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Best Ohio Online Casinos 2024: Play Legally and Safely!

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 Online Casinos and Offers

United States
Ohio, United States
  • BetRivers.net
    #1 Rank
    BetRivers.net
    Bonus
    $1,000 Spin to Win Virtual Credits Everyday
    8.7
    Read review
    About BetRivers.net
    BetRivers.net

    Since 2016, BetRivers.NET has been a powerhouse in the US social casino scene, offering top-quality games from NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and others. With over 700 slots, live casino games, and ongoing tournaments, it’s a must-visit. All players enjoy automatic enrollment in the loyalty scheme and receive free virtual credits every four hours.

    Read review
    Overview
    • Website us.betrivers.net
    • Established 2016
    • Min deposit $1.99
    • No Deposit Bonus $20 virtual credits
    Rating
    8.7 / 10
    Bonuses
    8/10
    Payment Options
    9/10
    Customer Support
    8/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    7/10
    Game Selection
    10/10
    User reviews
    9/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • PayPal
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • GoldSlips Casino
    #2 Rank
    GoldSlips Casino
    Bonus
    5S Coins and 100K Gold Coins
    7.1
    Read review
    About GoldSlips Casino
    GoldSlips Casino

    GoldSlips Casino, launched in 2023 and available in most states, is quickly gaining traction as a promising social casino. With a straightforward yet engaging platform, we’re eager to see its expansion in bonuses and promotions. Check out our comprehensive review for insights on gameplay, ratings, and more at GoldSlips.

    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    7.1 / 10
    Bonuses
    6/10
    Payment Options
    7/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    8/10
    User experience
    7/10
    Game Selection
    7/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • ACH
    • PayPal
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Huuuge
    #3 Rank
    Huuuge
    Bonus
    4+ Billion Free Chips
    8.4
    Read review
    About Huuuge
    Huuuge

    Huuuge Casino boasts a robust selection of 201 finely crafted games, making it a major player in the social casino scene since its launch in 2014. Powered by Huuuge Games and supported by well-known providers like Aristocrat and Playtech, it offers over 4 billion free chips for linking your Facebook and Apple ID. Don’t miss the welcome bonus upon login. For more details, dive into our full Huuuge Social Casino review.

    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    8.4 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    8/10
    Game Selection
    8/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • American Express
    • Discover
    • Apple Pay
    • PayPal
    • +2
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Casino4Fun
    #4 Rank
    Casino4Fun
    Bonus
    500 VC$ on sign-up
    8.9
    Read review
    About Casino4Fun
    Casino4Fun

    Rush Games Casino4Fun has become a favorite among online social casinos, offering easy account setup and daily virtual coin benefits. Since its 2023 launch, players enjoy jackpot promotions and games ranging from live craps to popular slots crafted by top industry developers. See what our experts at Lucky Gambler have to say about Rush Games Casino4Fun.

    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    8.9 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    9/10
    User reviews
    9/10

    Payment methods

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

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.

1933
1973
2009
2012
2020
2024
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.

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Ohio Online Casino 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.

Veronica's articles and reviews