Best Online Gambling Sites Ohio

Veronica Foster Publication byV. Foster

Ohio is one of the better states for gamblers who want to enjoy several types of online gambling. From horse to sports betting, there are several ways you can win big and enjoy the excitement of gambling in the Buckeye State! However, Ohio online casino sites remain illegal. This means all Ohio online casinos are banned and cannot accept real cash for wagers or offer real money prizes.

Fortunately, if you want to enjoy online casino games, there are still social and sweepstakes casinos that allow you to play for free! While there is talk of online casino laws changing for the better, it’s best to stick with social casinos for legal betting for now.

The Best Ohio Casino Sites

United States
Ohio, United States
  • WOW Vegas
    #1 Rank
    WOW Vegas
    Bonus
    1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins
    9.3
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    About WOW Vegas
    WOW Vegas
    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    9.3 / 10
    Bonuses
    9/10
    Payment Options
    9/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    9/10
    User reviews
    9/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • Skrill
    • Apple Pay
    • American Express
    • +1
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Spree
    #2 Rank
    Spree
    Bonus
    30,000 GC + 30 FREE SC for $9.99
    9
    About Spree
    Spree
    Overview
    Rating
    9 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    9/10
    Customer Support
    9/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    9/10
    User reviews
    7/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Funrize
    #3 Rank
    Funrize
    Bonus
    No deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 Coins & 1000 Entries for deposit over $19.99
    9
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    About Funrize
    Funrize

    Funrize Casino is as good as it gets for players looking for a simple, easy-to-use, and fun platform to play casino-style games. Most Funrize casino reviews only give an overview of this site, but we’ve gone in-depth and played games for ourselves, signed up for an account, and interacted with their customer support team to get a better picture of how this sweepstakes casino works. Find out what we’ve learned in this Funrize Casino review.

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    Overview
    • Established 2022
    • Min deposit $4.99
    • No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
    Rating
    9 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    8/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • FunzCity
    #4 Rank
    FunzCity
    Bonus
    No deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 FC & 1000 CC for deposit over $19.99
    8.9
    About FunzCity
    FunzCity
    Overview
    • Established 2024
    • Min deposit $6.99
    • No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
    Rating
    8.9 / 10
    Bonuses
    9/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    8/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply

Reviews of Our Choice of the Best Online Casinos in Ohio

Our expert team has carefully evaluated and selected the best platforms available to Ohio players. These casinos are renowned for their extensive game collections, attractive bonus offers, secure payment methods, and exceptional customer service. Discover the finest online gaming experiences tailored specifically for players in Ohio today.

Scratchful
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Scratchful
#1 Rank
Scratchful
7

Scratchful social casino has taken the social casino world by storm, building up a steady following on social media and even launching an app on the Google Play Store. Having a large selection of almost 300 games and a unique gaming experience with its various promotions puts this social casino at the top of our watchlist. But how does it compare to other sweepstakes casino platforms, and can it improve? Find out more in this Scratchful social casino review.

  • Website www.scratchful.com
  • Bonus 15,000 Gold COins + 5 free Sweepstakes Coins
  • Established 2023
  • Games 768
  • Legal in States All except AL, GA, ID, KY, MT, MI, NV, WA
Pros of Scratchful
  • Responsible gaming experience
  • 768 games, including slots, scratch-offs, and slingo
  • Over a dozen reputable software providers
  • Sleek and modern user interface
  • Dedicated Android app
  • Easy sign-up process
  • Frequent tournaments and bonuses
Cons of Scratchful
  • No iOS app
  • No live customer support options available unless you make a purchase
  • Slow customer support
  • No table games available
  • No easy way to toggle between coins
  • Withdrawal times reported to be slow
PENN Play
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PENN Play
#2 Rank
PENN Play
9.5

PENN Play Casino was launched in 2022 and immediately gathered a massive audience thanks to the reputation of its owner, PENN Entertainment. With the integration of the company’s PENN Rewards, over 400 casino games, and tons of top-name developers, it’s no wonder the PENN Play social casino has thousands of players and fans! Find out what we think of this social casino site in this PENN Play Casino review.

  • Website pennplaycasino.com
  • Bonus 15,000,000 Credits
  • Established 2020
  • Games 428
  • Legal in States All 50 states
Pros
  • Large selection of diverse games from top developers
  • Accepts various forms of payment
  • Many promotions to earn credits
  • App available for iOS and Android
  • Regular free credits awarded
  • The PENN Rewards program is impressive
Cons
  • No chance of winning real cash prizes
  • The live chat feature doesn't connect you to a live agent
  • Slow loading and glitches for some mobile games
  • Rewards program only accessible on mobile
Golden Hearts
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Golden Hearts
#3 Rank
Golden Hearts
8.5

If you’d like to play social casino games for free fun and support a noble cause by donating to charity in the same manner, Golden Hearts Casino is your best pick. You get to play exhilarating online slots from top providers, get 5,000 free coins for referring a friend, and pick up captivating sign-up deals for up to 250,000 free Gold Coins off the bat. See what LuckyGambler experts have to say before you join in on the action.

  • Website www.goldenheartsgames.com
  • Bonus 250k GC + 500 SC
  • Established 2020
  • Games 500
  • Legal in States All exept Idaho and Michigan
  • Live Dealer No
Pros
  • Great welcome offers up to 250,000 Gold Coins
  • 500+ slots, bingo, and table games
  • Chance of redeeming your sweeps coins for real prizes
  • Credit cards and e-wallet payments
  • Intuitive mobile design perfect for both Android and iOS players
Cons
  • Lacks live chat
  • There's no dedicated app
  • Could use an addition of more bonus-buy slots
Modo Casino
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Modo Casino
#4 Rank
Modo Casino
8.5

With some of the biggest names in the iGaming industry already sharing their best titles with Modo.us, it’s no wonder this new social casino is on the rise and gaining popularity! Our Modo.us casino review explores why players are flocking to this site to play their favorite games, participate in tournaments, or simply unwind. Find out more in this casino review.

  • Website modo.us
  • Bonus 20,000 Gold Coins (GC) + Sweepstakes Coins (SC)
  • Established 2023
  • Games 647
  • Legal in States Everywhere except for CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NJ, PA, RI, WA, WV
  • Live Dealer No
Pros
  • Wide selection of casino-style games from top developers
  • Live chat option for VIP members
  • User-friendly interface and mobile compatibility
  • Various bonuses and promotions
Cons
  • Limited banking options compared to other casinos
  • No mobile app
  • No live dealer games
Global Poker
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Global Poker
#5 Rank
Global Poker
8.3

Global Poker Casino offers a revolutionary concept in the world of social casinos and gaming. With an extensive poker portfolio spreading across Omaha, Texas Hold’em, and Caribbean Stud, as well as slots and table games, it makes a perfect all-around option. It’s powered by VGW software and approved by the MGA, but is it as good as it sounds? Let our LuckyGambler experts share a few thoughts in this all-in guide.

  • Website globalpoker.com
  • Bonus 50 million FREE Sweeps Coins
  • Established 2016
  • Games 100+
  • Legal in States Global Poker legally operates in all US states except for ID, WA, MT, and MI.
Pros of Global Poker Casino
  • Allows you to play casino games and online poker for free
  • The best sweepstakes online poker site in terms of poker variations offered
  • Has great sign-up and reload bonuses
  • Chance to redeem SC winnings for real prizes
  • Offers private poker tables
Cons of Global Poker Casino
  • Doesn't have a dedicated mobile app besides the tournament clock app
  • Lacks proper support options
DingDingDing
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DingDingDing
#6 Rank
DingDingDing
8.6

Full of exciting free slot games, bingo games, and even live dealer games, DingDingDing Casino is an online casino site that has it all. From its vast selection of games to its enticing Promo Code and Purchase Bonus promotions, this casino caters to the needs of every type of player, from novices to experienced bettors. There’s no need to purchase either, making this one of the most rewarding social casino sites in the game. Compared to other Ding Ding Ding casino reviews, this one is about everything, from their top games to customer support and payment options, so you can make an informed decision before signing up for an account.

  • Website dingdingding.com
  • Bonus 100 000 GC
  • Established 2020
  • Games 879
  • Legal in States All except Nevada, Washington, Kentucky, Michigan, and Idaho
Casino Pros
  • Various bonuses and promotions
  • Wide selection of games from top software developers
  • Multiple payment options including cryptocurrencies
  • User-friendly interface with easy navigation
Cons
  • No live chat customer support
  • No mobile app available
  • Some games need to be unlocked through coin purchases
LuckyLand
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LuckyLand
#7 Rank
LuckyLand
8.4

LuckyLand Slots is one of the most intriguing social casino sites in the US, and it’s not just because of the immersive experience that Virtual Gaming Worlds software offers. Everything about it stands out from other social casinos, starting with the Lucky Duck daily promo, jackpot game selection, and instant win games.

  • Website luckylandslots.com
  • Bonus 7,777 Gold Coins + 10 Sweeps Coins for FREE
  • Established 2015
  • Games 114
  • Legal in States Legal in all US states except for WA, ID, MI
Pros of Luckyland Slots Casino
  • Features one of the best welcome bonuses on social casinos
  • Chance of redeeming SC for cash prizes
  • Convenient redemption processing methods
  • More than 100 unique slots and instant win games
  • Easy-to-use mobile interface
Cons of High 5 Casino
  • We'd like to see a few more table and video poker games
  • The lack of an iOS mobile app downgrades the site's optimization score
Casino4Fun
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Casino4Fun
#8 Rank
Casino4Fun
8.9

Rush Games Casino4Fun has quickly made a name for itself as one of the most popular online social casinos! It’s easy to create an account and start taking advantage of daily virtual coins, jackpot promotions, and more. From live craps to popular slots by some of the biggest casino industry game developers, you’ll be able to feel immersed in online gambling from the comfort of your home. Here’s a look at what our experts at Lucky Gambler think of Rush Games Casino4Fun.

  • Website www.rushgames.com
  • Bonus 500 VC$ on sign-up
  • Established 2023
  • Games 781
  • Legal in States All except Washington
Pros:
  • A decent selection of games to choose from
  • High-quality graphics and gameplay
  • Regular promotions and bonuses offered
  • Simple registration process
Cons:
  • No mobile app available yet
  • No live chat support for customer service
  • No real-money gambling option available
SweepSlots
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SweepSlots
#9 Rank
SweepSlots
8.1

Of all the sweepstakes casinos our team has reviewed, perhaps none has garnered such a massive audience fairly quickly as SweepSlots Casino! This sweepstakes casino is the standard for other similar social casinos, offering tons of ways to win free gold coins, giveaways, bonuses, and of course, stunning slots and casino games. Whether you want to play for fun or a chance to win real cash prizes, you’re going to want to read our comprehensive SweepSlots review!

  • Website www.sweepslots.com
  • Bonus 5,000 Gold Coins and 5 Sweepstakes Coins
  • Established 2021
  • Games 119
  • Legal in States Everywhere except for ID, KY, DE, MI and WA
Pros
  • Diverse game selection
  • Social media sweepstakes and engagement opportunities
  • Generous welcome bonus and daily promotions
  • Popular payment methods accepted
Cons
  • No 24/7 live chat support
  • No mobile app is available
  • Promotional offers mostly include discounts on packages of gold and sweep coins, which require a purchase
Luckybird
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Luckybird
#10 Rank
Luckybird
9.3

LuckyBird is a crypto social casino with an infinite Faucet, daily free Sweep Coins and Gold Coins, and a host of Provably Fair games. The site is also backed by BGaming and Belatra and hosts daily giveaways, tournaments, and various promotions. New players can claim no-deposit money, and there’s a valuable First Buy bonus lying in wait. All SC can be redeemed in crypto, learn about the exchange rates, how to redeem, and all the details in our LuckyBird review.

  • Website luckybird.io
  • Bonus 1,000 Gold Coins + 0.21 Sweeps Cash
  • Established 2022
  • Games 131
  • Legal in States All except WA, KY, NV, MI, ID
Pros:
  • Infinite crypto Faucet
  • Daily free Sweepstake Coins
  • Massive generous bonuses
  • Provably Fair games
  • First Buy Bonus
  • Redeem SC to crypto
  • Live Chat customer service
Cons:
  • Lack of a live casino lobby
  • No support with native mobile apps

Ohio Online Gambling Laws

It’s clear that real-money online casinos are illegal in the state. For many players, sweepstakes casinos are fun and offer the chance to win sweepstakes cash prizes from the comfort of home. However, for some players, the need to win real money might lead to betting with offshore sites or operating an illegal gambling hub from home.

State statute Section 2915.03 outlines the punishment for operating an illegal gambling house. This law states that anyone found guilty of operating an illegal gambling house, meaning accepting and paying bets, will be guilty of a misdemeanor. If it’s a second gambling-related offense, this could quickly turn into a felony of the fifth degree!

It’s always best to stick with legal routes for online gambling, such as through free social casinos or one of the many legal betting sites. In addition, state laws recently changed in 2023, allowing sports betting sites to finally become legal. Take advantage of these legal online gambling sites and sign up for an account for free!

How Does Ohio Regulate Gambling?

There are two types of regulatory bodies in the state. The Ohio Casino Control Commission is responsible for seeing most types of gambling and gaming in the state. They help ensure the integrity of skills-based games, such as video game machines located in the state, and regulate Ohio casinos, sports betting, and Daily Fantasy sports betting.

The Control Commission would, more than likely, take over online casino gaming laws and ensure online casino Ohio players are staying protected. As it stands now, the Commission still has the massive responsibility of ensuring all slot machines, live dealer games, and poker rooms located in the state are fully licensed and operating randomly. The Ohio Lottery Commission, on the other hand, is responsible for regulating all things related to the state lottery.

While these two regulatory authorities have good oversight in the state, they, unfortunately, cannot help people who bet their money on unregulated casinos. If you lose your money due to betting with offshore sites or illegal Ohio casinos online, you won’t be able to get it back even with the help of these two agencies!

Ohio Online Casinos and Gambling

When will Ohio legalize online casinos? The truth is that it might not be any time soon, as discussions on legalizing online casinos are barely in the beginning stages. However, the best Ohio online casinos for people to play their favorite casino games are sweepstakes casino sites. These platforms allow players to play for free without wagering real money.

From online slot machines to video poker games, bingo games, and more, these social casino sites offer a wide range of casino games for players to enjoy, without the risk of losing money. The best online casinos also offer state gamblers incentives like welcome bonus offers, thousands in virtual currency and coins, and the chance to win real prizes through sweepstakes contests.

While these Ohio casino sites don’t offer the same thrill as real money betting, it’s a great way for the state residents to refine their skills and explore some of the most popular games, from online slots to card games.

Ohio Online Poker

There are currently no online poker rooms available in the state. However, several social poker sites make it possible to enjoy your favorite poker games for free! Like social and sweepstakes casinos, these social poker sites offer virtual currency and virtual tournaments for players. You don’t have to wager real money on this card game and can use these social poker sites to perfect your poker strategy.

Ohio Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports are now legal in Ohio, thanks to House Bill 132 which was passed in 2018. This made it possible for Ohio players to access DFS sites like FanDuel and DraftKings. Unlike games of chance, the state considers DFS legal since it takes skill to choose professional athletes and develop a fantasy team.

Ohio Sports Betting

Sports betting online is also now legal as of January 2023. There are plenty of reputable sites where you can place bets on the outcomes of games, including FanDuel, BetMGM, and more. These sites also offer a deposit bonus for newcomers, like bet and get bonuses or risk-free betting.

Ohio Online Horse Betting

Like sports betting, it’s also legal to bet on horse racing, both in person and online. Online horse racing sites allow you to place bets outside of the racetracks and outside of off-track betting sites in Ohio. These horse betting apps use geolocation to ensure bets are placed within Ohio, so you can legally place bets from home!

Ohio Lottery

The Ohio lottery is also one of the best ways to win thousands, if not millions, with a small investment. In addition to traditional draws and scratch-offs, there are also touch-and-win keno games located at different terminals in the state. These terminals are legal and part of the state lottery’s games. There are currently no online lottery games.

Ohio Land Based Casinos

Ohio is also home to four different commercial casinos across major cities, including Cincinnati and Cleveland. These land-based casinos are fully regulated and licensed and offer slot games, poker, blackjack, roulette, and your favorite casino games. If you’re looking for a casino in Ohio to have fun and unwind, here’s a list of where to go.

History of Gambling Legislation in Ohio

While the state had a constitutional ban on gambling during its foundation, this ban has been lifted in recent years to allow for more gambling and much-needed revenue for the state.

Introduction of Wagering on Horse Races

During the time of the Great Depression in 1933, the state allowed wagering on horse races to help create more jobs and increase revenue.

Inception of State Lottery

Then, in 1973, Ohio had another major breakthrough in gambling when it allowed residents to participate in a new state lottery. The state lottery continues to provide funds for the state’s many programs.

Approval of Commercial Casinos

This was only the beginning of gambling legislation, as in 2009, the state approved four casinos to be built. These four commercial casinos are still operating today, but no other new casinos have been added.

Authorization for Racetrack Video Lottery Terminals

However, in 2012, laws passed that made it possible for racetracks to operate video lottery terminals, similar to slot machines, at their venues.

Legalization of Fantasy Sports

The latest major changes occurred in 2020, when Fantasy Sports were legalized, and in 2023 when online sports betting was finally rolled out.

Potential for Legalizing Online Gambling

Today, there are still talks of making online gambling legal in Ohio. However, you’ll have to wait for a couple more years.

FAQ

What is the gambling age in Ohio?

The legal gambling age ranges in Ohio. You only need to be 16 years old to participate in bingo. You must be 18 years old to participate in keno, the state lottery, and horse betting. You must be 21 to bet at commercial casinos.

Who regulates in-person and online casino Ohio gambling?

The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates land-based casinos, horse betting, and sports betting, and will likely regulate online casino laws if imposed. The Ohio Lottery Commission regulates the state lottery.

Are Ohio online casino sites legal?

No, online casinos in Ohio are not legal. However, this only applies to real-money online casino websites. If you want to play casino games for free, you can visit online social and sweepstakes casinos in Ohio instead, which are legal and free.

Can I win real money at online casinos in Ohio?

No, there is no Ohio casino online that pays out winnings based on games of chance, like card games and slots. However, social casino websites allow you to win cash prizes through sweepstakes competitions. While it isn’t the same as winning and betting with a real money casino, it’s still plenty of fun and risk-free.

Are gambling winnings taxable in Ohio?

Yes, your gambling winnings are taxable on both the federal and state level. The IRS has a 24% tax rate on all winnings, whether it be from social casino sites or in-person gambling. In addition, you also have to pay a state income tax which can be up to 4.79% of your total income for the year, including winnings.

When will online casinos be legal in Ohio?

It’s unknown when online casinos in Ohio will be made legal. While talks of legalizing online casinos have persisted as recently as February 2024, the state has only approved studies into the future of iGaming and not changed legislation itself. Still, with the success of online gambling in surrounding states and the legalization of sports betting, the future looks bright for Ohio bettors!

Veronica Foster Written by Veronica Foster

I’m a seasoned gambler with a decade of experience in games like blackjack and roulette, and a particular fondness for slot machines. Now, as a writer for iGaming IQ Inc and Lucky Gambler, I use my expertise to educate others on smart, responsible betting, winning strategies, and choosing the best online casinos.

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