Ohio is finally getting into the online gaming market after launching legal sports betting in January 2023. However, online casinos aren’t yet legal in the Buckeye State. So the only option for residents to play online casino games is to travel to neighboring states like Pennsylvania and Michigan or play at one of the many Ohio sweepstakes casinos that operate legally.
There haven’t been any recent efforts to legalize online casinos in Ohio. The only significant gaming legislation for casino gaming occurred in 2009. At that time, the state approved land-based casinos in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo. Tribal casinos are also legal in Ohio, although none are operating in the state as of 2024.
Currently, online gambling in Ohio casinos can only be done at one of the many sweepstakes casinos available in the state. Sweepstakes casinos are a great alternative to state-regulated online casinos where players can win real money. In addition, these sites aren’t under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Casino Control Commission and comply with state law by operating under the promotional sweepstakes platform.
Ohio sweepstakes casinos must also comply with U.S. sweepstakes laws to remain in operation.
Winning Real Money at Ohio Sweepstakes Casinos
Online sweepstakes casino players are rewarded with sweeps coins as a bonus when they purchase gold coin packages. These sweeps coins are worth real money and can be redeemed for cash using the customer’s online banking method. Players can also request sweeps coins through other channels—such as through the mail—and by participating in social media promotions.
Online sweepstakes casinos require players to accumulate a minimum number of sweeps coins before they can redeem them for cash. Then, players can redeem them for real money by choosing a convenient withdrawal method. Methods include electronic checks or a secure e-wallet like Skrill, which allows the funds to be transferred to their account in a few days.
Bonuses at Ohio Sweepstakes Casinos
Many players at Ohio online casinos enjoy betting at sweepstakes casinos and can take advantage of various welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players. Welcome bonuses are typically given to new players in gold coins when they sign up, with an additional number of sweeps coins that they can play with and redeem for cash. In addition, many providers will reward loyal players with daily log-in bonus promotions like free spins and gold coins to keep them returning.
Ohio sweepstakes casinos usually offer players the following promotions:
- Sign-Up Bonuses
- No-Deposit Bonuses
- Daily Login Bonuses
- Free Spins
- Gold Coin Purchase Offers
- Social Media Bonus Offers
- Loyalty or VIP Programs
Are Sweepstakes Casinos in Ohio Safe and Legit?
Anyone with an account at Ohio sweepstakes casinos can play at one of the many online providers for free. These sites offer many of the same games as real money online casinos. Additionally, they must uphold their reputations by providing a safe gaming environment and paying out players when they win. While these providers must comply with U.S. sweepstakes laws, researching any sweepstakes casino before signing up is always a good idea to understand their reputation among players.
Why should I trust legal sweepstakes casinos?
All online sweepstakes casinos in Ohio operate using the promotional sweepstakes model. These casinos are required to provide a high level of security for players. They use the latest encryption software to guarantee customer information is safe when making deposits and redeeming sweeps coins for cash. Players will discover many reputable sweeps casinos online that are favorites of Ohio casino gamers.
How do I get paid if I win?
Ohio online sweepstakes casino players have several methods of redeeming their sweeps coins for real money. Popular banking options like credit and debit cards, electronic checks, and online banking are available to transfer winnings directly to their accounts. Players can also use one of the fastest methods, a secure e-wallet like Skrill or PayPal, to receive cash when they redeem sweeps coins for real money.
Game Selection at Ohio Sweepstakes Casinos
While sweepstakes casinos in Ohio don’t offer the number of games as real money online casinos, both primarily focus on slots. Most providers also offer several progressive jackpot slots where players can win huge prizes. Other games available at Ohio online sweepstakes casinos are table games, bingo, poker, scratch-offs, and other unique choices.
Best Ohio Sweepstakes Casinos
There are many choices for online sweepstakes casinos in Ohio where users can play for free with a chance to win real money. For example, Funzpoints Casino is one of the top sweepstakes casinos in the state that has recently increased in popularity. One of the largest providers in the country is Chumba Casino, under the umbrella of the VGW Group, which also operates Global Poker and Luckyland Slots.
Sports fans in Ohio can also place sports bets on their favorite events at Fliff Sportsbook, a sweepstakes sportsbook where players can bet for free and still have a chance to make cash on their winning wagers.
Ohio Real Money Online Casinos
Several land-based Ohio casinos are regulated by the state and are the only casino gaming permitted. However, many players bet at offshore real money online casinos, which aren’t technically illegal in Ohio and are not regulated by any authorities in the U.S. Playing at offshore providers can sometimes be risky as there is no recourse if they have an issue getting paid from these sites when they win.
While Ohio recently passed laws to legalize online sports betting and horse racing, there has yet to be an effort to legalize online casino gaming. However, the state has become more liberal toward all types of gaming in the last several years. State lawmakers are still examining gaming expansion in Ohio and hope to follow the lead of online sports betting, which launched in Ohio at the start of 2023.
Online Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohio sports betting online is legal for anyone 21 or older, with several online providers and retail sportsbooks going live on January 1, 2023. HB 29 was passed by the Ohio legislature in December 2021 and later signed by Governor Mike DeWine. After more than a year of preparation, Ohio sportsbooks now legally operate and are regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Some of the biggest sports betting operators in the industry are available online in Ohio. These include Bet365, DraftKings, and Caesars Sportsbook. There are 25 available licenses for online sports betting operators, with 17 providers currently operating. In addition, the state has licensed professional sports teams like the Cleveland Browns to offer online gaming through a partnership with one established online provider.
Licensed casinos and sports teams in Ohio can apply for a second skin if they demonstrate it will benefit the state incrementally. Online bettors can wager on every major professional sport, including many international leagues and competitions. Players can also bet on college teams based in the state, like the Ohio State Buckeyes, with no restrictions.
Online sports bettors in Ohio can also make picks on their favorite teams for free at Fliff Sportsbook, a sweepstakes sports betting platform where they can win real money on their successful wagers.
Ohio Online Poker
Since online sports betting was legalized in Ohio, online gamers anxiously await the legalization of poker in the state. However, it took lawmakers several years to finally get online sports betting off the ground. Given this, any additional gambling expansion in the state could take several more years. There are no active bills for online poker legalization at this time. The chances of it becoming available at some point seem favorable.
Ohio hosts many private poker clubs that charge a membership fee and don’t charge rake in any games. Players can also find live poker at several poker rooms at the four retail casinos operating in the state.
Retail Casinos in Ohio
Ohio is home to four retail casinos, which were approved by voters in 2009. In 2012, the Ohio Casino Control Commission approved the first casino, Horseshoe Casino Cleveland (renamed JACK Cleveland Casino). Three more facilities were approved the following year. In addition, there are seven racetracks in Ohio that have on-site casinos. Racetrack casinos are restricted in the types of games they can offer, which are mostly video lottery terminals.
These are the four land-based casinos for players in Ohio:
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
The 100,000-square-foot gaming floor hosts over 1,600 slots and nearly 100 table games. There’s also a retail sportsbook and daily live poker tournaments.
Hollywood Casino Columbus
Columbus, OH
At 160,000 square feet, it’s one of the largest casinos in the state, with nearly 2,000 slots, 60 table games, and over 30 live poker tables.
Hollywood Casino Toledo
Toledo, OH
Owned and operated by Penn Entertainment, this facility hosts over 2,000 slots, 59 table games, and a poker room with 19 tables.
JACK Cleveland Casino
Cleveland, OH
Located in downtown Cleveland, this facility features over 1,600 slots, 100 table games, and 26 tables in its dedicated poker room.
Ohio Responsible Gaming
In Ohio, numerous resources are available for players needing help with a gambling problem. The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio is a non-profit group that offers information and referral services about problem gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling is also available to players in Ohio to help promote responsible gaming.
FAQs
Are Ohio sweepstakes casinos safe to gamble on?
Yes. There’s no purchase necessary to play at Ohio online sweepstakes casinos, where players can win real money. All providers must use data encryption software to keep all transactions secure. However, players must do their research before opening an account to find out which are the most reputable providers.
Is Funzpoints Casino available in Ohio?
Yes. Funzpoints Casino is free for players over 18 who enjoy playing casino games online. Players in Ohio can enjoy their favorite games and have a chance to win real money. Players can purchase gold coins in various packages and redeem sweeps coins for cash using their preferred withdrawal method.
How old do you have to be to register at a sweepstakes casino in Ohio?
While other forms of betting in Ohio require players to be 21, players at online sweepstakes casinos must be at least 18 to register online and play.
Are there any mobile sweepstakes casino apps in Ohio?
Yes. Most online Ohio sweepstakes casinos offer players the option to download their mobile app. These are available from the Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for iOS devices. However, players can also use their mobile from a provider’s website, as most are optimized for mobile play.
Do I have to pay taxes on my gambling winnings in Ohio?
Yes. Players must disclose winnings at any type of gaming in Ohio if the amount is $600 or greater in any calendar year. Earnings are fully taxable in the U.S. and must be reported using IRS Form 1040.