Ohio supports gambling with 11 casinos and seven racetracks operating across the state. Casinos became legal in Ohio in 2012, making it one of the last states to approve them. However, horse racing has been legal in Ohio since 1933, making it one of the earliest adopters. Wondering how to start gambling in Ohio? We’ve created a complete guide for players in the Buckeye State.
From online casinos to physical venues, we cover everything Ohio gamblers need to know. This guide focuses only on legal gambling options available in Ohio. We do not support or promote illegal gambling activities of any kind. Our goal is to educate Ohio players and promote safe, lawful gaming practices. Breaking state or federal gambling laws can result in serious penalties.
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Top Ohio Casinos
Ohio Casinos & Gambling
- Ohio Online gambling: Horse racing is the only form of legal online gambling.
- Year Ohio Regulated Gambling: Horse racing (1933), Lottery (1974), Bingo (1975), and Casinos (2012).
- Estimated Tax Revenue from Gambling: $1.1 billion.
- Estimated Gambling Revenue: $3.5 billion.
- Ohio Gambling Age: 18 for lottery, Bingo, and racing, 21 for casinos.
- Smoking ban: Ohio requires casino smoking areas to have outside ventilation.
Types of Online Ohio Gambling Allowed
For Ohio gambling on the web, the only form allowed is off-track betting. In the state, TwinSpires and TVG accept bets from residents. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operators take bets from the state, claiming that it’s a skill-based game, not one of chance. There are also a vast number of casino sites taking Ohio players, but they aren’t licensed there.
Ohio Gambling Laws
In Ohio, the minimum gambling age is 18 years at licensed venues. Meanwhile, the minimum gambling age for casinos is 21 years-old by law. First, gambling offenses are a first-degree misdemeanor.
Further offenses are fifth-degree felonies according to the gambling laws. While prison sentences vary, they are required for multiple-offenders.
Charities that offer raffles and Bingo have to pay a $200 license fee per year. However, new organizations must pay $500 for their first license. These licenses are available to fraternal, religious, rescue, and war veteran administrations.
Once, charities could offer poker tournaments to raise money. But they were forced out in 2013. Legally, Ohio casinos also offer tables games and casino gaming machines.
Top Casinos and Racinos in OH
The Lottery Commission oversees all gambling in this Southern State. This includes racetracks and casinos, along with other gambling. Racinos, or racetrack casinos, offer both racing bets and casino gambling, so be sure to visit.
| Casino | Size | Address | Website |
| Hollywood Casino – Columbus | 2,200 Slot Machines | 200 Georgesville Rd. | www.hollywoodcolumbus.com |
| Hollywood Casino – Toledo | 2,000 Slot Machines | 1968 Miami St. | www.hollywoodcasinotoledo.com |
| Horseshoe Casino – Cincinnati | 2,000 Slot Machines | 1000 Broadway St. | www.caesars.com/horseshoe |
| Horseshoe Casino – Cleveland | 1,600 Slot Machines | 100 Public Square | www.caesars.com/horseshoe |
OH Gambling History
Horse racing betting is one of the oldest forms of gambling in the state. Back in the 1800s, tracks in Cleveland hosted unregulated quarter-mile races.
As a result, the Central Trotting Circuit was created to address problems at the tracks. Then, state officials decided to take over in 1933 and regulate race tracks further. They also started a commission to handle the races and off-track issues.
Until the mid-1970s, no other forms of gambling were allowed. Then, the state lottery was approved by voters, as well as Bingo and raffles.
By the 90s, casinos were approved in other states, OH gamblers took their bets to Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia. In 2009, voters approved four casinos and Racinos. Residents could finally enjoy games of chance.
Ohio’s first casino opened in 2012, and the Horseshoe Casino was immediately popular in Cleveland. Two weeks later, the Hollywood Casino also opened in Toledo.
Some grey areas remained, such as “charities” operating poker rooms. However, they were never charged, though they were all closed down by 2013. The only types of casinos allowed had to be licensed.
And finally, sweepstakes machines were introduced. These were another grey area which was soon closed by legislation.
Ohio Casinos & Gambling FAQs
What is the minimum Ohio gambling age?
The minimum gambling age in Ohio is 18 horse racing, and 21 for casinos and sports betting.
Can minors play Bingo in Ohio?
No, minors cannot play Bingo in Ohio. The minimum age for Bingo is 18.
Is horse racing legal in Ohio?
Yes, horse racing is legal in Ohio, with both live racing and simulcast betting available at licensed racetracks.
Is off-track betting legal in Ohio?
Yes, off-track betting (OTB) is legal in Ohio, where individuals can place bets on races with licensed vendors.
Are there casinos in Ohio?
Yes, there are two brick-and-mortar casinos.
Are daily fantasy sports contests legal in Ohio?
Technically speaking, it’s not.
Is online poker, casino, or sports betting legal in Ohio over the Internet?
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Ohio, but online poker and casino gambling are not yet legalized as of now.