Ohio is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to its stance on online gambling. As you will see from the contents of this page, there is no rhyme or reason to what makes one form of online gambling legal over another, and there are many changes coming to the state, which may make things even more confusing. As for this site, it is dedicated to giving you the most updated information regarding online gambling in the Buckeye State, so keep your eyes on this page for the latest news on your favorite forms of gambling!
Online Sports Betting in Ohio
Legalized sports betting is surging across the United States in the short time since the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May 2018. Many states are already offering legal sports betting to their residents, while fans in states like Ohio are left wondering if the activity will be regulated in their state. Fear not, Ohio residents – the discussions continue to introduce legislation that will be passed by the state legislature. There were efforts in 2019 that were unsuccessful, but now in 2020, there are signs that bills are edging closer to becoming a reality.
Daily Fantasy Sports are one of the only games that are totally legal in Ohio, having laws passed in the mid-2010s. While nothing like betting on actual sporting events, DFS does give sports fans a gambling outlet, at least in the short term.
In the meantime, our Online Sports Betting pages are dedicated to both bringing you the latest news as well as giving you all the knowledge you need to be a smarter bettor when it is finally legal in Ohio. From overviews of all the bet types to where to find the best lines and odds, we have you covered.
Online Casinos
All the talk of legalizing sports betting in Ohio has left fans of online casino games curious where they stand. Unfortunately, to date, the sports betting bulls do not include provisions for online slots and table games, but given that many states such as Michigan are passing more comprehensive laws, it is hoped that Ohio will at the very least, leave the door open for an expansion of the gambling regulations.
If you are traveling to a state where online casinos are legal or just want to try some new games at a land-based casino, our games section will be of value to you. It is much more enjoyable trying a new game after you have had a chance to learn before you sit down, and between our guides and the many social casinos that are available in Ohio, you can get your feet wet without having to spend a lot of cash.
Online Poker
Online poker was booming in Ohio and across the entire country in the mid-2000s, but sadly those days are long gone now. The federal government found ways to cripple the offshore-based industry, but the love of the game was already set into the American way of life. A handful of states have tried to make a go of regulated online poker, but with so few players in the prize pools, it is far more underwhelming a proposition than hoped. That being said, there are some more states looking at adding online poker to their sports betting and casino legislation, and that could very soon change the overall landscape for the better.
There is no talk currently in Ohio about adding online poker regulations, but players who are keen to keep their skills active or just want to play for the love of the game can play at one of the social sites like Global Poker or the subscription-based Club WPT, both of which are available to residents of the state. We review all the current options for online poker as well as giving you an overview of the rules of each of the games in case you want to give a new one a try.
Online Horse Racing Betting
Like many of the other states across the country, online betting on horse racing is not only legal but encouraged. The horse racing industry has been facing diminishing numbers in both attendance and bets over the last decade, so adding online betting was a way to prop up the sport. While no local laws are allowing online horse racing gambling, the Horse Racing Act allows for companies based in Oregon like Twinspires to offer betting options on horse races from within the state of Ohio and from tracks across the country.
Betting on the horses is very different than other sports, so we have a team of experts to help walk you through the process of opening an online account and understanding all the different ways to bet on a race. This information will make the races far more exciting!
Online Lottery in Ohio
The sale of lottery tickets online has been a topic of hot debate in Ohio for years. There are many stakeholders in the mix, from retailers who fear their numbers dwindling to the anti-gambling authorities that believe this will only perpetuate more problem gamblers. For the time being, there are no online sales of lottery draw games in Ohio, although the Lottery app is built and could easily be reconfigured to allow for purchases when and if legislation is agreed upon.
Ohio Gambling FAQ
Is offshore gambling legal in Ohio?
The definition of legality for offshore gaming companies has always been murky in most of the states, and Ohio is no different. The main thing a player needs to know here is that it is not illegal to create an account and play with an offshore site. However, anyone that does so forfeits any chance to be protected against rogue operators. These sites are operating outside the jurisdiction of the Ohio Gaming Commission, so anyone that ends up finding themselves having issues with a site has no legal leg to stand on. We do not recommend playing with these offshore operators despite the ease of accessibility.
When will sports betting be legal in Ohio?
That is hard to say, although it certainly seems like there is a desire to pass legislation in 200. As legislative sessions typically run until the late spring or early summer, that is a solid timeline under which we’ll see if any bill is voted on. After passing the law, regulations need to be written and applications approved, so the odds are we won’t see legal sports betting in Ohio until at least the start of football season in the fall.
How do players know online gambling is legitimate?
One of the main reasons to regulate online gambling is to ensure accountability from the operators and the software vendors. The companies that provide the tools for operators are global brands, and their platforms undergo thorough third-party audits to ensure security and safety. The Ohio Gaming Commission will not allow an operator to launch without using an approved platform. Also, having regulations means that there are escalation procedures if a player has an issue with a site, giving players the comfort level they need in order to make deposits and place wagers.