If you want to play real money casino games online, then by law you should only use legally operated Ohio online casinos. In this guide we will review the best legal OH internet casinos, a variety of real cash mobile apps, plus some of the latest online slots and roulette.
As of January 1, 2023 there are no licensed Ohio online casinos that have begun accepting wagers. That means that at the time of writing it is impossible to report detailed ratings. However, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has already issued licenses to several operators who plan to launch their platforms as soon as possible.
So, in our ranking of the top online casinos available in Ohio, we focus on those who have gone through the licensing procedure and passed all the checks. According to official information, at least a dozen virtual Ohio gambling venues will appear in 2023-2024. So we are waiting for tough competition and a very interesting fight for the best positions.
The Best Legal Online Casinos in Ohio
We expect many famous brands to enter the Ohio iGaming market. As mentioned above, the first local legal casino sites in Ohio may start operating in mid-2023. Meanwhile, here is a list of the world’s leading casino operators that have received an Internet Gaming License from the Ohio Casino Control Commission:
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) opened the application period for companies interested in obtaining a license to operate online casinos back in April 2022. A total of 36 applications were submitted, of which 28 were for managerial licenses and 8 for supplier licenses. All procedures were completed in early July when the regulator announced the results.
In addition to large international corporations, smaller local businesses applied for licenses. Thus, the control commission was able to ensure healthy competition in the state’s nascent online gambling industry.
Licensed Ohio Online Casino Sites
Only those operators who have been licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission can open legal online casinos in the state. New gambling establishments must be owned or affiliated with one of the state’s land-based casinos. Here are the licensed online casino managers:
the largest casino in americaAs for the suppliers of software and services, they do not need to be connected with offline venues. But they still need to receive a license from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. These are the licensed suppliers so far:
It is expected that among the managers there will also be well-known international online casinos that have long enjoyed the trust of American players. For example, among the applicants for a license to manage an online casino in Ohio is DraftKings, which ranks high in .
Choosing a legal online casino in Ohio, pay attention to the license number when registering your account. It is indicated in each licensed establishment. You can also check out the full list of licenses on the website of the Ohio Casino Control Commission. This is further confirmation that the resource you have chosen is reliable and monitored by the state regulator.
Ohio Gambling Apps
Legal online casinos in Ohio can offer their customers a web version of the site and one or more mobile apps. Of course, these are just predictions, since the first operators have not yet started to work. However, according to practice in other states, we can assume that:
- Web versions – each casino will have its own URL that you can type into your browser. Such a resource can be run not only from a desktop computer, but also from a laptop with unreliable Internet connection or an outdated operating system;
- Mobile browsers – you don’t have to download anything to play in the casino through your browser. This option is suitable for smartphones based on iOS or with a glitch that does not allow you to upgrade to a new version of Android;
- Applications for Android – legal online casinos in Ohio can develop software that can be installed on devices running Google’s OS. Such a program will provide access to the most popular games, bonuses and payments;
- Applications for iOS – due to the policy of the App Store such programs undergo additional verification, but users of Apple devices will be able to download the applications of the top managers of online casinos in Ohio.
The availability of a mobile app is an important criterion for rating online casinos in any state where gambling is legal. Therefore, when receiving an application from a potential manager, the Ohio Casino Control Commission pays special attention to whether the company plans to release mobile software and what platforms it will support.
Online Games from Top Software Providers
Online casino managers approved in Ohio have concluded contracts with more than a hundred providers of gaming content. Among them are leaders in the field of creating slots and card and table games. All of them undergo additional verification by the OCCC to be able to supply their products to legal online casinos in Ohio.
If we talk about the most famous and popular software providers, then these are companies like:
- – this giant offers hundreds of slots and classic table games, as well as exclusive live dealer games.
- – the largest operator of sports betting in the US offers high-quality slot machines, jackpots, video poker and blackjack.
- – NetEnt games can be found at many online casinos, its live dealers broadcast shows in addition to card games.
- – Evolution is the world leader in the production of live dealer games, including game shows, poker, baccarat, roulette and blackjack.
- – Play’n GO offers historic slots, as well as adaptations for screens of different sizes, from desktops to smartphones.
- – iGaming corporation with headquarters in Malta, providing a huge selection of high-quality gambling content.
- – Scientific Games specializes in lottery games, instant wins, and unique slot machines.
- – the Swedish provider offers branded slots, original mechanics and excellent graphics.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission imposes restrictions on the minimum and maximum percentage of the return of player investments (RTP). Slots and other games that do not depend on the participation of other players must return at least 85% of the bets. For poker, the RTP rate is 90%, for all other games – 92%.
All games of chance that will be available on legal online casino sites in Ohio will be tested by private laboratories and the Ohio Casino Control Commission. This is done to exclude the possibility of fraudulent actions on the part of developers and managers of gambling sites. Players can be 100% sure that all games are fair and random.
Most Popular Online Slots
The largest selection of games in every online casino in Ohio will be occupied by slots. These are simple and addictive one-player games that do not require strategy and experience. Enthusiasts of colorful spinning reels will be able to choose from thousands of different stories and gameplay options.
You can play popular slots right now at the top , but remember that they work outside the United States and do not serve players from the country. They cannot in any way spoil your impression of the American gambling industry, on the contrary, they demonstrate how quality and profitable online slots should be.
Among the providers listed above, fans of playing for real money at online casinos in Ohio will be able to find many familiar titles. We are talking about masterpieces such as:
- – one of the most successful rock bands in history has become the inspiration of Stakelogic for a series of slots with high volatility and big winnings.
- – Starburst is an iconic game that started the space race between providers of gambling content. Now dozens of companies are trying to outdo each other in sequels and clones.
- – Gonzo goes to Ohio! The adventurer has long been looking for Eldorado, but on the way he meets fans from all over the world.
- – John Hunter is another NetEnt character who went in search of treasure. And he finds it, and players win free spins and wild symbols in several exciting slots.
- – Megaways is a trademark of Big Time Gaming, but now many providers use this mechanism for their slots. Random reel modifiers increase the variance and winnings potential.
- – Ramses is not the only ancient Egyptian who helps gamblers enrich themselves. Developers of gambling content regularly release new slots with mummies, scarabs, pharaohs and the pyramids.
- – books of magical spells can bring good luck to gamblers. Many providers have released slots based on this plot.
When choosing slots in online casinos in Ohio, pay attention to the volatility of the game, the size of the bets and the return rate of investments. Also, do not forget that each provider allows you to try out new slots for free without registration.
Roulette Variations and Tables
American roulette is the main classic game in the United States. Therefore, in any online casino in Ohio, players will be able to find several variations of this fortune teller. Perhaps, American roulette will be supplemented by several modifications, for example, French or European. Together, they will please gamblers with high RTP rates and a wide range of bets.
European/French/American Roulette are almost certainly the main variants of classical roulettes in online casinos in Ohio. However, players’ thirst for novelty and big winnings will be quenched by the atypical versions below, which are usually equipped with additional multipliers and side bets:
- – this is arousal with a tuxedo and gloves, who launches the wheel and announces the winning sector. At the same time, other visitors of the VIP-lounges place large bets at the double zero roulette.
- – a dynamic game with multipliers that can reach x1000. Each round is accompanied by the elimination of players until the last one on the desert island remains.
- – Lightning hits randomly selected sectors, giving a boost to bets on split, street, corner and other types of bets.
- – an original fusion of roulette and blackjack, where instead of numbers and colors on the wheel there are suits and figures of playing cards.
- – a roulette wheel with 52 sections, where you can make bets on the outcome of duels of jokers from different batman universes.
All varieties of roulette in online casinos in Ohio will be supplemented by various features: Aggregate Limits, First Person atmosphere, Hot & Cold Numbers, Instant Replay and others. In addition, dealers will be happy to accept all types of bets: splitting, california, orphan, section, black splits, red splits, neighbors and others.
Best Fanduel Casino Games You Should Definitely TryBlackjack Rules and Tables
Blackjack is a card game that has been popular in America for centuries. The origins of the game are disputed, but today it is clear that it deserves love and respect. Blackjack tables will definitely be present in all legal online casinos in Ohio. Probably, they will be presented in large quantities and in a variety of forms.
Each blackjack table has its own rules that determine the yield and advantages of the player or the house edge. In order not to get confused in the differences and choose the most profitable option, we have compiled a compact table with the main characteristics:
The Ohio Casino Control Commission requires online casino managers to inform players about the rules of blackjack before starting the game. In addition, the regulator himself approves the regulations for each table, verifying compliance with traditional rules and checking for unusual benefits.
Gambling Truths You Need to Embrace If You Want to WinThis does not mean that online casinos in Ohio will not offer exotic blackjack. For example, mega dealerships can accommodate several hundred tables with different settings, including those listed in the table. Among them, players will surely find the most favorable conditions for combining bonuses and strategic opportunities.
Since blackjack is the most beneficial casino game, it is not surprising that in Ohio it will be represented by several card games, the main goal of which is to collect more points than the dealer, but do not exceed 21. To the basic versions of the game, for example, Standard, Six-Deck and Vegas Strip, lovers of increased risk will be able to rent several options with an increased multiplier.
For example, in Mega Boost Blackjack, after a winning hand, the player receives an increase in payouts from 1 to 1000 times the size of the bet. In Xchange Blackjack, players can exchange one hand for another during the game. In Poker-Style Blackjack, cards have poker values, and in Buster Blackjack the player’s goal is to bust the dealer, while exceeding his own result by no more than 210 points.
Bonuses and Promotions
New customers of legal online casinos in Ohio will be able to count on welcome bonuses. The size of incentives and ways to wager rewards will depend on the policies of individual managers. But the Ohio Casino Control Commission can limit the maximum amount of bonus funds and the validity period.
Most likely, online casinos in Ohio will please newcomers with a package of welcome bonuses, which includes several deposits. This is a common practice in Europe and other continents where the USA successfully uses incentive tools.
With the help of welcome bonuses, the top operators of Ohio attempt to attract new visitors, replenishing their accounts for the first time. For example, the first deposit can bring additional 100% of up to $1,000. The second and third deposits will bring gratuitous funds or free spins in slots.
To receive a welcome bonus, you must activate it in the settings of your account. Then make a deposit within the validity period of the promotion. Further, you need to meet the wagering – to multiply the deposit, bonus fund or both by a certain coefficient (5x or 20x). Only after that you can withdraw the winnings to your bank card or e-wallet.
Welcome bonuses are not the only promotional offers that Ohio players will be offered. Every week or month, regular customers of online casinos in the state can expect reload bonuses, cashback, free spins or participation in tournaments with a large prize pool.
Mobile Compatibility
Experts unanimously agree that mobile devices will be the main platform for playing in legal online casinos in Ohio. Today, Americans of all ages constantly communicate with gadgets, so convenient access to gambling games is a key condition for success.
Single wallet is a cross-platform solution that allows you to make deposits and withdrawals from different gambling sites. Wallets support credit and debit cards, bank transfers, prepaid cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, and sometimes payment vouchers. Their main advantage is that you can manage your finances using any device with access to the Internet.
The History of Gambling and Gambling in Ohio
Gambling in Ohio dates back to the 19th century, when people played lotteries to raise money for schools, churches and public works. For a long time, horse racing was allowed in the state, card rooms and charitable raffles appeared, but only at the beginning of 2020 did lawmakers decide to legalize modern gambling:
Late 2020 – Early 2021. Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29, which legalizes gambling in Ohio. The law provides for the creation of up to 4 casino plus 4 racinos with reduced limits until July 1, 2023. During this period, the Ohio Casino Control Commission begins to issue licenses and online platforms, and land-based venues pay a contribution of $50 million. After this date, the price of a license will be $10 million.
alabama coushatta casino in texasThus, by 2027, the state budget will enrich for $200 million, the development of the gambling industry will create thousands of new jobs. Residents and guests of Ohio will be able to safely play slots and other games, knowing that all organizations are carefully verified by the regulator.
July–August 2021. The Ohio Casino Control Commission began accepting applications for licenses from those wishing to open land-based and online casinos. Initially, 61 incomplete applications were received, of which 36 were for online resources and 25 for land-based casinos. By the end of August, the OCCC had completed consideration of all applications, and all unsuccessful applicants had the opportunity to appeal the decision in court.
October–November 2021. The Ohio Casino Control Commission launched an advertising campaign to inform residents of the state about the prospects of the gambling industry. At the same time, the regulator continued to issue licenses, but only for land-based establishments. To date, the following casinos and racinos have been licensed:
- Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment: Cincinnati, 100k electronic gaming machines (EGMs);
- Cardfields Racetrack & Casino: Cleveland, 1,500 EGMs, 500 tables games, racino with 350 historical horse racing (HHR) terminals;
- Hard Rock Northern Illinois: Rockford, 1,500 EGMs, 30 tables games, 60 HHR terminals;
- JACK Cincinnati Casino: Cincinnati, 2,044 slot machines, 168 table games;
- JACK Cleveland Casino: Cleveland, 1,762 slot machines, 132 table games;
- Miami Downtown Gaming: Miami, 500 EGMs;
- Rivers Casino & Resort: Pittsburgh, 1,500 EGMs, 60 tables games, 40 HHR terminals;
- Toledo Casino: Toledo, 1,800 EGMs;
- Tropicana Evansville: Evansville, 1,500 EGMs, 40 tables games, 40 HRR terminals.
January 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced the start of online casino operations from January 1, 02:00 local time. Applicants who have passed offline inspections and checked the availability of the necessary financial investments can obtain an Internet Gaming Supplier license and an Internet Gaming Manager / Operator license. The first legal online casinos in Ohio should appear in the second quarter.
Map of Ohio Cities with Casinos
According to the law “On gambling in Ohio”, up to 10 land-based casinos and 40 video poker facilities can operate in the state. They are located in entertainment districts, airports or near interstates. Residents and guests of Ohio can play slots and other games around the clock, with drinks served only in specially designated areas.
There are currently 11 cities with casinos and racinos in Ohio. The largest of them are Cincinnati, Cleveland and Toledo, which boast historic venues and a bright future for online gambling.
Casinos Worth Visiting Near Mountain Home, IdahoGambling Age in Ohio
Both land-based and online casinos in Ohio will accept players from the moment of publication of the relevant decree of the governor or, which is the same, from January 1, 2023. To play in casinos, clients of gambling sites must confirm their age.
Minors will not be able to visit land-based establishments, and accounts in online casinos will be blocked. The legal gambling age in Ohio is 21 years. At this age, players confirms their adulthood and responsibility for their actions.
So that underage players do not bypass the age limit, all legal online casinos in Ohio will require identity verification. This can be done in a couple of ways:
- Video verification. Players upload a photo or several photos of their documents to the site: passport, driver’s license or state ID card. The system will compare the data with the face and signatures of the player and, if everything is in order, unlock access to the casino.
- Certified mail. Players send copies of identity documents to the casino, and after verification they receive by mail a special form that must be signed and sent back. After that, access to the gambling site is opened.
Identity verification takes a few minutes or a few days. Some players skip this step, but sooner or later their cheating will be revealed: the account is blocked, winnings are withheld and the possibility of returning to the casino is cancelled. We advise you not to experiment and immediately indicate your correct data when registering on the gambling site.
Responsible Gambling Foundation and Organizations
Responsible Game – it is important to say about it everywhere and in any occasion. Despite the fact that Ohio has one of the lowest problem gambling rates in the US, the authorities are seriously approaching the organization of gambling and the provision of services for treating gambling addiction:
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has developed a game plan to combat problem gambling, which involves increasing the budget for the treatment of addicts from the current $250,000 to $1 million. In addition, the regulator created the position of Senior Vice President of Responsible Gambling, hiring James Lodovic for this position. He previously held similar positions in Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Problem gambling treatment funds come from the general budget of the state and the gambling industry itself. The latter pays 1.25% of gross revenues to the construction of therapeutic services. The Ohio Casino Control Commission verifies that all organizations subject to licensing strictly abide by this rule.
Players who feel that they are losing control over the game can independently take several steps to protect themselves:
- Self-registration. Legal online casinos in Ohio will allow you to block access to your account for 24 hours, a month or indefinitely. To do this, you will need to select a protection option in your personal account or contact technical support.
- Cooling-off. Players themselves can restrict the deposit for a certain period of time. During this time, the system will not accept transfers to the game account from the client’s bank card.
- Self-exclusion or exclusion from the game. Its duration is at least 5 years, and you can select any period yourself, but you must go through identity verification and submit a request for self-exclusion through law enforcement agencies.
Special services help those who cannot stop playing on their own. Their services are paid by the state budget, so they are free for citizens of Ohio. The nearest crisis center can be found on the websites of the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Problem Gambling Network:
- Gambler’s Anonymous. Support groups operate in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Marietta, massillon, Youngstown. Telephone hotline: 1 (800) 585-5850.
- Gambling Treatment Program. University Hospitals – 2135 Adelaide St., Cleveland, OH 44106. Phone: 216-844-0768.
- Ohio Council on Behavorial Health Funding. Financing the development of a network of counseling centers, telephone consultations, training of psychologists and psychotherapists. Phone: 614-644-0761.
Questions and Answers
Is online gambling legal in Ohio?
Yes, from January 1, 2023, residents and guests of Ohio will be able to play at legal online casinos. Among the first operators who received licenses are FanDuel, BetMGM and Barstool Sportsbook, which partnered with local land-based casinos. - To play for real money, you must be at least 21 years old and be acting within the borders of the state. - Clients of online casinos in Ohio will be able to play the same games as in land-based establishments and resort to the assistance of customer support 24/7.
What is the best Ohio online casino real money app?
At the moment, there are no real money online casino apps that would operate legally in Ohio. All known brands, for example, Ignition Casino and mBit Casino, do not serve players from the state and do not intend to obtain licenses. The Ohio Casino Control Commission has accredited a number of service providers that will provide identity verification, payment processing, responsible gaming and other functions for remote gambling platforms.
Does Ohio have online casinos?
No, the first online casinos in Ohio will appear on January 1, 2023. For the next 2 years, the Ohio Casino Control Commission will issue licenses for land-based gambling venues. From 2023, the regulator will expand the issuance of permits for online casinos.
Can you gamble online in Ohio from a different state?
No, legal online casinos in Ohio will accept players only within the state borders. Geolocation software will be installed on gambling sites to track the location of users. Attempts to bypass the ban on gambling from other states may result in blocking accounts and withholding winnings.
Where can I play online casino in Ohio?
The first legal online casinos in Ohio should begin to work from April 2023. To date, the Ohio Casino Control Commission has approved the software for online gambling platforms. Next, the regulator will carry out testing of servers, games, payment systems and security tools.
Who can play at Ohio's online casinos?
Only adult players can play online casino games in Ohio. To confirm age, clients of gambling sites will have to go through identity verification. Those who are under 21 years old risk blocking the account and prohibition of deposits and withdrawals.
