Ohio has legal sports betting. Ohio has casinos. But Ohio doesn't have legal online casino games—no online slots, no online blackjack, no online poker. If you're wondering when that might change, here's where things stand.
Ohio iGaming Status
No active legislation • No realistic timeline for passage
The Current Situation
Ohio legalized sports betting in December 2021 (HB 29), with online and retail sportsbooks launching January 1, 2023. That legislation specifically excluded online casino gaming.
As of late 2025, there's been no serious legislative push to expand to iGaming. Unlike Michigan or Pennsylvania—where online casinos launched shortly after sports betting—Ohio hasn't even introduced a bill.
What's Available vs. What's Not
| Product | Legal in Ohio? | Where to Play |
|---|---|---|
| Online Sports Betting | ✓ Yes | FanDuel, DraftKings, etc. |
| Retail Sportsbooks | ✓ Yes | JACK, Hard Rock, Hollywood |
| Retail Casino | ✓ Yes | 11 casinos statewide |
| Online Slots | ✗ No | N/A |
| Online Blackjack/Table Games | ✗ No | N/A |
| Online Poker | ✗ No | N/A |
Why Ohio Hasn't Moved on iGaming
Casino Opposition
Ohio's brick-and-mortar casinos (JACK Cleveland, Hard Rock Cincinnati, Hollywood Columbus, etc.) haven't pushed hard for online expansion. Unlike in other states where casinos wanted online licenses to compete with offshore sites, Ohio's casinos seem content with the status quo.
Legislative Priorities
The Ohio legislature has other gambling-adjacent issues to deal with first—including the upcoming 2026 tax changes and ongoing debates about skill games and sweepstakes cafes. iGaming hasn't risen to priority status.
No Voter Initiative Path
Some states have legalized gambling via ballot initiative. Ohio's process makes this harder, and there's no organized campaign pushing iGaming to voters.
Timeline Speculation
Possible iGaming Timeline
Realistically, Ohio isn't getting legal online casino games before 2028 at the earliest—and that's an optimistic timeline. There's simply no momentum in Columbus right now.
Some Ohio residents use offshore casino sites. This is illegal under Ohio law, and you have no consumer protections if something goes wrong. Deposits can be seized, winnings can be voided, and you're on your own if the site disappears with your money.
What About Social Casinos?
"Social casinos" and "sweepstakes casinos" operate in a legal gray area. Sites like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots let you play casino-style games and redeem prizes, but they use a sweepstakes model that (arguably) skirts gambling laws.
Ohio hasn't cracked down on these sites, but they're not explicitly legal either. The OCCC has been focused on sports betting enforcement, not sweepstakes casinos.
If you use sweepstakes casinos, understand the risks: they could be shut down, your funds could be frozen, and there's limited recourse if issues arise.
What Would Ohio iGaming Look Like?
If Ohio eventually legalizes, it would likely follow a similar model to sports betting:
- Licensed operators: Existing casinos would likely get first shot at licenses
- Mobile-first: Online apps would be the primary access point
- Tax rate: Probably 15-30% (Ohio's sports betting rate is 20%)
- Age requirement: 21+ to match sports betting
- Geo-fencing: Must be physically in Ohio to play
The sportsbook operators you already use (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars) would likely offer casino products if legalized, similar to how they operate in Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Neighboring State Options
If you're determined to play legal online casino games, some neighboring states have them:
| State | iGaming Legal? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | ✓ Yes | Must be physically in MI to play |
| Pennsylvania | ✓ Yes | Must be physically in PA to play |
| West Virginia | ✓ Yes | Must be physically in WV to play |
| Indiana | ✗ No | Sports betting only |
| Kentucky | ✗ No | Sports betting only |
If you travel to Michigan, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia, you can legally create accounts and play while physically in those states. Your Ohio address isn't a problem—it's your physical location when playing that matters.
The Bottom Line
Ohio isn't getting legal online casino games anytime soon. There's no legislation, no political momentum, and no organized push for it. If you want to play slots or table games online legally, you'll need to either visit a neighboring state or wait—possibly several years.
In the meantime, Ohio has robust sports betting options and 11 brick-and-mortar casinos. That's what's legal and regulated. Stick with those if you want protections.