Ohio Casinos, Sports Betting and Gambling

Sweepstakes Casinos in Ohio

Sweepstakes casinos are accessible in Ohio under state sweepstakes laws. No enforcement actions have been taken against operators or players. Sweepstakes platforms operate outside Ohio's gambling regulations by using a no-purchase-necessary virtual currency model that falls under federal promotional sweepstakes law rather than state gambling statutes. Note that MegaBonanza is restricted in Ohio — players should use one of the other recommended platforms below.

• Crown Coins: Our top alternative pick for Ohio. A well-regarded sweepstakes casino with a strong game library and smooth redemption process.
• Spree: A growing platform with a clean no-purchase entry model and solid game selection.
• WOW Vegas: Over 1,000 slots plus live dealer games. Free Sweeps Coins from day one, plus a daily wheel offer.
• Free Spin Casino: A solid option with a wide variety of slot titles.
• American Luck: A US-focused platform with regular promotional offers.
• Fortune Coins: Popular for its large game library and strong VIP programme.

Social Casinos

• 7 Seas Casino: Free-to-play Vegas-style slots. No prizes, no purchase.
• Vegas World: Free slots, poker, and table games.
• Casino World: A broad range of free social casino games.

Tax on Sweepstakes Winnings in Ohio

Ohio has a state income tax. Sweepstakes prize winnings are taxable at both federal and state level. Platforms will issue a 1099-MISC for prizes exceeding $600. Additionally, some Ohio municipalities levy local income taxes on gambling winnings (Columbus: 2.5%; Toledo: 2.25%). Declare all prize income on your Ohio state and local tax returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is online sports betting legal in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio legalised online sports betting via Senate Bill 176, signed in December 2021, with launch on January 1, 2023. Ohio quickly became one of the largest sports betting markets in the US — the fourth largest nationally, generating $9 billion in handle in 2024 and exceeding $1 billion in a single month (January 2025). The tax rate is 20% on adjusted gross revenue (raised from 10% in July 2023). FanDuel and DraftKings together control approximately two-thirds of the market. College athlete prop bets were banned in early 2024. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine proposed banning all sports prop bets in July 2025; this has not yet been enacted. Minimum age is 21.

Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Ohio?

Generally yes — sweepstakes casinos operate legally under Ohio's sweepstakes law framework. No enforcement actions have been taken against operators or players, and most platforms are accessible. Note that MegaBonanza is restricted in Ohio. Players must be at least 18 (some platforms require 21). Helpline calls in Ohio increased 55% during the state's first full year of legal online sports betting, which lawmakers have cited as a concern about any further expansion.

Is online casino gaming legal in Ohio?

No, and the political environment is difficult. Governor Mike DeWine has publicly stated "I am not for it" regarding online casino legalisation, arguing that "putting a casino in everybody's hands 24/7 will cause more pain and suffering regarding gaming addiction." iGaming bills have failed repeatedly: SB 312 (2024) and SB 197 and HB 298 (2025) all stalled without meaningful progress. Multiple economic studies estimate Ohio online casinos could generate $1.5-2 billion in annual revenue (comparable to neighbouring Michigan and Pennsylvania), but Governor opposition is a significant barrier. There is no clear legislative path in 2026.

How many casinos are in Ohio?

Ohio has four licensed commercial casino properties. All four are non-smoking and operate 24/7. Combined they generated $1.03 billion in revenue in 2025 — up 3% year-on-year despite competition from online sports betting. Ohio has no tribal casinos.

Are there racinos in Ohio?

Yes. Following a 2012 constitutional amendment, video lottery terminals (VLTs) were authorised at Ohio's horse racing tracks, creating "racinos." These venues offer electronic gaming machines alongside live and simulcast racing. The racinos are regulated separately from the four commercial casinos under the Ohio Lottery Commission rather than the Casino Control Commission.

What responsible gambling resources are available in Ohio?

The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-589-9966, 24/7. The helpline is operated through Ohio for Responsible Gambling, a collaboration of state agencies providing education, prevention, and treatment services. The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio is affiliated with the National Council on Problem Gambling. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-522-4700, 24/7. Ohio law requires all licensed sports betting operators to offer self-exclusion, deposit limits, and responsible gambling tools.

Ohio Gambling Laws — The Ohio Casino Control Commission

Ohio gambling is regulated primarily by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), which licences and oversees all four commercial casinos, online sports betting operators, skill-based amusement machines, and fantasy contests. The Ohio Lottery Commission separately regulates the state lottery and VLTs at racinos. The Ohio Attorney General oversees charitable gaming.

Casino gaming in Ohio was authorised by Amendment 3 to the state constitution, passed by Ohio voters in November 2009. This amendment specifically authorised four casino licences in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Any future expansion — including online casino gaming — would require new legislation and potentially another constitutional amendment process.

Sports betting was authorised by Senate Bill 176, signed by Governor DeWine in December 2021. The bill was notable for allowing a broad range of licence types including online, retail at casinos and racinos, and retail at professional sports facilities and designated locations like bars. Up to 25 online licences and substantial retail licences were made available.

Ohio Gambling History

Ohio's earliest gambling laws date to 1790, when fines were imposed on gamblers — though they were notoriously difficult to enforce. The state has cycled through periods of prohibition and liberalisation throughout its history.

Pari-mutuel wagering on horse races was legalised by the Ohio General Assembly in 1933, and the Ohio Racing Commission was established to oversee commercial horse racing. The Ohio Lottery was legalised in 1973 (beginning operations in 1974), with profits directed to state education funding from 1987 onwards.

For most of its history, Ohio had no casino gaming at all. That changed dramatically with Amendment 3, passed by Ohio voters in November 2009, which authorised four commercial casinos. The four casinos opened between 2012 and 2013: Hollywood Casino Toledo (May 2012), Jack Cleveland Casino (May 2012), Hollywood Casino Columbus (October 2012), and a fourth in Cincinnati. In 2012, VLTs were also authorised at Ohio's racetracks, creating the racino model.

Online sports betting launched January 1, 2023 — one of the most highly anticipated launches in US sports betting history, given Ohio's size (seventh-largest state by population) and the passion of Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati sports fan bases.

Ohio's Four Commercial Casinos

Ohio's four licensed casino properties are concentrated in its four largest cities. All operate 24/7 and are 100% non-smoking. Together they generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2025.

• Hollywood Casino Columbus: The highest-earning Ohio casino; approximately 2,150 slot machines; 70+ table games; poker room; multiple restaurants and entertainment venues. Operated by Penn Entertainment; located in Columbus, the state capital and largest city.
• Hollywood Casino Toledo: 125,000 square feet; over 2,000 slot machines; 60 table games; 20 poker tables. Operated by Penn Entertainment; the only Ohio casino to grow revenue in September 2024, demonstrating its strong local market.
• Jack Cleveland Casino: 100,000 square feet in Cleveland's Public Square, connected to Terminal Tower and Tower City shopping mall. Over 1,600 slot machines; 100+ table games and 35 electronic table games. Operated by JACK Entertainment.
• Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Cincinnati (formerly Jack Cincinnati, formerly Horseshoe Cincinnati): 100,000 square feet; approximately 2,000 slot machines; 85+ table games; poker room; multiple restaurants.

Racinos

Ohio's licensed horse racing tracks operate VLTs under the Ohio Lottery Commission, including venues such as Eldorado, Belterra Park, Hollywood Casino at Mahoning Valley Race Course, and others. These venues offer electronic gaming machines alongside live and simulcast horse racing, and many also feature retail sports betting kiosks.

Responsible Gambling in Ohio

• Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-589-9966, available 24/7; operated through Ohio for Responsible Gambling.
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700, available 24/7 by phone, text, and live chat at ncpgambling.org.
• OCCC Self-Exclusion: A single voluntary self-exclusion covers all four licensed Ohio casinos and all licensed online sports betting platforms. Registration at casinocontrol.ohio.gov.
• Problem Gambling Network of Ohio: State affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling; treatment referrals and support resources.

References

1. Ohio Casino Control Commission
2. Ohio Lottery
3. Ohio Attorney General (Charitable Gaming)
4. Online gambling: are players at risk of prosecution?
5. American Gaming Association