Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | Ohio |
| Online Casino Games | Not Legal — no licensed iGaming |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal — launched January 1, 2023 |
| Online Poker | Not Legal — no licensed online poker |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal |
| State Lottery | Yes — Ohio Lottery; includes Keno |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 for casino and sports betting / 18 for lottery and DFS |
| Regulatory Body | Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) |
| Last Legal Update | 2025–2026 — HB 96 iGaming legislation under consideration |
Legal Overview
Ohio has a growing and complicated gambling landscape heading into 2026. Sports betting launched on January 1, 2023 — one of the most anticipated launches in US history — but has since generated significant political controversy. Online casino gaming remains illegal, though the most significant legislative push for iGaming Ohio has seen is currently underway.
Ohio is home to four commercial casinos, seven racinos, and a well-established lottery system. The state does not have tribal casinos. For players seeking online casino games, offshore platforms operating outside Ohio regulation are the primary option.
What’s Legal
Online sports betting is legal in Ohio and launched January 1, 2023 under HB 29. Multiple licensed operators offer mobile and retail sports wagering statewide. The minimum age is 21.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal in Ohio. Platforms including FanDuel and DraftKings operate with a minimum age of 18 (operator-enforced).
Land-based casino gaming is legal at four commercial casinos and seven racinos regulated by the OCCC and Ohio State Racing Commission respectively. Minimum age: 21.
The Ohio Lottery offers draw games, scratchers, Powerball, Mega Millions, and in-person Keno. Online lottery ticket purchase is not available. Minimum age: 18.
What’s Not Legal
Ohio does not currently permit online casino games. No licensed online slots, table games, or casino-style games are available. Online poker is similarly not legal.
Key Legislation
| Date | Change | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Ohio casinos open | First commercial casinos launch; OCCC established |
| January 1, 2023 | Sports betting launches | HB 29 (enacted Dec 2021); multi-operator mobile betting goes live |
| July 2023 | Sports betting tax doubled | HB 33 (state budget) increases privilege tax from 10% to 20% |
| March 1, 2024 | College athlete prop bet ban | OCCC prohibits player-specific props on college athletes |
| 2025 | HB 96 introduced | Rep. Brian Stewart’s iGaming bill included in state budget vehicle; would legalize online casino, poker, and lottery for 21+ |
| January 29, 2026 | DeWine formally states regret | Governor publicly calls sports betting legalization his top mistake |
| April 9, 2026 | Legislators push to end sports betting | Ohio bill introduced to eliminate online sports betting (not expected to pass) |
| April 29, 2026 | Prediction markets bill | Ohio bill introduced to regulate/tax prediction market platforms as sportsbooks |
Regulatory Structure
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) | Land-based casinos, sports betting | casinocontrol.ohio.gov |
| Ohio State Racing Commission | Racinos | racingcommission.ohio.gov |
| Ohio Lottery Commission | State lottery | ohiolottery.com |
iGaming Legislation in Ohio — What’s Happening in 2026
Ohio’s most significant iGaming push is currently underway. House Bill 96, sponsored by Rep. Brian Stewart, would legalize online casino games and online poker for Ohio players 21 and older. The bill is part of the two-year state budget vehicle, giving it a stronger legislative path than standalone iGaming bills.
Key details on HB 96:
- Would allow online slots, table games, and poker for players 21+
- Revenue earmarked for Ohio’s educational needs
- Constitutional question: iCasino may qualify as “casino gaming” under Ohio’s constitution, potentially limiting operations to the four casino cities
- A Senate companion bill would also include online lottery games and horse racing betting
Important: As of May 2026, HB 96 has not been enacted. The outcome remains uncertain. The political environment has become more complicated — Governor DeWine has publicly called sports betting legalization his “top mistake,” and some legislators are trying to roll back sports betting rather than expand iGaming.
Sports Betting in Ohio
Sports betting launched January 1, 2023, making Ohio one of the most significant market launches in US history. The state has a competitive market with numerous licensed operators.
Licensed mobile sportsbooks include: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Barstool / ESPN Bet, BetRivers, Fanatics Sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, and others.
Ohio imposes a 20% privilege tax on gross sports gaming revenue — doubled from 10% via HB 33 in July 2023. Tax revenue is directed toward education, youth sports programs, and the problem gambling assistance fund.
The OCCC enacted a ban on player-specific proposition bets on individual college athletes effective March 1, 2024.
Offshore Online Casinos for Ohio Players
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Because Ohio does not license online casino games, offshore platforms are the primary option for Ohio residents who want to play online slots, poker, or table games. Ohio does not employ ISP-level blocking of offshore gambling sites.
| Operator | OH Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition Casino | Accepts OH players | Poker + casino; not OCCC-licensed |
| Cafe Casino | Accepts OH players | Casino focus; same ownership group as Ignition |
| Slots.LV | Accepts OH players | Slots-heavy library; same group |
| Bovada | Accepts OH players | Casino, sports, poker; large US player base |
| Wild Casino | Accepts OH players | Crypto-friendly; broad game library |
No criminal enforcement against individual Ohio players for using offshore casino sites has been documented. However, these platforms operate in a legal gray area and offer no Ohio consumer protections.
Ohio Lottery
The Ohio Lottery offers draw games, scratchers, Keno (available at licensed retail locations), Powerball, and Mega Millions. Online lottery ticket purchase is not currently available in Ohio. Minimum age: 18. Website: ohiolottery.com.
Land-Based Casinos in Ohio
Commercial Casinos
| Casino | Location |
|---|---|
| Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati | Cincinnati |
| JACK Cleveland Casino | Cleveland |
| Hollywood Casino Columbus | Columbus |
| JACK Thistledown Racino | North Randall (Cleveland area) |
Racinos
Ohio has seven racino facilities: JACK Thistledown Racino, MGM Northfield Park, Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway, Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley, Miami Valley Gaming (Lebanon), Belterra Park (Cincinnati), and Eldorado at Scioto Downs (Columbus).
Responsible Gambling Resources
Ohio-Specific Resources
| Resource | Contact | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) | 24/7 |
| Ohio Gambling Help Line | 1-800-589-9966 | 24/7 |
Casino Self-Exclusion: OCCC Voluntary Exclusion Program
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Online at casinocontrol.ohio.gov |
| Durations | 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime |
| Scope | All licensed Ohio casinos |
Sports Betting Self-Exclusion: Time Out Ohio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | Online at timeoutohio.com |
| Durations | 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime |
| Scope | All licensed Ohio sports betting operators |
Important: Self-exclusion from Ohio casinos does not automatically apply to sports betting, and vice versa. Players must enroll in both programs separately.
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| NCPG | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM / ncpgambling.org/chat | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 | 24/7/365 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in Ohio?
Partially. Online sports betting is legal in Ohio and launched January 1, 2023. Online casino games — including online slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker — are not legal. No licensed iGaming platforms operate in Ohio as of May 2026, though HB 96 is currently under legislative consideration.
Can I play online casino games in Ohio?
No licensed online casino is available in Ohio. Ohio residents who want to play online casino games typically use offshore platforms — sites like Ignition Casino, Cafe Casino, Slots.LV, Bovada, and Wild Casino all accept Ohio players. These operate outside Ohio regulation and no consumer protections apply.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes. Online and retail sports betting launched January 1, 2023 under HB 29. Multiple operators including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are licensed. The minimum age is 21.
What is happening with Ohio’s iGaming legislation?
House Bill 96, introduced in 2025 by Rep. Brian Stewart, would legalize online casino games and poker for players 21+. The bill was included in Ohio’s state budget vehicle. However, the political environment has grown complicated — Governor DeWine has publicly called sports betting legalization his biggest mistake, and some legislators are trying to roll back sports betting. The iGaming outcome remains uncertain as of May 2026.
What is the minimum gambling age in Ohio?
21 for casino gaming and sports betting. 18 for lottery play and Daily Fantasy Sports (operator-enforced for DFS).
Does Ohio have a self-exclusion program?
Ohio has two separate programs: the OCCC Voluntary Exclusion Program for casino gaming (casinocontrol.ohio.gov), and Time Out Ohio (timeoutohio.com) for sports betting. Players must enroll in both to exclude from all Ohio gambling forms.
What sportsbooks are legal in Ohio?
Major licensed sportsbooks in Ohio include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, BetRivers, ESPN Bet / Barstool, Fanatics Sportsbook, and Hard Rock Bet, among others.
