Gambling in Ohio: A Full Breakdown

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Learn about gambling in Ohio

Ohio is currently a well respected land-based gambling state with a large range of different legal gambling options for those who reside there including state lotteries, pari-mutuel wagering on the racetrack and commercial casinos.

Of course this was not always the case, the state was slow in introducing and passing the legislations that are in place today which allows for such a gambling friendly environment.

As a well-developed and regulated industry, the state works to protect all their official businesses and constantly monitors the scene for any illegal gambling operators. Those who break the rules and regulations of running these underground businesses tend to face severe punishment involving a huge fine and a potential prison sentence.

It’s important to note that although there are currently no online poker brands that can operate legally within the state, players from Ohio are still able to pursue online poker through offshore sites. Below we have listed our favourites which provide the best experience to US citizens.

Best Online Poker Sites for Ohio

America’s Top Rated
1

BetOnline.ag

4.9 / 5.0
Features
  • Trusted by US Players Since 2001
  • Huge Bad Beat Jackpots
  • Fully Licensed and Regulated
Payout Speed 1-2 Days
Exclusive Bonus 100% up to $1000
Secure, Fast Deposit Options
2

Ignition Poker

4.7 / 5.0
Secure, Fast Deposit Options
Exclusive Bonus 150% up to $1500
3

Americas Cardroom

4.5 / 5.0
Secure, Fast Deposit Options
Exclusive Bonus 100% up to $1000
4

Intertops Poker

4.5 / 5.0
Secure, Fast Deposit Options
Exclusive Bonus 200% up to $1000
5

Bovada

4.4 / 5.0
Secure, Fast Deposit Options
Exclusive Bonus 100% up to $500
6

Juicy Stakes

4.4 / 5.0
Secure, Fast Deposit Options
Exclusive Bonus 200% up to $1000
7

Sportsbetting.ag

4.3 / 5.0
Secure, Fast Deposit Options
Exclusive Bonus 100% up to $2500

Ohio Gambling Options

  • Commercial Casinos
  • Pari-mutuel Wagering (Horse Racing)
  • State Lottery
  • Charitable Gambling
  • Skill-based Amusement Machines (no cash or vouchers or prizes exceeding $10 in value)

Ohio Gambling Laws

Ohio State Flag
Ohio
US State, abbreviated “OH
Not Regulated
  • Population: 11.61 million
  • Legal Online Poker Age: 21
  • Legal Poker Room Age: 18-21
  • Capital: Columbus
  • Governor: John Kasich (R)

There are plenty of licensed and regulated formats of gambling as listed above but as with all state gambling laws, there are rules that must be abided by alongside the exceptions.

According to Ohio state law, gambling isn’t considered a crime unless it becomes a large part of your income.

2915-02 Gambling: (A) No person shall do any of the following:
(4) Engage in betting or in playing any scheme or game of chance as a substantial source of income or livelihood.

Additionally, gambling in public is not taken lightly by the local authorities.

2915-04 Public Gaming: (a) No person, while at a hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall, or other place of public accommodation, business, amusement, or resort, shall make a bet or play any game of chance or scheme of chance.

Those that do want to gamble must do so in the premises of the event such as the track for pari-mutuel horse race wagering and within the licensed land-based casinos.

Gambling with games of chance outside of the permitted exceptions listed above goes against the state laws. The definition of games of chance specifically points out poker and other popular games:

2915.01(D) as including “poker, craps, roulette, or other game in which a player gives anything of value in the hope of gain, the outcome of which is determined largely by chance, but does not include bingo”. Most penalties for participation are misdemeanors, and some charges for hosting games can run up to felonies.

Gambling in private places such as your home is technically allowed and has been indirectly permitted within the law so long as no host consideration is taken and the rules such as those above are followed.

Legal Gambling Age in Ohio Typically players must be 21 years of age or older to play at offline and online poker rooms and wager at horse tracks. The minimum age to play at land based casinos can vary from 18-21 depending on which one you visit.

Online Gambling Ohio

Ohio does not have any regulations that specifically writes off online gambling. The only law which could have any impact is the one stating that all forms of gambling are considered illegal unless licensed and regulated by the state. This means the state officials could intervene and argue that playing on offshore gambling sites is actually against the state gambling code.

Luckily, it doesn’t seem that the local law enforcement is at all interested in getting involved and preventing players from gaming online so residents are free to play on offshore betting sites. A key point is that you should only bet with highly-reputed offshore brands to ensure all operations are licensed, regulated and legally sanctioned by a governing body so you are protected.

It’s important to remember that although players are technically allowed to gamble online, it is still illegal for anyone to own or operate an online gambling site inside of Ohio’s state borders. Those who fail to abide by these rules will be severely punished.

Online Poker Ohio

As mentioned above, players are technically allowed to play on offshore poker sites. You may find that very few poker sites will reject players from Ohio, but the majority of the top US poker site brands will be available to you.

Although, you must keep in mind that if the majority of your income is derived from online poker, then it becomes an illegal act. What constitutes to a substantial amount of your income is not clearly defined and will be up to the courts to judge. One thing for sure is that you will not be legally allowed to play for a living.

Keep in Mind We are not legal professionals so be sure to educate yourself on responsible gambling and consult a lawyer where necessary in applicable matters, using this page only as an opinionated guide.
Adam, our resident poker guru, has extensive knowledge on both sides of the table. When he’s not playing on US poker sites, you will find him busy revising strategies to give him an edge over his opponents. He is also a firm believer that poker allows individuals to grow intellectually. And so, he has decided to put a significant effort in helping others catch themselves up and meet the highest standards of poker. A bit of a dab hand himself, Adam is active in several real money cardrooms, which he frequents not only for the sake of a review but also to test strategies.