Gambling in Ohio
It’s down to every state to decide for itself whether to permit gambling, as there’s nothing to prevent it according to federal law. But there’s absolutely no consensus between states, some of which prohibit all forms of gambling, whilst others adopt a more relaxed view.
The situation seems particularly complex when it comes to Ohio gambling, as there’s no one-size-fits-all approach regarding what’s legal and what isn’t. Is it legal to gamble in Ohio? That depends on what type of gambling you’re interested in!
Retail betting opportunities in Ohio
Land-based casinos were approved in Ohio by a constitutional amendment agreed in November 2009. Known as Issue 3, the new amendments permitted casino gambling at state-licensed premises, with eleven gambling sites now available across the state. These comprise four full-service casinos together with seven racinos based at racetracks.
If it’s playing the Ohio Lottery that interests you, there are almost 10,000 retail outlets across the Buckeye State, including self-service kiosks. You can select from a variety of games, including Scratch Offs and Keno, with instant-win prizes available.
Poker players will find dedicated poker rooms at all of the major Ohio casinos. Poker clubs are also allowed to operate under strict rules, with players paying an annual membership fee, plus an entry fee to take part in games and tournaments.
Online gambling in Ohio
Although social and sweepstakes casinos are permitted to operate within Ohio state lines, you won’t be playing with real dollars. When it comes to real money online gambling in Ohio, there simply haven’t been any options other than offshore operators, and they can’t guarantee you a safe and fair experience backed by Ohio regulators.
But all that’s about to change! As of January 1st 2023, the options for Ohio gambling enthusiasts are about to get a whole lot brighter! That’s the date when the very first online sportsbooks will be launching, much to the delight of sports fans throughout the state.
It’s not such good news for casino and poker fans, unfortunately. It seems as though online poker in Ohio is still a long way off, but at least there are those poker rooms and clubs to enjoy for now. And so far there are no signs of any real money online casinos in Ohio launching any time soon, but that could all change now that sports betting has been given the go-ahead. We’ll keep you updated just as soon as we hear any news about further changes to the state’s gambling laws.
Sports betting comes to Ohio!
We’re talking about recent changes to the sports betting regulations in Ohio, but the relevant bill was actually passed into law a year ago, in December 2021, following months of negotiations. Governor Mike DeWine, who had previously stated his belief that state-wide sports betting was ‘inevitable’, finally put his signature to the legislation, agreeing that sports betting would launch in the Buckeye State by 1st January 2023 at the latest.
Thanks to Mike DeWine, HB 29 has now legalized retail and online sports betting, with three separate types of licenses:
Type A sports betting licenses
The new law allows for up to 25 Type A online sportsbook licenses, although regulators are open to persuasion if operators can demonstrate that this number isn’t sufficient. Every license holder will be allowed to operate one branded website, but a second skin could be made available where economic benefits to the state of Ohio can be assured.
Type B sports betting licenses
Retail sports betting in Ohio will launch with 40 licenses available, allowing the holders to provide sports betting facilities at qualified retail premises. Applicants have been advised that they must demonstrate ‘significant economic activity’ within their county before a license will be issued.
Type C sports betting licenses
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has issued over 300 Type C licenses, permitting betting kiosks to operate within a variety of retail premises. Even some grocery stores have been issued with one of these coveted permits, once they’ve provided proof that they’re for-profit businesses holding valid lottery and liquor licenses.
Every approved business will be permitted to operate up to two betting kiosks, which can be self-service or manned by a clerk. Betting option will be more limited than at physical and online sportsbooks, offering just four types of bets:
- Moneylines
- Over/Unders, or Total
- Parlays
- Point Spreads
The new Ohio gambling laws include a wagering limit of $700 per week at a betting kiosk, using a variety of payment methods including PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as credit, debit cards and cash. It makes for a quick and easy sports betting experience, but it won’t offer all the benefits of online sports betting – such as promotional offers!
Here are 5 great sports betting operators
1.
SI Sportsbook Bonus
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
Players from Virginia accepted
Highlights
- Impressive $50 free bet bonus
- Easy-to-navigate website and mobile platform
- Plenty of betting options
First deposit only | 21+ & located in VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly – Gambling Problem? VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500 | Full T&C apply
2.
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $1 & Get $365 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Highlights
- Excellent range of sports betting markets available
- World-renowned brand
- Easy to navigate
Bet $1 and Get $365 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
3.
PointsBet Bonus
5 x $50Bet Credits
Players from Virginia accepted
Highlights
- Well-regarded brand
- User friendly website and app
- Includes all major sports markets
4.
BetRivers.com Bonus
100% up to $500
Players from Virginia accepted
Highlights
- Reputable brand
- Payments via PayPal accepted
- Reasonable wagering requirements
5.
DraftKings Bonus
20% up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Highlights
- Superb range of different sporting leagues
- Effective in-play betting feature
- Exciting fantasy team building
Your questions answered about gambling in Ohio
You’re bound to have some questions about your options when it comes to placing bets in Ohio, so we’ve done our best to tackle some of the main ones here.
How old must I be to gamble in Ohio?
When it comes to the age for gambling in Ohio, that depends on the activity. Anyone over the age of 18 can participate in bingo, the lottery and horse racing. The age increases to 21 for other forms of sports betting, as well as for playing poker or visiting a casino.
Why has the law changed regarding sports betting in Ohio?
As soon as PASPA was overturned in 2018, it paved the way for states to allow widespread betting on sporting matches and events. And it wasn’t long before Ohio lawmakers started to see the benefits to the economies in Pennsylvania, Michigan and West Virginia. These neighboring states have all seen rapid economic growth on the back of changes to sports betting laws, and Ohio is keen to see similar benefits.
Are all forms of gambling legal in Ohio now?
No, HB 29 is only concerned with sports betting, which becomes legal throughout the Buckeye State on January 1st, 2023. Retail and online sportsbooks will be permitted to operate, but so far there’s no news about allowing online poker or casinos to launch in Ohio. We’ll be keeping an ear to the ground for any new developments though, so as soon as we hear anything, we’ll be sure to let you know!
Which online sportsbooks can I sign up to in Ohio?
Sportsbook operators had to get their applications in before mid-November to be in with a chance of launching on 1st January 2023. Right now, we can confirm that the following brands will all be up and running for sports bettors in the Buckeye State on the launch date.
- BetMGM
- DraftKings
- Fanduel
- Hard Rock
- SuperBook
Will there be any bonus promotions for new sportsbook signups?
Regular visitors to our website will already know that tracking down bonuses is something of a speciality here at TheGruelingTruth.com. We make it our mission, not just to prepare comprehensive and insightful operator reviews, but also to present you with the full facts about every bonus promotion and offer.
Whether you’d like detailed information about what to expect when you sign up to FanDuel, or you’d like the full details of the incredible BetMGM promo, you can count on us to have the full facts. We explore every aspect of a bonus, letting you know how much you get, how you can use it – and we even give out some useful tips to help you make the most of every promotion too!
What to expect from sports gambling in Ohio
As you’ll have seen from our list of sportsbooks due to launch at the start of 2023, you’re going to have a number of options when it comes to selecting your perfect operator. And make no mistake – these are big names in the sports betting world, many of them offering global reach. It means you’ll have the chance to bet on all the sporting events that you’re most interested in, including global fixtures and niche sports.
But don’t assume that anything goes once sports betting launches in the state! Just because an operator has been granted a license to provide an online sports betting service, it doesn’t follow that every site will give you the experience you’re looking for – but that’s where we come in!
We’ll help you find your perfect Ohio sports gambling site
Check out our reviews before signing up to any Ohio gambling operator, to make sure you’re picking the sportsbook that’s the best fit for your needs. From the deposit and withdrawal options through the sports covered, betting odds and limits and even customer support opening hours, we aim to give you the complete picture.
Even before the official launch date, all the big sportsbooks have been offering outstanding bonuses to anyone signing up and registering their interest. Players who input their email address ahead of the official launch date have been taking advantage of some exciting bonus bet offers and betting credit deals that will become active just as soon as sports betting goes live!
And of course, you can rely on us to help you find the offer that’s right for you. We’ve got the full details of every sportsbook promo available for Ohio bettors – including some exclusive bonus codes that you won’t find anywhere else!
Some of our favorite sportsbook bonuses
1.
SI Sportsbook Bonus
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
Players from Virginia accepted
Bonus Details
Requirements (WR):
1x Deposit
First deposit only | 21+ & located in VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly – Gambling Problem? VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500 | Full T&C apply
2.
Bet365 Bonus
Bet $1 & Get $365 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet $1 and Get $365 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
3.
PointsBet Bonus
5 x $50Bet Credits
Players from Virginia accepted
Bonus Details
Requirements (WR):
1x Deposit
4.
BetRivers.com Bonus
100% up to $500
Players from Virginia accepted
Bonus Details
Requirements (WR):
1x Bonus
5.
DraftKings Bonus
20% up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Bonus Details
Requirements (WR):
25x Bonus
As sports betting goes live, what’s next for Ohio?
The betting landscape is undergoing major changes in the Buckeye State right now, so this is the place to be if you want to know what’s legal and what isn’t. It’s a good idea to bookmark this page, as things can change very quickly, and we’ve always got the latest news so we can keep you up to speed with events.
At the moment, it’s only online sports betting in Ohio that’s been given the go-ahead, so casino and poker fans are going to have to wait a little longer. But if you’d like to find the sports betting site that’s going to be the best fit for your needs, we can most certainly help with that! Browse our operator reviews, check out the latest bonus offers and pick up some useful tips to enhance your every wagering session. We’re here to make sure you get the experience you’re looking for!
Ohio Gambling FAQ
❓ What forms of gambling are legal in Ohio?
If it’s facts about gambling in Ohio that you’re after, TheGruelingTruth.com is the place to be! We can tell you exactly what’s legal and what isn’t, as well as letting you know about upcoming changes to gambling laws in the Buckeye State. If you want to place a bet in Ohio, you need to read this first!
✋ Is online gambling legal in Ohio?
Some states are quite happy to allow residents to play casino games and place sporting bets online. Other states aren’t so sure, but things are moving fast with changes to state gambling laws. Come and find out what types of online betting are allowed in Ohio – and we’ll even help you get started with some exciting promotional offers too!
🏈 Is online sports betting available in Ohio?
There have been some recent changes to the Ohio gambling laws, and here at TheGruelingTruth.com, we’ve got absolutely everything you need to know. Come and find out what online betting opportunities are available in the Buckeye State, and pick up some useful bonus codes to help your bankroll stretch further than you thought possible!
🏆 How do I find the best Ohio online gambling sites?
You come and pay us a visit here at TheGruelingTruth.com! We’re your one-stop shop for everything to do with betting in Ohio, and it starts with giving you the most up-to-date information. Browse our reviews, create a shortlist of operators that you like the sound of, then decide which bonus promotion is the right one for you – we’ve even got some useful tips to help you make the most of your welcome bonus!
