Ohio hasn’t yet legalized online casinos, but there is a good chance that could change in the next few years. Legislators are currently discussing the possibility in Columbus.
In the meantime, however, your best bet for playing casino games online and winning real money is through social and sweepstakes casinos.
In this guide, I’ll let you know about the best Ohio online casinos available right now, and I’ll explain how these sites work. I’ll also go over everything else you need to know about online gambling in the Buckeye State.
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Are Online Casinos Legal in Ohio?
No, Ohio does not have legal online casino gambling, and the state does not license or regulate any real money gaming platforms.
This is why you cannot play slots or blackjack on DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, or any other similar apps.
While these brands CAN offer online sports betting in Ohio (since that is legal and permitted), they CAN NOT offer online casino games to players physically located inside the state of Ohio.
What Ohio Laws Say About Online Casino Gambling
Ohio law doesn’t come right out and say that “online casinos are illegal.” But if you read through the state’s gambling statutes, it’s pretty clear that real-money online casino gaming isn’t allowed. Here’s why:
- Ohio Revised Code § 2915.02 makes it illegal to “establish, promote, or operate any game of chance conducted for profit.” That includes just about any traditional casino game (like slots, blackjack, or roulette) played for real money online.
- Ohio Revised Code § 2915.03 takes things a step further. It bans anyone from “using or occupying” property for illegal gambling. Today, that can easily apply to websites, servers, or apps being used to host unlicensed casino games.
- The Ohio Constitution (Article XV, Section 6) only allows casino gambling at four physical locations in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo. There’s no mention of online casinos or any form of statewide digital gambling.
So even though Ohio allows mobile sports betting, it hasn’t taken that next step for casino games. Until lawmakers change the law or voters approve a new constitutional amendment, online casinos are (and will remain) illegal.
Ohio Online Casino Legalization Update: House Bill 298 and Senate Bill 197
Ohio lawmakers are now beginning to take a serious interest in online casino gambling. Two bills were introduced in May 2025: Senate Bill 197 by Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and House Bill 298 by Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville).
Senator Manning’s bill is much broader in scope, proposing to legalize online casino games, online lottery games, and online horse race betting. The version of the bill in the House is much more stripped-down, focusing primarily on the legalization of online casinos.
There are, however, two major hurdles for these Ohio online casino bills at the moment.
- One is that there is some legal precedent suggesting that a constitutional amendment would be required to actually legalize real-money online casinos, which would then require voter approval in a future election.
- The other, of course, is that Governor Mike DeWine has already expressed his opposition to the state getting into the online casino gambling business. So even if either bill can be passed, a gubernatorial veto remains very likely.
How We Got Here: Ohio’s Online Casino Timeline
July 2025
Governor Mike DeWine speaks out against the idea of expanding casino and lottery gambling online. He says Ohio already has “enough gambling.” Adding more ways to play, he warns, would only make addiction worse.
May 2025
The Ohio House of Representatives holds hearings on HB 298. FanDuel and the Sports Betting Alliance support the bill, but opponents say it would hurt the state’s brick-and-mortar casinos and lead to increased problem gambling.
May 2025
Lawmakers introduce two matching bills to legalize and regulate online casino gambling. SB 197 and HB 298 would give the Ohio Casino Control Commission authority to oversee iGaming. Only existing casinos and racinos could get licenses, and new tax money would flow to the state’s general fund and problem-gambling programs.
January 2025
SB 312 expires as the 2024 session ends. The bill never gains enough interest or any real momentum.
September 2024
Senator Niraj Antani introduces SB 312, a plan to legalize iGaming with oversight from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. It would let each of the state’s 11 casinos operate one online platform.
July 2024
After months of study, the Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio releases its report. Lawmakers note rising interest in online casino and lottery games and say iGaming could help the state… if it’s handled carefully and regulated the right way.
Best Alternatives to Real-Money Online Casinos in Ohio
Since Ohio hasn’t legalized online casinos yet, players in the state usually turn to one of two options: offshore casinos or sweepstakes casinos. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
Offshore Gambling Sites
Offshore casinos are gambling websites that operate outside Ohio. And outside the United States entirely.
Many of them accept players from the Buckeye State, though. They’ll let you sign up, deposit real money, and play a bunch of your favorite casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, and baccart (even though offering those online here isn’t legal).
They’re able to do this because Ohio’s gambling laws are typically enforced against the operators, not the players. Since these sites are based overseas, the state doesn’t have jurisdiction over them, and no one in Ohio has ever gotten in trouble just for playing on one.
That said, it’s still not a great idea. Offshore casinos come with a lot of potential risks:
- No real regulation or oversight
- Delayed or denied payouts
- Little to no customer support
- Weak security around payments and personal data
- No guarantee the games are fair
- Very few responsible gaming tools
So yes, you can technically play on them, and plenty of people do… but it’s risky. And I wouldn’t recommend it.
Social Casinos & Sweepstakes Casinos
Ok, so there are no state-licensed online casinos. And offshore casinos are a bad idea. What’s left? Well, the answer is social casinos, also commonly known as “sweepstakes casinos”.
These websites are legal in Ohio (and most other US states) for one simple reason: they don’t allow you to gamble. Instead of having you play casino games with real money, you play with a virtual currency: usually Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins for real cash prizes (1.00 SC = $1.00).
Chumba, McLuck, Pulsz, Stake.us, and High 5 Casino are a few of the biggest names out there. I’d bet you’ve heard of at least one (if not a couple) already.
And these are the best online casino options for Ohio residents right now.
Comparing the Top 5 Ohio Online Casinos
We’ve covered all the legal stuff. So now, I think it’s time for something a bit more fun. Let’s take a look at some of the best online casinos in Ohio. We’re talking real sites and apps where you can play, win, and have a good time.
Below are five of the best sites/apps available today. See how they stack up and what each one offers.
| 🎰 Best Ohio Online Casinos | 🎉 No Deposit Bonus | 🏦 First Purchase Deal | 🎮 Number of Casino Games | 💸 Min. Redemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. WOW Vegas | 250,000 WC + 5.00 SC | 1.5 Million WC for $9.99 + 30 FREE SC | 1,500+ | 25 SC |
| 2. High 5 | 400 GC + 3.00 SC + 300 Diamonds | 300 GC & 100 Diamonds for $29.99 + 52 FREE SC | 1,500+ | 50 SC |
| 3. Stake.us | 250,000 GC + 25.00 SC | N/A | 2,000+ | ~50 SC (Depends on Price of Crypto) |
| 4. LoneStar | 100,000 GC + 2.50 SC | 125K GC for $24.99 + 50 FREE SC | 500+ | 45 SC |
| 5. Crown Coins | 100K CC + 2.00 SC | 900K CC for $14.99 + 45 FREE SC | 500+ | 50 SC |
1. WOW Vegas Casino: Best for Game Variety
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 FREE SC
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.1/5.0
WOW Vegas is my personal favorite because it’s one of the best online casinos in Ohio when it comes to game variety.
There are easily over a thousand slot games from popular software providers such as NetEnt, Hacksaw Gaming, 3 Oaks, and plenty more.
It also has a very good live dealer section, as well as some bingo games, scratch cards, arcade games, and video poker variants mixed in for good measure.
Add daily promos and a solid reputation for treating players fairly, and it’s no surprise that so many Ohio people love to play games here. Read our complete WOW Vegas review to learn more.
2. High 5 Casino: Best for Mobile Gameplay
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 3 FREE SC, 400 GC, & 300 Diamonds on Sign Up
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.3/5.0
Up next? High 5 Casino. This one is going to be a no-brainer for most mobile players in Ohio.
The High 5 app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, and it will operate just fine on whatever device you have. This app is also fast, clean, and easy to navigate.
Once there, you’ll find more than 1,500 games to play, including slots, live dealers and arcade-style games. Check out our complete High 5 Casino review for all the details.
3. Stake.us Casino: Best for Live Dealer Games
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 250K Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash on Sign Up
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: ATSBONUS
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.5/5.0
Stake.us has the best Ohio online casino experience for live dealers.
There are a couple dozen tables available, including live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and even some interactive game shows. The video streams are smooth, the dealers are professional, and the experience is as close to Vegas as it gets online.
All of the live games come from reputable providers like Evolution, ICONIC21, and more, so you know the quality will be there. Visit our full Stake.us review for more.
4. LoneStar Casino: Best for Daily Promotions
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 100K GC, 2.5 FREE SC, & 100% Match on 1st Purchase
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click to Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.0/5.0
LoneStar is my favorite casino for daily promotions.
There’s always some way to play for free: random bonus drops, referral bonuses, social media contests, VIP benefits, and slot tournaments. You’ll never get bored, because there’s always something going on.
It’s one of those sites where you get rewarded for simply logging in each day. If you don’t want to have to keep buying coins all the time, this is the site to stay loyal to. Visit our LoneStar review for all the details.
5. Crown Coins: Best for Fast Payouts on Casino Winnings
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 200% Match on 1st Purchase + 2 FREE SC at Sign Up
- 🎉 Promo Code: CLICK HERE
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 3.8/5.0
Crown Coins has the fastest and easiest payouts of all the Ohio online casinos. Withdrawals go directly to your bank account or Skrill wallet, or you can even pick up a gift card from one of your favorite brands.
Payouts are usually within a day or two, once you’ve verified your account and made your first redemption. Read our full Crown Coins review for details.
Popular Games You Can Play at Ohio Online Casino Sites
Hard to believe, but Ohio’s social casinos and sweepstakes casinos offer the same games you would expect from a traditional online casino site. And in some cases? Even more. Here’s a short preview of what you can expect:
Slots
As with every online gambling site, there will be hundreds (sometimes even thousands) of slots to choose from. Expect to find hundreds of options, including classic slots, video slots with bonus rounds and jackpots, and new releases added regularly.
Table Games
If you’re a fan of blackjack, roulette, or baccarat, you will feel right at home. Ohio players will find multiple variations of each game, and newer variations with side bets and special rules to add variety.
Video Poker
Fan favorites like Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker, are always available. Video poker is a great option if you like a combination of skill and chance, and it usually offers some of the best payout percentages.
Specialty Games
In addition to all of the above, you will also find many extra “niche” options as well. Bingo, keno, scratch cards, Plinko games, crash games, and even fish-shooting arcade games are popular choices. They are great if you just want to play something quick, different, and easy.
Ohio Online Casino No Deposit Bonuses
Do you like no-deposit bonuses? Of course you do. Everybody does. Who doesn’t love to play games for free and maybe even win real money without even opening your wallet?
Good news. Every Ohio online casino that operates on the sweepstakes model offers one. Seriously, all of them do. That’s because, well, they have to. For a sweepstakes to be legal and legit, there has to be a free way to enter or participate.
Because of that, these casinos give Ohio players free spins and bonus credits as soon as they sign up. Most also include daily login rewards or even mail-in entry options if you want extra chances to play for free.
Anyway, take a look at the table below to see 10 of the best Ohio online casino bonuses you can claim right now without spending a cent.
| 🎰 Ohio Online Casino | 🎁 No Deposit Bonus |
|---|---|
| RealPrize | 100K Gold Coins + 2.00 Sweeps Coins |
| Mega Bonanza | 7,500 Gold Coins + 2.50 Sweepstakes Coins |
| Stake.us | 250K Gold Coins + 25 Stake Cash |
| High 5 Casino | 3 FREE SC, 400 GC, & 300 Diamonds |
| McLuck | 7,500 Gold Coins + 2.50 Sweeps Coins |
| Spree Casino | 1 Million Gold Coins + 2.5 Spree Coins |
| Moonspin | 60K Gold Coins + 3 Sweeps Coins |
| PlayFame | 7,500 Gold Coins + 2.50 Sweeps Coins |
| WOW Vegas | 250K WOW Coins + 5.00 Sweepstakes Coins |
| The Money Factory | 15K Gold Coins + 3 Sweepstakes Coins |
Want a few more deals to grab? Or maybe you’re wondering exactly how these promos work? Don’t worry. Our full guide to Ohio online casino no-deposit bonuses has all the details.
How to Play Games for Real Money at Ohio Casino Sites
Ready to play at Ohio online casino sites? But don’t know how to get started? Well, read this, so you can play all your favorite games and win real money!
Step 1: Choose a Sweepstakes Casino
Because traditional online casinos are not currently legal in Ohio, the best type of casino for you is a social casino and/or sweepstakes casino. Where to start? WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, and Stake.us are a few of our favorites. Or you can pick something else from our list of social casinos.
Step 2: Set Up a New Account
Visit the Ohio casino website and create an account. Just provide an email address, choose a password, and you’re ready to go. Or, if the casino allows it, log in via Google or Facebook, which is usually quicker.
Step 3: Claim Your Free Welcome Bonus
Free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins will be added to your account balance automatically. No payment or deposit is required.
Step 4: Make a Purchase (Optional)
If you like, you can make your first purchase of a Gold Coin package (which comes with bonus Sweeps Coins). Most first-time purchases come with a 100% match or better.
Step 5: Play Casino Games
Play the slots, blackjack, roulette, or whatever casino games you want. Once you have earned enough Sweeps Coins, you can redeem them for real cash prizes.
Other Legal Forms of Ohio Online Gambling
Online casino gambling may not be legal in Ohio quite yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bet and win real money on your phone. There are plenty of legal betting options as long as you have an internet or cellular connection. Here’s a quick guide to what is and isn’t legal:
| Type of Online Gambling | Is It Allowed in Ohio? ✅ | Legal Gambling Age 🔞 |
|---|---|---|
| 🎲 Casinos | No | N/A |
| ♠️ Poker | No | N/A |
| 🏀 Sports Betting | Yes | 21+ |
| 🏇 Horse Race Betting | Yes | 18+ |
| 🏈 Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes | 18+ |
| 🎟️ Lottery Games | Yes | 18+ |
Sports Betting
Ohio online sports betting is legal. The industry went live on New Year’s Day 2023 and is regulated by the state.
You’ll find over a dozen sportsbooks that are licensed to accept wagers here. DraftKings, FanDuel, ESPN BET, and BetMGM are some of the biggest names operating in the Buckeye State at the moment.
Horse Racing
Pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is also legal in Ohio. You can bet online using licensed sites/apps like TwinSpires, DK Horse, FanDuel Racing, etc. And everything’s regulated by the Ohio Racing Commission.
Daily Fantasy Sports
DFS has been legal since 2017 when lawmakers classified these contests as games of skill, rather than games of chance. You can enter paid contests and play for real money on the most popular apps, like DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog, and Sleeper.
Lottery Games
The Ohio Lottery also went mobile. You can buy tickets on your phone through lottery-approved third-party courier services such as Lotto.com and Jackpot.com.
Ohio Online Gambling Laws Compared to Neighboring States
Ever wonder how Ohio’s online gambling laws stack up against the states around it? The table below gives you a quick look at what’s allowed and what’s not.
| State | Online Casinos | Online Poker | Online Sports Betting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
| Michigan | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal |
| West Virginia | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal | ✅ Legal |
| Indiana | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
| Kentucky | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
| New York | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
| Illinois | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
| Virginia | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
| Maryland | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
| District of Columbia (D.C.) | ❌ Not Legal | ❌ Not Legal | ✅ Legal |
One thing stands out right away. Online sports betting is legal pretty much everywhere near Ohio… and here too. The difference is that a few neighbors, like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, have already added online casinos and online poker to the mix.
For Ohio players, that can be frustrating. But it’s also what’s pushing things forward. Lawmakers here can see what’s happening next door (steady tax money coming in, strong regulations in place), and they’re starting to take notice.
That same pattern is spreading. Nearby states like Indiana, Virginia, Illinois, and New York have all brought forward their own iGaming bills, and Ohio’s right there with them.
The pressure’s on, and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before something gives and one (or more) of these states decides to move forward with legalizing online casino games.
Ohio Land-Based Casinos
Ohio hasn’t launched real-money casino sites yet, but there are still plenty of brick-and-mortar options. Voters approved casino gambling in person back in November 2009. This cleared the way for four full-scale casinos to open: one each in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
A few years later, state officials decided to allow video lottery terminals at horse racing tracks. Video lottery terminals pretty much look and play the same as regular slot machines, but they’re run through the Ohio Lottery Commission instead of the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
In total, there are 11 casinos throughout the Buckeye State: four land-based casinos and seven racinos. Here’s the complete list:
| 🎰 Ohio Casino | 📍 City | 🎲 Type |
|---|---|---|
| Belterra Park | Cincinnati | Racino |
| Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs | Columbus | Racino |
| Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Land-Based Casino |
| Hollywood Casino Columbus | Columbus | Land-Based Casino |
| Hollywood Casino Toledo | Toledo | Land-Based Casino |
| Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | Dayton | Racino |
| Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley | Austintown | Racino |
| JACK Cleveland Casino | Cleveland | Land-Based Casino |
| JACK Thistledown Racino | North Randall | Racino |
| MGM Northfield Park | Northfield | Racino |
| Miami Valley Gaming | Lebanon | Racino |
Let’s go ahead and take a quick look at each of the state’s four full-fledged, commercial casinos:
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
- 📍 Address: 1000 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- 📞 Phone Number: (513) 250-3150
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati first opened in March 2013. It’s owned by VICI Properties and operated by Hard Rock International and is spread out over a 100,000-square-foot floor. The casino has over 1,600 slots, 100-plus table games, and a live poker room that’s open 24 hours a day.
Hollywood Casino Columbus
- 📍 Address: 200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
- 📞 Phone Number: (614) 308-3333
Owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties but operated by Penn Entertainment, Hollywood Casino Columbus first opened in October 2012. This Ohio casino has more than 2,200 slot machines, approximately 75 table games, and what it describes as “the biggest poker room in town.”
Hollywood Casino Toledo
- 📍 Address: 1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH 43605
- 📞 Phone Number: (419) 661-5200
Located just off I-75 along the Maumee River, Hollywood Casino Toledo first opened its doors in May 2012.
The casino has more than 2,000 slots, 60 table games, and 20 poker tables across its roughly 125,000-square-foot floor. It also offers complimentary drinks to guests as well as live music, and those 21 and older can also place a bet at its ESPN BET’s retail sportsbook.
Jack Cleveland Casino
- 📍 Address: 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
- 📞 Phone Number: (216) 297-4777
The city of Cleveland’s first downtown casino, JACK Cleveland Casino (previously known as Horseshoe Casino Cleveland) first opened in May 2012.
This brick-and-mortar casino is owned and operated by JACK Entertainment, which runs a total of more than 1,300 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, and even its own betJACK retail sportsbook.
Responsible Gambling in Ohio
Ohio makes it very easy to get help if you feel that gambling is becoming a problem for you. Responsible gaming is a priority, and there are multiple free and confidential options available. A few of the resources available to you are:
- Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-589-9966 (available 24/7)
- Ohio for Responsible Gambling (ORG): www.ohio.gov/responsible-gambling
- Problem Gambling Network of Ohio: www.pgnohio.org
- Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program: www.timeoutohio.com
Ohio Online Casino FAQs
Not for online casino games. DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in Ohio. DraftKings Casino is not. Betting on sports is fine on the app or website, but playing casino games like slots, blackjack, or roulette is not legal under current state law.
No, PokerStars is not available in Ohio. Ohio has not yet made it legal to play at online poker rooms with real money poker tournaments or cash games. For now, your best options are sweepstakes poker rooms like Global Poker and Clubs Poker.
Rainbet and other offshore casinos are illegal here. However, no Ohio players have ever been prosecuted for using one of these online gambling sites. But that’s not to say that there aren’t some very real risks, such as having withdrawals denied for no reason, data or identity theft from a poor level of security, and no legal recourse should the operator simply vanish overnight.
Yes, you do. All net casino winnings in Ohio (from a commercial casino, racino, offshore site, sweepstakes casino) are taxable income. You will owe state AND federal taxes. And by the way, for 2026 and beyond, Ohio’s state tax rate is a flat 2.75% for all income levels.
Affiliate Disclosure
ATS.io features affiliate links to licensed online casinos, sportsbooks, and gambling platforms. That means if you click on them and end up signing up or making a deposit, we might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only work with licensed and reputable online casinos, social casinos and sportsbooks. Our content whether it’s reviews, guides, or betting tips is written with the goal of being honest, helpful, and based on real experience. While we do earn through affiliate partnerships, it doesn’t affect our recommendations. If a site isn’t safe or doesn’t meet our standards, we won’t promote it. Simple as that. We also take responsible gambling seriously. We encourage all our readers to gamble safely, set limits, and know when to take a break. Have questions? Feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat.
