Ohio Online Casinos: Are They Legal in 2026?

Learn about online casino laws in Ohio, available alternatives, and which operators could launch if the state legalizes real-money casino gaming.

Online casinos are not currently legal in Ohio. However, following the successful rollout of sports betting, lawmakers are now considering expanding into online casino gambling.

For now, Ohio residents can explore social and sweepstakes casinos, which offer casino-style games using virtual currency. Some also give players the chance to win cash prizes through promotional sweepstakes.

Is It Legal to Play at an Online Casino in Ohio?

Can you legally sign up and play at an online casino in Ohio? Here, we explain the current laws and what real-money wagering options are available.

At the time of writing, you cannot legally sign up for an Ohio-licensed real-money online casino. Senate Bill 312 was introduced in 2024, followed by two new proposals in 2025: House Bill 298 and Senate Bill 197. Neither has become law.

So, real-money wagering at an Ohio online casino is not currently permitted under state law. Here’s an overview of your options.

✅ Sweepstakes & Social Casinos

While real-money online casinos aren’t currently legal in Ohio, residents can explore sweepstakes and social casinos as an alternative.

Sites like LuckyLand Slots and Funrize offer casino-style games using virtual currency. At free-to-play social casinos, these coins have no cash value. Some sweepstakes platforms also offer promotional games where eligible winnings can be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards.

However, these sites aren’t licensed as Ohio online casinos, and their legal status depends on how each sweepstakes model operates. Ohio lawmakers have also proposed restrictions on certain sweepstakes games under House Bill 298.

Read our guide to sweepstakes casinos in Ohio for more information.

✅ Online Sports Betting

Real-money online sports betting was legalized in Ohio on January 1, 2023. House Bill 29 established the state’s sports betting market and placed it under the regulation of the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Today, top sports betting sites like BetRivers, bet365, and FanDuel are all legally accessible to bettors aged 21 or older who are physically located in Ohio.

That means you can legally bet on the Bengals, Browns, and other professional sports teams through licensed sportsbooks.

❌ Real-Money Online Casinos

Following the initial success of Ohio’s sports betting industry, many residents have voiced their support for online casino gambling.

A 2025 Baldwin Wallace University poll found that 61% of Ohio voters would support legalizing online casinos if tax revenues were used for public programs.

The latest proposals to introduce real-money online casinos came in 2025 through HB 298 and SB 197. Both would establish a regulated online casino market, but neither has passed.

HB 298 would also prohibit certain online sweepstakes games, potentially affecting platforms that use dual-currency systems.

As of 2026, HB 298 remains in the House Finance Committee, while SB 197 remains in the Senate Select Committee on Gaming.

We’ll update this page if either bill progresses or new legislation is introduced.

❌ Online Poker

Real-money online poker sites are also not currently authorized in Ohio. If you want to play poker online without wagering money, you can use free-to-play sites.

Alternatively, some sweepstakes platforms offer poker games with promotional prize opportunities, although these aren’t licensed Ohio real-money poker rooms.

What About Land-Based Casino Gambling in Ohio?

Aside from social and sweepstakes casinos, the established way to legally play casino games like blackjack, slots, and roulette for real money is to visit a licensed land-based casino.

Ohio has four commercial casinos and seven racinos, which offer video lottery terminals (VLTs) and, at certain locations, sports betting.

Land-based casino gambling was approved in Ohio in November 2009.

Land-Based Casinos in Ohio

Below are the four legal casino venues in Ohio:

Hollywood Casino (Columbus): Play around 2,000 slots, more than 60 table games, and live poker in a dedicated poker room.

Hollywood Casino (Toledo): Play around 2,000 slots, table games, and live poker.

Hard Rock Casino (Cincinnati): Play more than 1,600 slots, nearly 100 live table games, and poker in a dedicated poker room.

JACK Casino (Cleveland): Play slots, table games, and live poker in downtown Cleveland.

Racinos in Ohio

Another option is to visit a racino. These venues offer VLTs, which provide casino-style gaming. Below are the seven racinos currently operating in Ohio:

• MGM Northfield Park (Northfield, Summit County)
• JACK Thistledown Racino (North Randall, Cuyahoga County)
• Miami Valley Gaming (Lebanon, Warren County)
• Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs (Columbus, Franklin County)
• Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment (Cincinnati, Hamilton County)
• Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway (Dayton, Montgomery County)
• Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course (Austintown, Mahoning County)

The Best Online Casino in Ohio – Your Options if Legislation Passes

While we don’t have a crystal ball, Ohio could eventually pass a bill legalizing online casino gambling. After all, online casinos are already legal in West Virginia, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, three neighboring states.

If Ohio approves online casino gambling, we expect some of the following brands to enter the market, based on their experience in other regulated US states:

FanDuel: Another established sportsbook operator with an online casino business in several regulated states. Its existing presence in Ohio makes it a brand worth watching.

Caesars: Ohio residents could gain access to Caesars Palace Online Casino and its Caesars Rewards benefits if the operator enters a future regulated market.

BetMGM: One of the biggest online casino brands in the USA, BetMGM could be a strong contender in Ohio. Its MGM Rewards program is a major attraction, while the casino features games from NetEnt, Play’n GO, and other studios. In the meantime, Ohio residents can use BetMGM Sportsbook to bet on the NFL, NHL, NBA, and other major leagues.

BetRivers: Operated by Rush Street Interactive, BetRivers has an established online casino in Pennsylvania and other states. It could be another contender if Ohio opens the market.

None of these companies has been confirmed as a future Ohio online casino licensee.

How to Sign Up for an Ohio Sweepstakes Casino

As we await new legislation, one way to enjoy online casino-style games in Ohio is to create an account at an eligible social or sweepstakes casino.

These sites don’t offer conventional real-money casino wagering. Instead, they use virtual currencies, often called Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.

Gold Coins are for entertainment and can’t be redeemed for cash. Some sites also offer promotional Sweeps Coins that give eligible players the chance to win cash prizes or gift cards.

Here’s how the process generally works.

Step 1: Choose a Sweepstakes Casino

Several social and sweepstakes casinos serve US customers. Some of the brands covered on Ohio.Bet include NoLimit Coins, Funrize, Chumba Casino, and LuckyLand Slots.

Each has its own games and promotions. Check that the site accepts Ohio residents and review its terms before signing up.

Step 2: Create an Account

Visit the casino and provide your personal information. Most sites require you to verify your email address or phone number.

Age requirements vary, and you may need to complete additional identity checks before redeeming prizes.

Step 3: Access Your Welcome Bonus

Many sweepstakes casinos offer new players free virtual currency. Depending on the site, this may include Gold Coins, promotional Sweeps Coins, or other rewards.

Check which type of currency you’re receiving. Ordinary entertainment credits can’t be redeemed for real money.

Step 4: Play With Virtual Coins & Top Up Your Balance

Browse the game library and choose what to play. Most sites offer slots, while some also feature table games, poker, or live games.

You can often purchase additional Gold Coin bundles, sometimes with promotional Sweeps Coins included at no extra charge.

Alternatively, look for free-entry promotions, daily rewards, and social media giveaways.

Sweepstakes promotions generally provide a free entry method, so you shouldn’t need to buy virtual currency just to enter a qualifying promotion.

Step 5: Redeem a Prize

If you meet the site’s redemption requirements, you may be able to exchange eligible promotional winnings for cash or gift cards.

Minimum redemption amounts are often around $50 or $100, although they vary. Identity verification and other conditions may also apply.

Ohio Casino Online Options Today

Ultimately, you can’t play at an Ohio-licensed real-money online casino in 2026.

However, you can legally bet on sports through licensed Ohio sportsbooks and enjoy casino-style entertainment at social casinos. Some sweepstakes platforms also offer promotional games with redeemable prizes, depending on their rules and Ohio law.

We’ll update this page if legislation progresses. For now, check out our latest sportsbook promo codes to find offers from licensed Ohio operators.

Ohio’s iGaming Push: Legal Online Casinos One Step Closer to Reality

Ohio lawmakers are considering legalizing online casinos. Representatives Brian Stewart and Marilyn John introduced House Bill 298 in May 2025, following an earlier proposal from former Senator Niraj Antani in 2024.

Senator Nathan Manning also introduced Senate Bill 197 in 2025.

HB 298 would allow the Ohio Casino Control Commission to regulate online slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and other casino games. It also proposes licensing requirements, taxes, consumer protections, and restrictions on certain sweepstakes casino games. Neither bill has passed, and there is no confirmed launch date for online casinos in Ohio.

Pros

Economic Growth: Legalizing online casinos could generate substantial tax revenue. The amount would depend on participation, the tax rate, and the size of the market.

Consumer Protection: A regulated market would give Ohio residents access to licensed operators with formal standards for identity checks, account security, and responsible gambling.

Convenience: Online casinos would allow people who live far from a land-based property to access casino games from home.

Cons

Impact on Brick-and-Mortar Casinos: Some casino operators and other stakeholders worry that online gaming could draw customers away from physical venues, affecting revenue and jobs.

Regulatory Challenges: Ohio would need to create rules covering licensing, taxes, player protection, and problem gambling.

Will Ohio Legalize Online Casinos?

At Ohio.Bet, we support the move toward legalizing and regulating online casinos. Neighboring states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have already introduced regulated iGaming markets and generated additional tax revenue.

Ohio could follow their example, giving residents access to licensed casino sites with clearer rules and consumer protections.

However, the proposals still need to pass through the legislature. There is currently no confirmed date for legal online casinos to launch in Ohio.

Potential Ohio Online Casinos

Alongside the operators mentioned earlier, other brands could also be interested in the state if legalization moves forward.

These include DraftKings Casino, Bally Casino, Hard Rock Online Casino, and potentially Fanatics if it expands into online casino gaming.

Their participation would depend on the final law and licensing requirements. None has announced a confirmed Ohio casino launch.

Notable Ohio Casinos

These are existing gaming and sportsbook relationships, not confirmed future online casino partnerships.

Ohio Online Casino Bonuses

If online casinos launch in Ohio, we could see welcome bonuses and other promotions similar to those offered in other regulated US states.

Welcome bonuses: New players may receive a deposit match or free spins, depending on the operator and Ohio’s eventual promotional rules.

Free spins: Some casino promotions offer free spins on selected games, with winnings subject to wagering or withdrawal conditions.

Reload bonuses: Existing players may receive extra promotional credits when making qualifying deposits.

Loyalty rewards: Casino rewards programs can provide points, free play, cashback, or other benefits based on eligible gaming activity.

The exact offers would depend on the operators and the state’s rules. It would be premature to advertise specific Ohio online casino bonuses before a regulated market exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated casinos in Ohio for slot machines?

Ohio is home to several great casinos, but here are some options worth considering:

Hollywood Casino Columbus: Offers a large selection of slot machines, from penny slots to high-limit games, including popular titles such as Buffalo Gold and Lightning Link.

JACK Cleveland Casino: Located in downtown Cleveland, with themed slots and progressive jackpot games.

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati: Known for its themed slots and promotions, with both classic games and newer slot titles.

Do Ohio casinos offer free play or loyalty rewards programs?

Yes, most Ohio casinos offer rewards programs. For example:

PENN Play (Hollywood Casino): Earn points through eligible gaming and other activities, then redeem them for benefits such as free play, dining, and accommodation.

Unity by Hard Rock: Members can earn rewards through slots, table games, and other activities at participating properties.

Pro tip: Sign up for these programs at the casino to learn about birthday bonuses or exclusive promotions.

Which Ohio casinos have the largest poker rooms?

If you’re into poker, these casinos have established facilities:

Hollywood Casino Toledo: Offers live cash games and poker tournaments.

Hollywood Casino Columbus: Has a dedicated poker room with different games and stakes.

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati: Hosts live cash games and tournaments with a variety of buy-ins.

Are there casinos near Columbus, Ohio, with hotel accommodations?

Yes! Hollywood Casino Columbus is a popular option. While the casino doesn’t have its own hotel, there are several accommodation options around Columbus.

What are the minimum age requirements for Ohio casinos?

You must be 21 years old to play casino games. At racinos, the minimum age is generally 18 for horse racing bets but 21 for VLT gaming.

Can you visit Ohio casinos without spending money?

Absolutely! Many Ohio casinos have restaurants, bars, and live entertainment. For example, Hard Rock Cincinnati regularly hosts concerts, while Hollywood Casino Columbus has dining and entertainment options.