While Ohio online casinos have not been legalized yet, we’re hopeful that the state will take steps to move in this direction in the near future. Online casino gaming is slowly emerging as a premier moneymaker for states across the U.S.
As of 2022, six states have legalized online casino gaming: New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Delaware. This leaves Ohio among the many states that have still yet to explore legal online casino games.
Ohio sports betting welcome offers
bet365 Sportsbook 
- Bonus Code: USBETS
- $200 Paid in Bonus Bets
- 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
BetMGM Sportsbook- Promo Code: OHBETS
- Refunded in Bonus Bets if you don't win
- 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
FanDuel Sportsbook- No Promo Code Required
- Offer Paid in Bonus Bets
- Expires on 6/18
- 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Fanatics Sportsbook- Exclusive OH Beta Access
- Bet $5 to unlock $200 in Bonus Bets
- 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
PointsBet Sportsbook- No Promo Code Required
- New users can place up to 10 $100 qualifying bets to redeem full amount of bonus bets. (daily for 10 days)
- Exclusive Ohio Offer
- 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Ohio is generating plenty of buzz in gambling as legal sports betting is officially launching on January 1, 2023. Although the two aren’t directly connected, this development could lead to the potential expansion of iGaming in Ohio’s future.
This page will discuss what the online casino industry would look like in Ohio. We’ll review standard online casino welcome bonuses, the most popular online casino game types, potential operators, and when it could be legalized.
Senate unanimously passes Amended House Bill 29, granting veteran ID cards to uniformed service members, legalizing sports betting in Ohio, and giving student athletes the opportunity to profit from their name, image and likeness.
— Ohio Senate GOP (@OhioSenateGOP) June 25, 2021
Ohio online casinos: Current legislation
It was an exciting 2021 for Ohioans. HB 29 was signed into law, making the Buckeye state the 34th state to legalize sports betting. Ohio may be a little later to the sports betting party than expected, but what matters most is that they eventually showed up.
Online casino games were not approved through HB29, so there is currently no active online casino gaming legislation in Ohio. That being said, HB29 still serves as a major step in the right direction and could pave the way for Ohio iGaming.
As the sports betting launch date nears, plenty of big-time operators have applied for a sports betting license in Ohio. Those brands include:
- DraftKings;
- FanDuel;
- Caesars;
- BetMGM.
All of these operate online casinos in other legal states, so they would be set up for easy entry into Ohio should legislation arise. Plus, the brick-and-mortar casino scene in Ohio is robust as there are 11 land-based casinos, seven of which are racinos.
There is a bright future for online casino gambling in Ohio when their lawmakers decide to bring it along.
Ohio has all of the ingredients for legal online casinos – they just need a bill to get it done.
Reasons to be optimistic about online casinos in Ohio
Although online casinos and poker are not in the fold, Ohioans should feel optimistic. For starters, Ohio lawmakers have demonstrated an initiative that online gaming is a part of their state fabric.
The state has legalized and regulated daily fantasy sports since 2017, while online sports betting will be live in 2023. In addition, several horse betting sites have thrived in the Buckeye State since it was legalized in 2011.
And finally, Ohio is surrounded by online gambling, with each bordering state except Kentucky. Michigan, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania are three of the six states that have legalized and regulated online casino gambling.
In addition, Indiana has had online sports betting since 2019. Ohio may have been late with sports betting, but they don’t have to be with online casino.
Online casino brands in Ohio
Right now, without legalized online casino gambling in “The Heart of It All” state, it’s tough to forecast which online casino brands would want to join.
However, there are plenty of online sportsbooks that have already been approved to launch. Some of those sportsbooks also have online casinos in other legal states. Below we will preview these online casino brands and what Ohioans could expect from their products should they make their way to Ohio.
FanDuel Casino OH
FanDuel came to Ohio in 2017 when the state legalized daily fantasy sports and will be a part of the state’s sports betting launch in 2023 through a partnership with Boyd Gaming and the Belterra Park Racino.
It made its name in the DFS universe and has since branched out to the sports betting and casino gambling spaces. FanDuel has thrived everywhere they’ve been as they are one of the top gambling brands in the United States.
FanDuel’s Casino is a fantastic overall product. They have one of the more enticing welcome bonuses among casino brands and a wide selection of games. Their app is fast, fluid, and easy to use, and in general there is no stone left unturned.
It’s a great online casino and would do well in the Ohio online casino market.
DraftKings Casino OH
FanDuel’s biggest competitor is the Boston-based conglomerate of DraftKings. Like FanDuel, DraftKings became prominent in the DFS space and has since branched out to sports betting and casino gaming.
DraftKings Sportsbook is coming to Ohio through a partnership with the Hollywood Casino Toledo, which could also work for iGaming too.
DraftKings Casino is available in many states, including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan, West Virginia, and New Jersey. Like FanDuel, DraftKings puts its customers first in terms of modernizing its design and game menu.
They have all of the most popular games, and plenty of in-house, DK-made titles.
PointsBet Casino OH
The Australian sports betting company is one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry. PointsBet infiltrated the United States in 2018 after the collapse of PASPA and has since expanded into online casino gambling.
They have a presence in Ohio already through the Hollywood Casino at Mahoning Valley Race Course, and could roll that forward to include not just sports, but also casino should legislation permit it.
PointsBet is known for having trendsetting features such as their sportsbook’s unique “PointsBetting” wagering.
Their casino is no different as they are quickly expanding. Their selection of games isn’t as enticing as some other online casinos at the moment. However, we expect them to correct this as they continue to grow.
Hard Rock Casino OH
One of the biggest names in the casino industry is Hard Rock. Ohioans should be familiar with Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, one of the state’s eleven brick-and-mortar casinos.
We expect once Ohio elects to allow online casino gambling, Hard Rock will be all over it with their fingerprints already in the state’s casino landscape.
BetMGM Casino OH
Another major name in the gambling industry is Vegas darling, MGM. The brand has made no bones about publicizing its online extension, BetMGM. It serves as a destination for sports betting, online casino and poker in states that allow it.
BetMGM has been one of the more aggressive and successful brands when it comes to expanding in the sports betting and casino industries. BetMGM’s online casino is currently available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia.
They are starting to separate themselves as one of the leaders in all things gambling.
Popular online casino games in Ohio
Even though the in-person, brick-and-mortar casino experience is tough to beat, there’s a reason online casino gaming is becoming so popular.
Are you tired of waiting in a gaming room? Can the drive to your local casino be a hassle? Nowadays, we’ve seen many states implement regulated online casino gaming, and they are thriving due to the convenience factor. You can play anywhere, at any time.
Whether that’s from the comfort of your home, waiting in the lobby of a doctor’s appointment or killing some time while riding public transit – online casino games are available.
While we are not exactly sure what games will be available in Ohio, other states with legal casinos have focused heavily on the following:
Online slots in Ohio
Online slots are arguably the most popular casino format. They’re easy, fun and can be bottomless in selection. The days of just playing the one-armed bandit in the casino are numbered. With online slots, you can play slots from your home desktop, or whenever you’re on the run on your smartphone.
There are several reasons why online slots are so prevalent in legal states. First, anyone can do it. Unlike poker or other table games, there aren’t any complex skills or rules for players to know beforehand. There is no strategy, and the game is entirely based on luck.
Second, the payouts are very attractive. Users can receive 10x, 100x, 1,000x, and even up to 10,000x their initial stake back in a payout. There’s always an allure when it comes to jackpot games.
Third, online slots port really well to mobile gaming. There aren’t a ton of cards to display or keep track of – they’re relatively simplistic, graphically pleasing, and generally speaking port exceptionally well to a casino mobile app. Online slots were made for the small screen.
And finally, as we stated in the beginning, the wide selection is very appealing. Like you’d find in a land-based casino, there are usually hundreds of options available for you to try out.
And there are several popular themes you can choose from, such as fantasy, sports-based, and even music or movie-themed slot games.
Online slot games constantly update their features, from new bonus features to new symbols. Online slots provide entertainment for new and experienced casino players.
Ohio online blackjack
While online slots may be the most popular casino medium, blackjack has an argument.
Despite the hassles of going to a casino, one of the most significant benefits of playing online blackjack is you never have to wait for an open table. Regular casino-goers know how packed blackjack tables can be on a Friday night.
This is something you don’t have to sweat online – you can play from the comfort of your living space whenever you want.
In addition, you can immerse yourself in several versions of online blackjack. Whether you want to play standard 21 with or without a live dealer, Triple 7’s, Spanish 21, or Double Blackjack, online will have it.
Another aspect that we love about online blackjack is that you can play around with the table minimums. Most casinos won’t spread a game with a minimum bet under $10… with an online blackjack table in Ohio, you’ll be able to wager as much (or as little) as you desire.
Want to get the hang of it and put just $.10 a hand down? You can do it.
Online roulette
By nature, roulette is an easy game to play. Maybe you have a lucky number, a routine, or you go off of a feeling. But it’s easy, pick your number, color, odd, even, etc. place your bet, and hope for the best.
Whether you want to play with a live dealer or not, online roulette still offers the same thrill as you’d get in a land-based casino.
Live Dealer casino games for Ohio
Land-based casinos offer a lot of intrigue. And the biggest reason why is you can make a social experience out of it. You can meet other players and dealers while playing some of your favorite games.
However, you might not be able to attend a casino regularly. If this is the case, live dealer games could be a match. Live dealer games are exactly what they sound like. It’s an online casino game that is run and officiated by a real person – a live dealer.
You can communicate with your dealer directly via chat, which leads to a more authentic feeling game. Thanks to high-definition live streaming video, you can feel like you’re at your land-based casino. The dealer is real, the cards are real, its only your chips that are digital.
Video Poker
Video poker is an oldie but a goodie. They’re simple to learn, fun to play, and actually have one of the better ‘return to player’ (RTP) percentages in any casino.
In addition, they’re great for the people that love some strategy in their casino games. Slots can be great, but maybe you want something that feels like it’s more in your control. Video poker is a game of chance and skill but will reward you for optimal gameplay in the long run.
Brick and mortar casinos in Ohio
There are eleven casinos in Ohio. This includes four stand-alone casinos, while there are seven racetracks with casino gaming – also known as racinos.
Retail casinos usually jump at the chance to branch out into the iGaming aspect of casino gaming. This has been the case with the six states that have legalized online casino gaming, and we’d expect the same to be true in Ohio when online casino gaming becomes a reality.
Here is a table of the following brick-and-mortar casinos you can play at in Ohio.
| Online Casino Name | Location | Owner | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belterra Park Cincinnati | Anderson Township | Gaming and Leisure Properties | Racino |
| Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs | Columbus | Caesars Entertainment | Racino |
| Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Vici Properties | Land-based |
| Hollywood Casino Columbus | Columbus | Gaming and Leisure Properties | Land-based |
| Hollywood Casino Toledo | Toledo | Gaming and Leisure Properties | Land-based |
| Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | Dayton | Gaming and Leisure Properties | Racino |
| Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course | Austintown | Gaming and Leisure Properties | Racino |
| Jack Cleveland Casino | Cleveland | Vici Properties | Land-based |
| Jack Thistledown Racino | North Randall | Vici Properties | Racino |
| MGM Northfield Park | Northfield | Vici Properties | Racino |
| Miami Valley Gaming | Turtlecreek Township | Delaware North Companies and Churchill Downs Inc. | Racino |
Potential benefits of legal online casino in Ohio
There’s a reason that states are trying to get iGaming legislation on the books: the benefits are plentiful for all parties. Let’s jump into some of the biggest reasons why legal online casino gaming would be a benefit for the state of Ohio:
Safe and secure gaming
Legal online casinos will be heavily regulated and secure in the state of Ohio. So, there is nothing for you to worry about.
Online casinos that launch in Ohio will go through a rigorous application process and, ultimately, will be heavily backed by the Ohio state government.
Additionally, Ohio Casino Control Commission is a gaming control board that will oversee all things related to gambling, such as daily fantasy sports, sports betting, and hopefully, in the near future, online casinos.
When it comes to tying up your money in online casinos, you don’t have to be concerned. Deposits and withdrawals are seamless, quick, and effortless. Everything is backed by the government, unlike the offshore sites that dominate the market now.
When Ohio online casinos are legalized, all players will be protected.
Excellent bonuses and promotions
Once online casino operators are allowed to launch in Ohio, there will be an impressive array of promotions and bonuses for players to take advantage of. Each iCasino will be competing against one another to have you playing on their app.
How do they do this? By offering lucrative incentives like deposit match offers, casino freeplays, free cash, and more.
We’ll keep our fingers crossed that when Ohio does legalize online casinos, they permit plenty of competition.
Availability and convenience
This may be the biggest reason for the proliferation of online betting.
Playing online casinos in legal states is easily accessible. You should have no issues if you are within the state borders and have a strong internet connection. No need to worry about an annoying drive or to get all dressed up.
You can play from the comfort of your couch in pajamas if you’d like! It doesn’t get much more convenient than that.
Betting small and trying new games
When you go to a casino there is usually a minimum stake in each game (depending on the table game, it’s usually around $5 – $10). For online casinos, you can go much lower. $.10 or even $.01 bets are available on many games, meaning you can make a small amount of money last a long time.
Demo versions of popular games are also available. You can try out new games you may not feel comfortable trying in-person at a casino because you don’t know the rules, and you can do it without risking any money. You don’t need to worry about holding up other people at your table.
When you play an online casino, you can bet as small as you’d like, learn with free demo versions, and really get the hang of online casino games before you put real money on the table.
Ohio online casino FAQ
Check the most frequent questions and answers about online casinos in Ohio.
Is it legal to gamble online in Ohio?
Sports betting: Yes
Online casino: No – not yet. We will be monitoring the situation closely and remain hopeful that Ohio legislators will shift their efforts to online casino gaming now that sports betting has been taken care of.
When will Ohio legalize online casino games?
It’s tough to say right now. Online casino gaming was not included in HB29, which legalized sports betting in the state. Once the state’s sports betting industry gets going (Jan 2023), state legislators may shift their focus to other ways to generate income for the state.
Online casino may well be one of them.
What online casinos are legal in Ohio?
None, currently, but this could change. Six states have legalized online casino games to this point, and Ohio may well be one of the next to follow.
What is the legal age for online casino games in Ohio?
While none has been set, since online casino games are not yet legal in Ohio, we’d be absolutely shocked if the age limit wasn’t eventually set at 21. You have to be 21 to enter a brick-and-mortar casino in the state, and it would only make sense for that age to carry over for iGaming.
