Ohio Online Casinos & OH Gambling | Updated 2021

Discover the ins and outs of legal Ohio online casinos with our expert guide.

Online Casino Laws in Ohio

Online casino games are still illegal in Ohio. However, with online sports betting very close to launching, it’s only a matter of time before real money slots and table games will be available for Ohio gamblers. For now, gamblers at Ohio online casinos are restricted to opening accounts at play-money social casinos and sweepstakes gambling sites.

• Casino games and slots legal at commercial casinos and racinos

• Online social casinos are legal and offer many top-name slots

• Online rewards programs offer benefits and perks

• Online sweepstakes casinos offer a way to win real money

Most Likely Online Casinos in Ohio

Ohio online casinos might be a thing of the future, but we can look into our crystal ball to predict which operators are likely to go live first. Many of America’s top casino operators already run at least one casino or racino in Ohio so they’re perfectly placed to hit the ground running with legalized OH online casinos.

Hard Rock Casino

Hard Rock currently operates a huge casino in Cincinnati, one of Ohio’s biggest. However, Hard Rock is also one of New Jersey’s best-established online casino operators. They would surely be poised to launch one of the best Ohio casino sites for 2022 too. Remember, you can already download and install a free-to-play casino app from Hard Rock featuring over 100 fun slots and casino games.

Explore Hard Rock Casino

BetMGM Casino

BetMGM is one of America’s biggest online casino brands. Operating under the GVC umbrella, BetMGM already runs successful online casinos and sportsbooks in states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Plus, MGM has a presence in Ohio with its land-based Northfield Park casino.

Explore BetMGM Casino

Caesars Entertainment

Caesars Entertainment runs Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs so already has a solid foothold in OH casinos. As one of America’s biggest online casino brands, Caesars will surely be ready to launch a gambling site in the state.

Explore Caesars Casino

DraftKings

DraftKings are one of the biggest daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators in the USA. They would surely be keen to partner with one of Ohio’s land-based operators to provide casino games online, particularly if sports betting was included in the package.

Explore DraftKings Casino

FanDuel

Along with DraftKings, FanDuel are one of the foremost DFS operators in the US. FanDuel also runs an online sportsbook and casino in regulated states such as New Jersey. With FanDuel up and running in New Jersey and elsewhere, launching a sister site in OH would be a breeze.

Would Promo Codes Be Available at Online Casinos in OH?

The first Ohio online casinos will want to attract customers and the best way to do that is with a full suite of games and promo codes.

At OH casinos online, you’ll be able to join up and enter a special bonus code on the registration form. The casino will match your deposit with bonus funds and may even award some free spins to use on popular slots such as Gonzo’s Quest or Wheel of Fortune.

You can unlock free cash just by meeting the casino’s wagering requirements. This will mean betting on enough games and slots until you’ve cleared the total bonus amount.

Best of all, you’ll be able to join an online casino rewards scheme where you can redeem player points for cash. You might also get to join a VIP program offering gifts and bespoke offers.

Ohio Sweepstakes Casinos

Ohio residents can already get their fill of online slots and table games. Sweepstakes casinos offer a legal way to win real cash by playing classic gambling games.

The sweepstakes model is rather unusual in terms of Ohio online gambling. You start by purchasing virtual Gold Coins to play slots and games. You can then win Sweeps Coins which can be redeemed for cash prizes. It’s totally legal and permitted under existing laws.

Ohio online gambling also stretches to social casinos. Some of Ohio’s commercial casinos and racinos offer free-play social casino gaming online. Sites such as Hard Rock Social are examples of legal social casinos in Ohio.

You can log in and try out great video slots such as China Shores and Double Ruby. Plus, you can join the mychoice Rewards Program to earn benefits, or op tin to prize slot leaderboard challenges and win a ton of credits to use on games of your choice.

You’ll be able to make deposits and withdrawals at Ohio online casinos using a variety of trusted gambling banking options. Deposit as little as $10 using your regular debit card from one of a dozen US banks. Alternatively, you can use your e-wallet account to make anonymous payments with just an email address.

You can also use the OH online casino’s own prepaid card. Load up USD on a Play+ card, then simply transfer cash into your gambling account. It’s a great way of avoiding those pesky declined payments from over-officious banks.

Nothing will beat the thrill of cashing out winnings at the best Ohio online casinos. Just enter your account password and have a valid bank account or e-wallet to transfer money to. You’ll receive your funds within a business day or two.

Possible payment options at top Ohio online casinos:

• Debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Diners, AMEX)

• Online bank transfer

• Wire transfer

• e-wallet (Skrill, PayPal)

• Play+ prepaid card

• PayNearMe (in-person at 7-Eleven)

• In-person at Ohio casino site

Mobile Casinos in OH

Once online casinos in OH are legalized, you will likely be able to play mobile games. You’ll be able to grab your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet and install a dedicated app containing hundreds of top slots and casino games. Experience the best gambling in Ohio online when you’re out and about.

In 2021, the best-regulated states already boast amazing mobile apps. You can download an app straight from the App Store or Google Play Store and log in using your regular online account details: make deposits and withdrawals, opt in to promotions or join a slots tournament.

Best of all, Ohio casino sites will make many of the same slots and games you love available for your portable device. Just open your device to try the top video slots and table games from casino developers such as IGT and NetEnt.

Land-Based Casinos in Ohio

Ohio operates a healthy range of commercial casinos and racinos across the state. Play table games or slots at the biggest commercial casinos, or play VLTs at the racino while putting in your pari-mutuel bet down by the track. Land-based casinos you will find in Ohio include:

Should I Play at Offshore Online Casinos?

Legal Ohio online casinos are still some way away. But other than sweepstakes casinos and social casinos, what alternatives do you have for gambling online?

Offshore casinos are open to US-based gamblers looking to get their fill of slots and table games. They accept USD deposits and even provide welcome bonuses offering a deposit match and free spins.

But should you take the risk and sign up to offshore gambling sites? The straight answer is no. Offshore casinos are poorly regulated and offer no guarantees that your money is safe. Horror stories at offshore online casinos include:

• Poor customer service

• Inaccurate payouts and slow withdrawals

• Cancelling of bonuses and promotions

• Poor random number generators and lax security

What Legal Gambling Options in OH Are Available Now?

Ohio has had some form of legalized gambling for decades. Horse racing and pari-mutuel betting are legal, plus you can play slots and table games at some of the biggest commercial casinos. Even established "racinos" offer VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals) and slot machines for gamblers waiting for the next race.

The Ohio State Lottery launched in the 1970s following the creation of the Ohio Lottery Commission. The Ohio Lottery Commission also oversees the 11,000+ VLTs that operate at Ohio’s racinos.

Who Regulates Gambling in Ohio?

Casinos are regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which was set up following 2011’s Ohio Casino Control Law. It regulates casinos, table games and slot machine operators but also has oversight over skill-based amusement machines (SBAMs). These require some element of skill but offer prizes. SBAMs include:

• Type A: Arcade games with a skill element

• Type B: Claw games

• Type C: Redeemable tickets for prizes

Horse racing is regulated by the Ohio State Racing Commission. The commission oversees all harness racing and thoroughbred racing at tracks across the state. Some tracks also boast slot machines and casino gambling under a 2011 change in the law.

Ohio's Online Gambling Laws

For many years, legalized Ohio online gambling was a pipe dream for residents. However, with many US states going legal, it’s time for Ohio to play catch-up. In 2021, neighboring states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have raced ahead with regulated online casinos and gambling sites.

So where does that leave Ohio? Well, pro-gambling senators can see the finishing line in the race to Ohio gambling laws. Mobile and online sports betting should be a reality come 2022 and the state’s casinos and racinos are well-placed if Ohio online casinos are ever legalized.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are already legal in Ohio after then-Governor John Kasich passed a law permitting real-money contests. Licensed sites are charged $10,000 a year as a fee and are regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Responsible Gambling in Ohio

It’s important to practice responsible gambling, whether you’re gambling at Belterra Park, purchasing state lottery tickets or gambling at Ohio online casino sites.

Luckily, Ohio operates a range of treatment programs if you need help. The Ohio Lottery Commission funds the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) to help problem gamblers in the state.

OMHAS Recovery Services

Phone: 1-866-614-9588 (Toll-Free)

Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline

Phone: 24-hour toll-free support (1-800-589-9966)

You can also join the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program which applies to all racinos and casinos around the state for one year.

What the Future Holds for Online Casinos in Ohio

You may have to hang on a little longer to enjoy the top Ohio online casinos. Online casino gaming is still illegal in the Buckeye State so if you want to play real-money slots and table games you’ll have to drive over the border to Pennsylvania or West Virginia.

For now, legalized online sports betting is your best bet for regulated gambling. Plus, of course, you can try out free-play slots at social OH casinos online. But with the state’s neighbors pushing ahead with regulated casinos, it’s only a matter of time before Ohio online casino sites will open their doors. If and when they do, we’ll be there to bring you the full lowdown.

Online Casinos Ohio FAQ

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Contributors

Hi, I'm Ron Fritz

"Three decades covering online gaming, news and sports. My expertise is government and legislation, breaking down the latest online gambling industry developments to keep you in the know."

Interests

• Gambling legislation
• Online casinos
• Gambling industry

Reviewer since July 2019