Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | Ohio |
| Online Casino Games | Not legal |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal — retail and mobile |
| Online Poker | Not separately regulated |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal — license required |
| State Lottery | Yes |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 casinos & sports / 18 lottery |
| Regulatory Body | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
| Last Legal Update | 2024 — College athlete prop bet ban (March 1) |
Legal Overview
Ohio has a long and evolving relationship with gambling. The state authorized its lottery in 1973, approved four commercial casinos by constitutional amendment in 2009, and legalized sports betting in 2021. As of 2026, Ohio offers a broad range of legal gambling options — but online casino games and online poker remain off the table.
What’s Legal
Sports betting is fully legal in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 on December 22, 2021, and all three license types launched simultaneously on January 1, 2023:
- Type A — Mobile and online sportsbooks (approximately 15 operators as of March 2026)
- Type B — Retail sportsbooks at brick-and-mortar casinos and professional sports venues
- Type C — Self-service lottery kiosks at qualifying retail locations
Ohio was the first state to launch all three categories on the same day. Unlike Nevada, Ohio does not require in-person registration before placing mobile bets.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) became legal under HB 132 (Fantasy Contests Act), signed in December 2017 and effective April 2018. Major DFS operators including DraftKings and FanDuel are licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3774.
The Ohio Lottery has operated since 1973, offering draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions, Classic Lotto, Rolling Cash 5, Pick 3/4/5, Lucky for Life), scratch-off tickets, and Keno. Players can purchase lottery tickets online at ohiolottery.com. The Ohio Lottery Commission also oversees Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at the state’s seven racinos.
What’s Not Legal
Ohio does not currently permit online casino games. No legislation authorizing online slots, table games, or other casino-style games has been enacted. Two bills have been introduced — HB 298 (2024) and SB 197 (2025) — but both stalled in committee without advancing to a floor vote. Governor DeWine has not endorsed further gambling expansion.
Ohio has not legalized online poker. Live poker rooms are available at land-based casinos, but no legislation authorizing regulated online poker has been proposed. Ohio is not a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
Regulatory Structure
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is the primary regulator for casino gaming, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. OCCC was established following voter approval of State Issue 3 in November 2009 and operates under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3772.
The Ohio Lottery Commission separately oversees the state lottery and the seven racinos, which operate under Video Lottery Terminal licenses.
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Casino Control Commission | Casinos, sports betting, DFS | casinocontrol.ohio.gov |
| Ohio Lottery Commission | Lottery, racinos (VLTs) | ohiolottery.com |
Minimum Gambling Ages
| Activity | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Casino gaming (all forms) | 21 |
| Sports betting (retail and mobile) | 21 |
| Ohio Lottery (draw games, scratch-offs, Keno) | 18 |
| Charitable bingo | 16 (with adult supervision) |
Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohio launched legal sports betting on January 1, 2023, under House Bill 29. The state uses a multi-operator, open-market model — unlike some states that limit the number of licensed operators. Ohio’s sports betting market generated approximately $10.3 billion in total handle in calendar year 2025, making it a top-10 US sports betting state by volume. Mobile wagering (Type A licenses) accounts for roughly 95% of all handle.
Licensed Mobile Sportsbooks
The following mobile sportsbook operators hold active Type A licenses in Ohio as of March 2026:
| Operator | Partner / Notes |
|---|---|
| FanDuel | Partnership with Belterra Park |
| DraftKings | Partnership with ThistleDown |
| BetMGM | MGM Resorts / Northfield Park |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars Entertainment |
| ESPN BET | Penn Entertainment (replaced Barstool Sportsbook, August 2023) |
| BetRivers | Rush Street Interactive |
| Hard Rock Bet | Hard Rock International |
| bet365 | bet365 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Fanatics |
| betJACK | JACK Entertainment |
| Betr | Betr |
| BetPARX | Parx Casino |
| Betly | Delaware North |
| SuperBook | SuperBook Sports |
Operator availability may change. This list reflects active licenses as of March 2026. Visit casinocontrol.ohio.gov for the current licensed operator list.
Sports Betting Tax Rate
Ohio imposes a 20% privilege tax on gross sports gaming revenue. This rate was originally set at 10% under HB 29 but was doubled to 20% through HB 33 (the state budget bill) in July 2023. Tax revenue is directed toward education, youth sports programs, and the problem gambling assistance fund.
College Sports Betting Restrictions
Ohio permits betting on college sports, with one important restriction: player-specific proposition bets on individual college athletes are prohibited as of March 1, 2024. This means bets like “Player X to score 20+ points” are not permitted on college games.
The following college sports bets remain legal in Ohio:
- Point spreads, moneylines, and totals on college games
- Team-level proposition bets (e.g., “Team Y to score first”)
- Parlays involving permitted college bet types
This restriction was enacted to protect college athletes from targeted harassment and match-fixing pressure. Ohio joins several other states (including New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Kansas) that have implemented similar measures.
Offshore Online Casinos
Because Ohio has not legalized online casino games or online poker, some Ohio residents access offshore online casinos for slots and table games. These platforms operate outside state regulation and are not licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
MobileCasinoParty earns commissions from casino referrals through affiliate partnerships. This does not affect our ratings or reviews. Read our full Terms of Use for details.
Important: Offshore online casinos are not subject to the same consumer protections as state-licensed operators. Players accept additional risk when using unregulated platforms. For sports betting, Ohio has a full range of licensed, regulated sportsbooks — we strongly recommend using those instead of any offshore sports betting site.
Offshore Operators and Ohio
Not all offshore casinos accept Ohio players. Notable restrictions:
- Bovada does not accept Ohio players. Bovada added Ohio to its restricted states list in approximately August 2024.
- Wild Casino accepts players from Ohio. Wild Casino is licensed by the Panama Gaming Commission (Tier 3 jurisdiction). Read our full Wild Casino review for details including bonus terms, game selection, and payout information.
If you choose to use an offshore platform, we recommend reading our Casino Review Process to understand how we rate casinos and what factors we evaluate including licensing, player complaints, and responsible gambling tools.
Ohio Lottery
The Ohio Lottery has operated since 1973, when voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing it. First tickets went on sale in August 1974. Lottery revenue is directed to K-12 education funding in Ohio, and FY2024 sales exceeded $4.7 billion.
Current Lottery Offerings
| Game Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Draw games | Powerball, Mega Millions, Classic Lotto, Rolling Cash 5, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Lucky for Life |
| Scratch-offs | Multiple price points ($1–$30) |
| Keno | Drawings every 4 minutes at participating retailers |
| Online purchases | Available at ohiolottery.com |
Minimum age for lottery purchases: 18 (lower than the 21-year casino/sports betting threshold).
The Ohio Lottery Commission also oversees Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at the state’s seven racinos. These VLTs operate under lottery authority rather than the OCCC casino framework, though players must still be 21 to access racino gaming floors.
Land-Based Casinos
Ohio has 11 gaming facilities: four commercial casinos regulated by the OCCC and seven racinos overseen by the Ohio Lottery Commission. All 11 facilities are operating as of March 2026.
Ohio’s casino industry was authorized by State Issue 3, a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 2009. The four commercial casinos opened between 2012 and 2013. Ohio has no tribal casinos — all gaming facilities operate under state commercial or lottery licenses.
Commercial Casinos
| Casino | Location | Owner | Opened |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACK Cleveland Casino | Cleveland | JACK Entertainment | May 2012 |
| Hollywood Casino Columbus | Columbus | Penn Entertainment | October 2012 |
| Hollywood Casino Toledo | Toledo | Penn Entertainment | May 2012 |
| Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati | Cincinnati | Hard Rock International | March 2013 |
Note: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati originally opened as Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati and has operated under several names. JACK Cincinnati Casino was its interim name before Hard Rock International assumed operations.
Racinos
Ohio’s racinos combine horse racing with casino-style gaming through Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs). Racinos operate under Ohio Lottery Commission oversight rather than OCCC jurisdiction.
| Racino | Location | Owner | Racing Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACK Thistledown Racino | North Randall | JACK Entertainment | Thoroughbred |
| MGM Northfield Park | Northfield | MGM Resorts International | Harness |
| Miami Valley Gaming | Lebanon | Churchill Downs Inc. | Harness |
| Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | Dayton | Penn Entertainment | Harness |
| Eldorado Gaming at Scioto Downs | Columbus | Caesars Entertainment | Harness |
| Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley | Austintown | Penn Entertainment | Thoroughbred |
| Belterra Park Gaming | Cincinnati | Boyd Gaming | Thoroughbred |
All seven racinos are operating as of March 2026. Each facility offers VLT-based slot-style gaming alongside live and simulcast horse racing. Players must be 21 to access the gaming floor.
Recent Legal Changes
Ohio’s gambling landscape has shifted significantly since sports betting launched in 2023. The following changes are the most recent as of March 2026:
| Date | Change | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Sports betting tax doubled | HB 33 (state budget bill) increased the privilege tax on gross sports gaming revenue from 10% to 20% |
| March 1, 2024 | College athlete prop bet ban | OCCC prohibited player-specific proposition bets on individual college athletes across all licensed sportsbooks |
| 2024 | HB 298 (iGaming) stalled | Proposed authorization of online casino games and poker; stalled in House Finance Committee without floor vote |
| 2025 | SB 197 (iGaming) stalled | Similar iGaming authorization bill; stalled in Senate Government Oversight Committee without floor vote |
Online Casino Legalization Outlook
As of 2026, no legislation authorizing online casino games has been enacted in Ohio. Governor DeWine has not endorsed further gambling expansion. Ohio’s four neighboring states with legal iGaming — Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New Jersey — have created competitive pressure, but this has not yet translated into legislative action.
MobileCasinoParty does not predict whether or when specific legislation will pass. The information above reflects the status of introduced bills as of March 2026.
Key Legislative History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Ohio Lottery authorized by constitutional amendment |
| 2009 | State Issue 3 approves four commercial casinos |
| 2012–2013 | Commercial casinos open (Cleveland, Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati) |
| 2013–2014 | Seven racinos authorized and opened |
| 2017 | Daily fantasy sports legalized (HB 132) |
| 2021 | Sports betting signed into law (HB 29, December 22) |
| 2023 | Sports betting launches (January 1); tax doubled to 20% (HB 33, July) |
| 2024 | College athlete prop bet ban (March 1); HB 298 iGaming bill stalls |
| 2025 | SB 197 iGaming bill stalls |
Responsible Gambling Resources
Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not a source of income. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available.
Ohio-Specific Resources
Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-589-9966
Available 24/7. Operated through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS). Free, confidential support for Ohio residents.
Ohio also offers two self-exclusion programs for individuals who want to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling.
Casino Self-Exclusion: OCCC Voluntary Exclusion Program
The Ohio Casino Control Commission’s Voluntary Exclusion Program allows individuals to ban themselves from all Ohio casinos and racinos.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | In person at any Ohio casino or OCCC office |
| Durations | 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime |
| Scope | All Ohio casinos and racinos |
| Reversibility | Cannot be reversed during chosen period |
| More info | casinocontrol.ohio.gov (Consumers > Voluntary Exclusion) |
Sports Betting Self-Exclusion: Time Out Ohio
Time Out Ohio allows individuals to exclude themselves from all licensed Ohio sports betting operators.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Online at timeoutohio.com |
| Durations | 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime |
| Scope | All licensed Ohio sports betting operators |
| Reversibility | Cannot be reversed during chosen period |
| More info | timeoutohio.com |
Important: Self-exclusion from Ohio casinos does not automatically apply to sports betting, and vice versa. Players seeking to exclude from all forms of gambling in Ohio must enroll in both programs separately.
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCPG | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM / ncpgambling.org/chat | — | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 (office) | gamblersanonymous.org | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 988lifeline.org | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) | samhsa.gov | 24/7/365 |
For more information, visit our Responsible Gambling Policy.
If gambling is no longer fun, call 1-800-MY-RESET or visit ncpgambling.org/chat for free, confidential support 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Ohio?
Sports betting is legal in Ohio and has been since January 1, 2023. Ohio offers approximately 15 licensed mobile sportsbook apps including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook. However, online casino games (slots, table games) and online poker are not legal in Ohio as of 2026. Daily fantasy sports are legal under the Fantasy Contests Act (HB 132, 2017).
Can I play online casino games in Ohio?
No. Ohio has not legalized online casino games such as slots, roulette, or blackjack. Legislative proposals to authorize online casino gaming (HB 298 in 2024 and SB 197 in 2025) have been introduced but stalled in committee without advancing. Some Ohio residents access offshore online casinos, though these operate outside state regulation and are not licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes. Sports betting became legal in Ohio on January 1, 2023, under House Bill 29. The state licenses mobile operators (Type A), retail sportsbooks at casinos and venues (Type B), and lottery kiosks (Type C). Approximately 15 mobile sportsbook apps are currently licensed, and Ohio does not require in-person registration before placing mobile bets.
What is the minimum gambling age in Ohio?
The minimum age for casino gaming and sports betting in Ohio is 21. The minimum age to purchase Ohio Lottery tickets (including scratch-offs and Keno) is 18. Charitable bingo is available to participants aged 16 and older (with adult supervision).
Does Ohio have a self-exclusion program?
Yes. Ohio has two separate self-exclusion programs:
- The OCCC Voluntary Exclusion Program covers all Ohio casinos and racinos. Enrollment is in person at any Ohio casino or OCCC office, with options for 1-year, 5-year, or lifetime exclusion.
- Time Out Ohio (timeoutohio.com) covers all licensed sports betting operators. Enrollment can be completed entirely online.
Self-exclusion from one program does not apply to the other. Players who wish to exclude from all gambling must enroll in both programs.
What sportsbooks are legal in Ohio?
As of March 2026, approximately 15 mobile sportsbook operators are licensed in Ohio, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook, betJACK, Betr, BetPARX, Betly, and SuperBook. Visit casinocontrol.ohio.gov for the current list of licensed operators.
Are there tribal casinos in Ohio?
No. Ohio has no tribal casinos. The state has no federally recognized tribal gaming operations and no tribal-state compacts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). All 11 of Ohio’s gaming facilities — four commercial casinos and seven racinos — operate under state commercial or Ohio Lottery Commission licenses.
Related Guides
- Responsible Gambling Policy — Support resources and helplines
- Casino Review Process — How we evaluate and rate casinos
- USA Online Casinos — Full state-by-state guide hub
- Nevada Gambling Guide — Online poker, sports betting, and Las Vegas
- Bovada Casino Review — Does not accept Ohio players
- Wild Casino Review — Accepts Ohio players
- Pennsylvania Gambling Guide — Neighboring state with legal iGaming
- Michigan Gambling Guide — Neighboring state with legal iGaming
- West Virginia Gambling Guide — Neighboring state with legal iGaming
- Indiana Gambling Guide — Neighboring state
- Kentucky Gambling Guide — Neighboring state
Note: Neighboring state guide pages may contain older content that predates the current rebuild cycle. Links are included to establish the cross-reference scaffold.
Last verified: 2026-03-18
