Online Gambling in Ohio: What You Need to Know
Online gambling in Ohio is legal in some forms but remains restricted in others. The state has taken significant steps toward modernization of its gaming industry, especially with the recent legalization of sports betting. However, certain online casino games and poker sites remain outside the scope of regulated gambling in Ohio. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to online gambling in the Buckeye State.
Legal Forms of Online Gambling in Ohio
Online Sports Betting
As of January 1, 2023, online sports betting is fully legal and regulated in Ohio. Residents and visitors aged 21 and older can legally place bets on a wide range of sports events through licensed sportsbooks. Major operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are among the platforms approved by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Players must be physically located within Ohio state lines while placing bets, as verified through geolocation technology.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Ohio has permitted daily fantasy sports since 2018 under House Bill 132. Platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings offer DFS contests where users assemble virtual teams of real players to compete based on statistical performance. DFS is considered a skill-based game in Ohio, making it exempt from traditional gambling laws.
Horse Racing and Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW)
Betting on horse racing is legal both in person and online through ADW platforms like TVG, TwinSpires, and FanDuel Racing. These sites allow users to place pari-mutuel wagers on domestic and international races. The Ohio State Racing Commission regulates all horse betting activity in the state.
Illegal or Unregulated Forms of Online Gambling
Online Casinos
Real-money online casino gambling—such as slots, roulette, and blackjack—is not yet legal in Ohio. No operators are licensed to offer these services within state borders. While some residents turn to offshore sites, these platforms are unregulated and carry significant financial and legal risks. Players using offshore casinos have little to no protection in disputes or withdrawal issues.
Online Poker
Online poker is not currently legal or regulated in Ohio. Unlike in neighboring Michigan, where players can legally join online poker rooms, Ohio has not passed legislation to allow real-money internet poker. Again, offshore platforms exist but remain risky and unprotected by state law.
Social Casinos and Sweepstakes Sites
Ohioans still have a legal alternative to real-money online casinos through social casinos and sweepstakes sites. These platforms offer casino-style games like slots and blackjack using virtual currency. Examples include Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots. While players can’t gamble with real money directly, they can win cash prizes through promotional sweepstakes structures that comply with U.S. law.
Age Requirements
To participate in legal online gambling in Ohio:
- Sports betting: 21+
- Horse racing: 18+
- Daily Fantasy Sports: 18+
- Social casinos: Typically 18+
Future Outlook
The success of online sports betting in Ohio may pave the way for expanded iGaming legislation. Lawmakers and industry stakeholders have expressed interest in exploring online casino gaming and poker regulation, especially as neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Michigan demonstrate significant tax revenue from those markets. However, no bills have passed at the time of writing.
Conclusion
Online gambling in Ohio is evolving. Sports betting, DFS, and online horse wagering are fully legal and regulated, offering safe options for players. However, real-money online casino games and poker remain off-limits under current law. Players should avoid unlicensed offshore sites and instead explore legal alternatives until further legislative action is taken. As the industry continues to grow, Ohio may join the list of states embracing full-scale online gambling in the near future.
