearly, Buckeye residents enjoy the chiming sounds of the slot machines, and the vibrant animations that slot games provide. You can find many popular online slot titles, including Hot Drop Jackpot games, at our recommended online casinos.
The ever-popular blackjack continues to rate at the top-end of table game action in Ohio. Statistics show that the Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, areas are particularly keen on this classic game of 21. You can find multiple variations of online blackjack at these trusted sites.
Video poker is a unique blend of slots and poker. This hybrid-style game has many variations, so you’ll always enjoy playing this casino staple online. Red Dog Casino has ample video poker games for Ohio players.
Online roulette searches have remained consistently popular, with the largest searches originating in Youngstown, Ohio. The satisfying spin of the roulette wheel and bounce of the white ball is just as mesmerizing online as in person. Many online casinos we recommend also have live dealer roulette games, where you play with a real-life dealer and can interact with other players if you choose.
The only online casino gambling options for Ohio residents is at offshore casino sites.
January 2023
Sports betting launches in the state of Ohio.
March 2022
HB 29, authorizing sports betting, takes effect.
December 2021
Governor Mike DeWine signs HB 29, legalizing Ohio sports betting.
December 2017
HB 132 is signed into law by Governor John Kasich legalizing fantasy sports in Ohio.
June 2010
Casino Control Law authorizes the Ohio Casino Control Commission to oversee skill-based amusement machines (SBAM).
November 2009
Commercial casinos are approved. Four brick-and-mortar locations are chosen for the cities of Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
September 1996
HB 561 defines the use of simulcast and telecast horse racing for wagering purposes.
August 1974
The first lottery ticket, the Buckeye 300, sells.
August 1973
The Ohio Lottery Commission is established.
May 1973
Ohio voters approve a constitutional amendment authorizing the Ohio Lottery.
c. 1933
The Ohio Racing Act passed, legalizing horse racing.
The Future of Ohio Online Gambling
Legislation has yet to be introduced to legalize online casinos at the state level in Ohio. Unlike many other states, Ohio offers multiple gambling options. It remains to be seen if state-regulated online casinos will be next.
How to Gamble at an Online Casino in Ohio
Signing up for an online casino is a straightforward process and only takes a few minutes. Follow the steps below to get started
1
Research and Choose an Online Casino
Start by researching and comparing a trustworthy online casino that accepts Ohio players, such as the ones we recommend. Consider factors like game selection, bonuses, reputation, and payment options, and look for licensed and regulated platforms with positive reviews.
2
Register for an Account
Visit the selected online casino’s website and click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button. Provide your personal information, including name, address, date of birth, and email address. Create a username that is unique and a strong password for your account. A link will then be sent to your email that you’ll need to verify before you can proceed to the next step.
3
Explore available bonuses
Before making your first deposit, we suggest checking if the online casino offers any welcome bonuses or promotions to increase your bankroll and improve your playing experience. Make sure you read the bonus terms and conditions carefully.
4
Choose a payment method
Select the best payment method for you to make your deposit. Most online casinos offer various options, including debit/credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and cryptocurrency. Be sure to choose the method that works best for you.
5
Make a Deposit
Ensure you are logged in to your casino account. Navigate to the “Cashier” or “Deposit” section. Choose your preferred deposit method, then put in the amount you can deposit, then follow the instructions to complete the transaction. Be aware of any minimum or maximum amounts for the deposit imposed by the casino. Your funds should be credited to your account instantly or within a short period.
6
If applicable, claim the bonus
If you are eligible for a bonus, you must claim it during the deposit process. Some casinos might then request that you enter a bonus code, while others activate it automatically. Ensure you read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any wagering requirements.
7
Confirm the deposit
Upon completing your deposit, the online casino will typically provide a confirmation message or display your updated account balance. Make sure to jot down any transaction reference numbers for future reference.
8
Browse and Choose Games
Remember that online casinos available to Ohio players like the ones we suggest have a wide range of games. These games include slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. It’s crucial to choose a game that interests you and suits your playing style and budget. Before placing bets, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the pay table and game rules to ensure you understand the game strategy and increase your chances of winning!
9
Start Playing and Have Fun!
With funds in your online account, you can now place your bets and start playing. Remember to manage your bankroll responsibly and responsibly gamble within your limits. Enjoy your online casino experience in Ohio!
Gambling Safely & Responsibly in Ohio
Recognizing the signs of gambling addiction before it negatively impacts your life or results in a loss of control is essential. Approximately four-six million adults struggle with problematic gambling or gambling addiction.
Practice good bankroll management by sticking with a gambling budget you can afford. Make small, consistent bets and evaluate your bankroll frequently.
Set limits on the amount of time you spend gambling. You can limit your betting activities with a timer or by only allowing yourself to play on certain days of the week.
Only play at reputable online casinos. Many have self-exclusion options like time and deposit limits.
If you are struggling with a gambling problem, numerous resources are available to help.
State Resources:
National Gambling Helpline – 1-800-522-4700
National Council on Problem Gambling: (202) 547-9204 or NCPGambling.org
Online Casinos
Sportsbooks
Card Rooms
Tribal Casinos
Racebooks
Commercial Casinos
Commercial Sportsbetting
