Online Gambling in Ohio: Laws, Forms, and Player Behavior

Online poker is not legal in Ohio. While players can enjoy poker at licensed land-based casinos across the state, there are currently no state-regulated platforms offering online poker games. The legal online market is limited to sports betting, meaning Ohioans who want to play poker online must look to offshore sites, which operate without state oversight or consumer protections.

The Ohio Lottery is fully legal and widely accessible throughout the state. It offers a variety of games, including draw-based tickets, scratch-offs, and multi-state jackpots like Powerball and Mega Millions. Players must be at least 18 years old to participate, and all lottery operations are regulated by the Ohio Lottery Commission, ensuring transparency, fairness, and proper allocation of proceeds to state-funded programs such as education and public services.

Bingo is legal in Ohio and is typically offered as a form of charitable gaming. Nonprofit organizations, religious groups, and other licensed entities can host bingo events to raise funds for community programs, schools, and other charitable causes. Players must be at least 18 years old, and all bingo activities are regulated by the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section, ensuring compliance with state rules, prize limits, and fair play.

Charitable gambling is legal in Ohio and includes activities such as bingo, raffles, and pull-tab games. These events are restricted to nonprofit organizations, religious groups, fraternal societies, and other licensed charitable entities. The purpose is to raise funds for community programs, schools, and social services rather than profit. All charitable gambling is regulated by the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Law Section, which enforces rules on licensing, prize limits, reporting, and fair play to ensure transparency and accountability.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are legal in Ohio and operate under state regulation. Licensed DFS operators allow players to enter contests based on the real-life performance of athletes across professional and collegiate sports. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and the Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees licensing, compliance, and consumer protections to ensure contests are fair and prizes are awarded properly. DFS in Ohio is treated similarly to skill-based gaming rather than traditional gambling, which allows it to operate within the state’s regulatory framework.

Social gambling is generally legal in Ohio as long as it is conducted privately, for entertainment, and not for profit. This includes home games like poker or card nights among friends where no operator takes a cut or rake. Public or commercial social gambling, where money is collected for the house or prizes are offered outside licensed venues, is prohibited. Ohioan players participating in lawful social games are not subject to state gambling regulations, but the activity must remain casual and non-commercial to stay within the law.

Land-based casinos are fully legal in Ohio and are a major part of the state’s regulated gambling market. The state is home to several commercial casinos and racinos, which offer a variety of games including slots, table games, and poker. All operations are licensed and overseen by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which enforces strict standards for fairness, security, and responsible gambling. These venues provide Ohioans with safe and accessible options for traditional casino play while supporting state revenue through taxes and fees.