Best Ohio Online Casinos: Legal Online Gambling Ohio in 2024

Ohio online casino updates

Over the past few years, Ohio has transformed itself into a state bustling with legal gambling options. Since the first land-based casinos and racinos were opened in 2012, Ohio has introduced online sports betting, horse racing, and Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). However, despite online sports betting launching in 2023, Ohio lawmakers have yet to pass a bill legalizing online casinos.

Our team is always on the lookout for new industry developments in the Buckeye State, but in the meantime, check out some of the major milestones in the history of the Ohio online gambling market:

Sept. 27, 2024: The casino industry has spent $472 million annually on responsible gaming initiatives, based on new American Gaming Association (AGA) research.

Sept. 11, 2024: Sweepstakes gaming companies including Blazesoft, FSG Digital, and Gold Coin Group launch the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA), dedicated to educating stakeholders and advocating responsible gambling.

Aug. 22, 2024: Bovada adds Ohio to its list of restricted U.S. jurisdictions, following a cease-and-desist letter from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The unlicensed operator now prohibits customers from 10 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

Aug. 16, 2024: Ensuring land-based casino workers retain their jobs could be the key to encouraging iGaming legalisation across the United States, according to a well-known gambling lawyer.

Aug. 14, 2024: Legalised iGaming expansion could generate nearly $15 billion in tax revenue across the U.S., according to a new report.

Aug. 1, 2024: The Ohio sports betting market continues to grow, recording a $529.8 million handle in June. Such prolific activity gives hope for any future online casino legalisation.

July 15, 2024: Three Republican House members believe the legalisation of online casino gambling could be a net win for Ohio.

June 13, 2024: Two men are handed jail sentences for running illegal gambling operations in Ohio, having been convicted of tax and gambling crimes, money laundering, conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.

May 8, 2024: In a boost for iGaming legislation, key industry figures argue that online casino gaming does not harm existing brick-and-mortar casino revenues.

May 6, 2024: A lack of political support could delay new online casino state launches for 18 months or more, according to a panel of gaming industry stakeholders.

May 3, 2024: Ohio's retail casino sportsbooks won $1.6 m on revenue off of $23.4 million in handle in March, compared to more than $100,000 in losses and $13 million in bets in February. That March total was less than 3% of total wagers; more than 97% were placed online.

Apr. 17, 2024: A new national voluntary self-exclusion program is set to launch in New England in summer 2024 with plans to expand to the Midwest afterwards.

Mar. 25, 2024: MGM is reportedly looking to sell its operating rights to Northfield Park racino. It remains to be seen how losing its lone Ohio brick-and-mortar casino would impact any possible iGaming licensure, but MGM would undoubtedly be interested in online casino gaming if a bill passes in the coming years.

Mar. 16, 2024: The odds are growing longer for any U.S. state to pass a new iGaming bill in 2024, although Maryland is most likely to sanction online casinos next after HB 1319 moved passed the House and on to the Senate.

Mar. 4, 2024: Ohio for Responsible Gambling look to bolster the profile of 'Problem Gambling Awareness Month', having reported that a recent survey found problem gambling in the Buckeye State to have tripled since 2012.

Feb. 20, 2024: Gaming lobbyists meet with a panel of state lawmakers to campaign for the legalisation of iGaming, citing the generation of tax revenue and a crackdown on black market gambling as two benefits of legislation.

Feb. 16, 2024: A new report, commissioned by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), confirms iGaming boosts revenue for brick-and-mortar casinos.

Feb. 5, 2024: The Ohio Casino Control Commission reveals the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) had asked the regulator on Jan. 31 to ban college player prop bets.

January 2024: Ohio celebrates the anniversary of its sports betting market launch, with the Buckeye State generating plenty of headlines during its first 12 months of trading.

January 2023: The Ohio sports betting market officially opens. Cincinnati native and baseball legend Pete Rose places the state’s first legal wager on his former team, Cincinnati Reds, to win the 2023 World Series.

December 2022: On the day of the launch of sports betting, the Ohio Casino Control Commission announces that there will be 12 retail sportsbooks and 16 mobile sportsbooks available.

December 2021: Ohio Legislature passes HB 29, which is signed into law.

February 2021: A new sports betting bill, HB 29, is introduced to the House. 

April 2019: A proposed sports betting bill, HB 194, is introduced by Representative Dave Greenspan. The Ohio House later approves the bill by an 82-10 margin, but it fails to pass the Senate. 

May 2018: The US Supreme Court declares the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) unconstitutional, giving Ohio the right to pass sports betting legislation.

2012: Four casino facilities open in Ohio’s largest cities: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo. 

November 2009: Ohio voters approve a public initiative establishing four full-service casino venues and eleven locations offering slot-like games (VLTs). 

What are Ohio sweepstakes casinos?

Traditional sweepstakes contests have been around for decades as a means of raising money for local sports teams or charities, but online sweepstakes casinos work a little differently. Seen as a fun alternative to classic real money gambling, sweepstakes casino sites offer Ohioans the opportunity to play popular casino-style games like slots, video poker, blackjack, and roulette for prizes — without wagering cash.
 
Sweepstakes casinos use virtual currencies, often called Gold Coins (GC) and Sweepstakes Coins (SC), to facilitate gameplay. Unlike traditional real money casinos, there is technically no real money wagered, but Sweepstakes Coins can later be redeemed for cash or prizes. This is why sweepstakes casinos are available in almost every US state, including Ohio.

Covers Tip: Do not confuse sweepstakes casinos with social casinos. Both types of casino fundamentally operate in a similar fashion, but you cannot win cash prizes at a social casino. You are playing purely for entertainment.

Here is how the different virtual tokens work at sweepstakes online casinos in Ohio.

• Gold Coins (GC): GC hold no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for any sort of prize. They are used to play games for fun. You can accumulate these coins for free by claiming bonuses or you can purchase GC bundles at a sweepstake casino's store. However, we must stress that no purchase is necessary at sweepstakes sites.
• Sweepstakes Coins (SC): Although SC hold no monetary value outside of the casino, they can be exchanged for a real cash prize once you’ve obtained a certain amount. Every sweepstake casino has its own requirements, but you will usually have to obtain around 100 SC before a redemption can occur. These coins are earned during play, and by claiming on-site bonuses, but they cannot be purchased.

Top 5 Ohio sweepstakes reviewed

Delve into the details of top sweepstakes casinos through our in-depth analysis. In these reviews, we reveal the unique attributes that position each gaming platform as a leading option for players in Ohio:

1. McLuck Casino

57,500 GC + 30 SC

Code: COVERSBONUS

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McLuck Casino is a popular online sweepstakes casino boasting a collection of more than 450 games and the distinctive McJackpot feature. This platform provides a substantial initial bonus, daily promotional activities, and a layered loyalty scheme. Though table games are not its forte, McLuck excels in providing a social gaming environment.

McLuck Casino

For an in-depth understanding, browse through our comprehensive McLuck Casino review. Don't forget to use the McLuck promo code 'COVERSBONUS' to access unique offers and bonuses.

• App Store rating: 4.3/5 ⭐️ (212 reviews)
• Google Play Store rating: 4.1/5 ⭐️ (867 reviews)
• Sign-up bonus: 57,500 GC + 30 SC
• Payout speed: 1-2 days

Vast collection of slots

Generous welcome bonus for newcomers

Exclusive McJackpot feature 

Restricted banking methods

No table games or other casino game varieties

Lack of live chat customer support

2. WOW Vegas Casino

1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 SC

Code: COVERSBONUS

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WOW Vegas Casino stands out with its impressive array of over 800 games and consistent daily login rewards. The platform is easy to use and proves a wide range of gaming choices, catering to the varying interests of sweepstakes players. 

WOW Vegas Casino

Delve into our comprehensive WOW Vegas Casino review to learn about its introductory offer and other features. Remember, you can use our WOW Vegas no-deposit promo code 'COVERSBONUS' when signing up.

• App Store rating: NA 
• Google Play Store rating: NA
• Sign-up bonus: 1.75 Million WOW Coins + 35 SC
• Payout speed: 2-4 days

A vast array of over 800 games

Attractive welcome bonus

User-friendly and aesthetically pleasing interface

Limited variety of table games

The absence of a dedicated mobile application

No established Loyalty Program

3. Pulsz Casino

Up to 367,000 GC + free 32.3 SC

Code: COVERSBONUS

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Pulsz Casino is a standout sweepstakes casino in the Buckeye State, offering an immersive gaming experience accessible from the comfort of your home. This platform is notable for its initial no-purchase-required approach, allowing players to start without financial commitment. Additionally, there's an option to purchase Gold Coins, unlocking further benefits like VIP status and increased game availability. 

Pulsz Casino

Explore our comprehensive Pulsz Casino review to gain more insight, and claim its welcome deal using the Pulsz promo code 'COVERSBONUS'.

• App Store rating: NA
• Google Play Store rating: NA
• Sign-up bonus: 367,000 GC + free 32.3 SC
• Payout speed: 1-2 days

Extensive selection of over 700 games

A diverse array of promotional offers

Superior mobile gaming experience

No live chat support

Lack of a dedicated mobile application

Limited variety in table games

4. High 5 Casino

250 GC, 5 SC + 600 Diamonds

No code required

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High 5 Casino presents an exciting sweepstakes environment with its extensive collection of over 800 games. As the EGR 2023 Social Gaming Operator of the Year award recipient, it boasts live dealer games and a smooth-operating mobile app, positioning it as a preferred platform for varied gaming experiences.

High 5 Casino

For more information on its welcome offer and other features, delve into our detailed High 5 Casino review. The welcome bonus is accessible without a High 5 Casino promo code.

• App Store rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️ (206 reviews)
• Google Play Store rating: 4.2/5 ⭐️ (92 k reviews)
• Sign-up bonus: 250 GC, 5 SC + 600 Diamonds
• Payout speed: 1-2 days

Expansive selection of over 800 games

Availability of live dealer games

Mobile application 

Restricted options for redemption

Absence of phone support

Mediocre quality of promotional deals

5. Stake.us

$55 Stake Cash, 550,000 GC + 5% Rakeback

Terms & conditions apply

COVERSBONUS

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Stake.us Casino sticks out as a sweepstakes casino operating exclusively with cryptocurrency. With more than 300 games, it provides regular promotions, unique challenges, and access to a VIP program. Unlike conventional social casinos, Stake.us eschews FIAT money transactions, operating solely on a cryptocurrency-based payment model. 

Stake.us Casino

For further insights into this platform, consult our detailed Stake.us review. Utilize the Stake.us promo code 'COVERSBONUS' for special advantages.

• App Store rating: NA
• Google Play Store rating: NA
• Sign-up bonus: 550,000 GC, $55 SC + 5% rakeback
• Payout speed: Instant

No FIAT money purchase is required

Over 200 games

Solid VIP Club

There isn’t a mobile app

It doesn’t offer Live Dealer games

Only accepts cryptocurrency

How we rate and review Ohio online casino sites

We leave no stone unturned to ensure every casino we rate and review is guided by our Covers BetSmart Rating criteria. Our industry experts spend hours of testing and comparisons for our Ohio online casino reviews so you can find all you need to know in one spot.

We look at various areas to provide the most in-depth and impartial overview of sweepstakes casinos. Check out how we rate online casinos below: 

Bonuses and promotions

Online casino bonuses are a great way to boost your social gaming experience. We look for Ohio online casino no-deposit bonuses that offer a decent amount of free coins and uncomplicated terms and conditions. We also like to see multiple ongoing promotions and a VIP loyalty scheme to keep existing players happy.

Banking and payout speed

Sweepstakes sites offer free-to-play casino action, so you are never required to make a real money purchase if you don’t want to. However, you do have the option of buying virtual currency packages. When rating Ohio online casinos, we look for a good selection of trusted payment options like Visa, Mastercard, online banking, and e-wallets like Skrill and PayPal. Our top-rated sites also don’t charge fees and quickly process redemptions, typically within 48 hours.

Software and games

When ranking Ohio sweepstakes casinos, we test the different games on offer. We like to see various popular games like slots, scratch cards, blackjack, roulette, poker, baccarat, and several reputable software providers. We look for leading developers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and IGT to ensure a high-quality social gaming experience.

Security and trust

While online sweepstakes casinos don’t require a valid gaming license, there are still strict regulations these sites must follow. For instance, sweeps casinos must ensure players meet age and residency requirements before registering, offer plenty of free-to-play opportunities, and have responsible gaming tools on stand-by for players that need them. Before recommending a casino, we also check to see if it's owned by a legit, registered company that is allowed to operate in the US and the respective state you are playing from.

Mobile experience

The best sweepstakes online casinos in Ohio will offer a high-quality gaming experience, no matter the device you play from. If you can’t enjoy online gambling in Ohio while walking down High Street, then it isn’t good enough. We test a casino’s mobile browser site and dedicated app, if it has one, on a range of mobile and tablet devices. We expect sites to be fully optimized for mobile play, with clean interfaces, straightforward navigability, and smooth gameplay.

Customer support

We look for Ohio online casinos that offer around-the-clock customer care and a variety of support channels. This includes email, live chat, and phone and social media support channels. We also like to see intuitive FAQ pages with lots of attention to detail. Our top-rated sweeps casinos offer helpful and professional customer support, which is also easily accessible.

Most popular online casino games in Ohio

Under Ohio State law, real money online gambling casino sites aren’t currently permitted. However, online sweepstakes and social casinos provide a legal alternative and are widely available. The state is also home to several brick-and-mortar casinos. Here are some of the most popular casino games among Ohioan players, both land-based and online. 

Game type	Description
Slots	Free online slots and real money slots are the bread and butter of casino gambling. Players must spin the reels and land a certain combination of symbols on a payline to win. As such, there are plenty of slot machine games at land-based and online casinos in Ohio. You’ll find everything from old-school 3-reel slots to progressive jackpot slots that offer the potential to pay out huge prize pools. House edge from 2% to 10%.
Blackjack	Blackjack, commonly known as 21, is the perfect game for new players. The main objective is simple: call for cards and try to get a hand as close to 21 as possible without going over (bust). You must also have a closer hand to 21 than the dealer’s to win. The popular card game has inspired a whole host of different variations, including European and Multi-hand. House edge from 1.5%.
Poker	Poker is one of the most universally played card games out there. It is a game of both chance and skill, and is ultimately about reading people. Usually played with one standard deck of 52 cards, the aim is to create the highest-ranking hand of cards at the table. While some poker games are played against fellow players, there are many tables where players need to beat the dealer. Pulsz and BetRivers.net are both social casinos that offer Ohioans the chance to play popular poker variants like Texas Hold’em and Caribbean Stud. House edge from 1.5%.
Video poker	Video poker is gaining traction in Ohio, and the list of available variants is expanding constantly. In the game's purest form, a player receives five cards and can choose to redraw any number in the hope of making a pair of jacks or better. Check out Stake.us for some of the most popular video poker titles. House edge from 0.5% to 5%.
Roulette	In a game of roulette, players bet on the color or number of the pocket a ball will land in on a revolving wheel. A roulette wheel has 37 or 38 numbered pockets, depending on the version of the game. There are classic versions like European and American and more modern variants like Lightning Roulette. House edge from 1.5%.
Baccarat	Baccarat is said to be one of the world's oldest casino games and a fan favorite among players in Ohio. The game's main premise is to get a hand as close to nine as possible and to be closer than the banker’s hand. It is a staple table game that you’ll find at most online and land-based Ohio casinos. Popular variants include Punto Banco and Dragon Tiger. House edge from 1.5%.
Craps	Craps is popular game where players bet on the outcomes of a pair of dice being rolled. Although it might not be that common at Ohio social or sweepstakes sites, you’ll find it at most brick-and-mortar casinos in the state. House edge from 1.4% to 5%.
Live dealer	Live dealer games bridge the gap between online and land-based casino gambling. Featuring a real-life dealer and live streamed via HD technology, live dealer games offer an authentic casino experience from the comfort of your home. BetRivers.net offers free-to-play versions of popular live casino table games. House edge is game-dependent.

Sports Betting

The Buckeye State officially introduced online sports betting on January 1, 2023. There are currently around 20 Ohio online sports betting sites, including big names like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bet365. You must be over 21 and physically within the state borders to place a legal sports wager in Ohio.

Latest Ohio gambling news

Legal Ohio online casinos

Real money online casinos are currently not legal in Ohio. However, social and sweepstake sites offer an excellent, safe alternative. Here are some of the best options for free-to-play social online gaming in Ohio:

Ohio sweepstakes casinos

🎰 Sweepstakes casino	💰 Welcome bonus	📟 Promo code
HelloMillions Casino	15,000 GC + 2.5 Free SC	COVERSBONUS
High 5 Casino Review	250 GC, 5 SC + 600 Diamonds	No code required
WOW Vegas Review	250,000 WOW Coins + 5 SC	COVERSBONUS
Stake.us Review	550K GC, $55 SC + 5% Rakeback	COVERSBONUS
Crown Coins Casino	500,000 CC + 22 Free SC	No code required
McLuck Casino Review	57,500 GC + 30 SC	COVERSBONUS
RealPrize Casino	100,000 GC + 2 SC	No code required
Fortune Coins Review	100,000 GC + 200 Free FC	No code required
Pulsz Casino Review	367,000 GC + 32.3 SC	COVERSBONUS
LuckyBird.io Review	5,000 GC, 0.98 SC + 3 Treasure Chests	COVERSBONUS
NoLimitCoins Casino	100,000 GC + 1,800 FREE SC	COVERSBONUS
Chanced	30,000 GC, 2 Free SC + 20 Free Spins	COVERSBONUS
Golden Hearts Games Review	250,000 GC + 500 FREE SC	COVERSBONUS
BetRivers.net Review	Up to $1,000 in VC	No code required
Funrize	125,000 Tournament Coins	No code required
Funzpoints Review	250 Premium Funzpoints	No code required
Pulsz Bingo	5,000 GC	COVERSBONUS

Legal Ohio land-based casinos

Ohio is home to 11 land-based gambling establishments. These are situated in the four most populous cities: Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. Here is a list of the commercial casinos and racinos currently operating in the state:

How to start playing Ohio online casino games

While online casinos are not yet permitted in Ohio, players can still experience the excitement of casinos at sweepstakes and social sites that are available if you’re within state borders. Follow this simple registration process below, and you can play the best casino games in minutes:

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Responsible gambling in Ohio

When it comes to sweepstakes online casinos in Ohio, there is technically no real money involved. However, it’s still important to practice responsible gambling habits. If you or anyone you might know is struggling with problem online gambling, there are several organizations you can reach out to, including:

National Council on Problem Gambling — 1-800-589-99 or text 800GAM (800426)
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services — 1-614-466-2596
Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO) — 1-(614) 750-9899
Gamblers Anonymous — 1-(909) 931-9056
GAM-Anon — 1-718-352-1671

The state of Ohio takes compulsive and problem gambling very seriously and has trained professionals eager to help. The Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery Commission both offer free quizzes to help recognize whether you are exhibiting the symptoms of a gambling addiction. The state also provides a voluntary exclusion program that prohibits you from entering any casino or racino facility for a period of either one year, five years, or permanently.

Affiliate Disclosure: Covers boasts more than 25 years of sports betting experience. Our long-standing relationship with regulated, licensed, and legal gaming sites allows our active community of 20 million users to access expert analysis and recommendations. Covers may receive an advertising commission if you visit a sportsbook or casino betting site via select affiliate links across our site, create an account, and make a deposit. However, no amount of money ensures that an operator will get listed.

Is online casino gambling legal in Ohio?

No, Ohio has yet to legalize real money online gambling. There have been numerous debates regarding whether a law will pass allowing Ohioans to play real money casino games online. Until that day arrives, sweepstakes and social sites like Wow Vegas, Pulsz, and Fortune Coins provide a legal alternative. These sites use a virtual currency system, so they are not considered gambling platforms by Ohio state law.

This is also the case for most of America; only seven US states — Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia — currently have regulated online casinos.

Gambling in Canada? Check out the top online casinos in Canada, or head over to our Ontario online casinos page to learn about the flourishing iGaming Ontario market.

If sports betting is your forte, now is the time to claim generous sportsbook promos from the top U.S. betting sites of 2024. Our in-depth legal tracker outlines the betting landscape in each state, including the latest Ohio sports betting updates.

Daily fantasy sports contests are legal in Ohio — for now. Claim exclusive promo codes for StatHero and ParlayPlay today.

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