How to enjoy online poker in Ohio
Ohio has not joined the states that have legalized online gambling, and so legal poker games are not so easy to find in the state. Demand for legal poker games remains, though, as Ohio is home to many US fans of the game who continue to play despite the law. If you're trying to work out where you can fit in to all this then let our experts help you. They've not only vetted all of the top poker rooms you can see on this page, but also understand everything about gambling law across the states in America.
There's even more you can find out on this page:
- Online poker law in Ohio
- Why the wait in Ohio?
- The other Ohio gambling laws
- Will you get arrested for playing online poker in Ohio
- Playing online legal poker at international sites
- The future of online poker in Ohio
- Our answers to player FAQs
Has Ohio passed a law to make online poker legal?
As of 2024, Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware are the only three states to have made online poker legal, having done so in 2013. A Federal mandate gave all 50 states the encouragement to pass their own bills legalizing online gambling, but Ohio is yet to make a bold move in the area.
What is Ohio waiting for?
It’s hard to say. Ohio lobbyists for legal online gambling may be waiting for more states to join the party, hoping that strength in numbers would invite less controversy along the way and thus smooth the passage of a bill.
Or it may simply be the case that a detailed bill has been in the works for some time and will see the light of day in the few months. Only time will tell, and for now it’s a game of wait and see.
Where does Ohio stand on other forms of gambling?
Ohio is equipped with “four casinos, five racinos and lottery games,” according to an August 2014 report by the Columbus Dispatch newspaper.
Interest in gambling has also spawned what are known as “skill-game parlors” in the state, which are illegal outlets that attract people looking for a different kind of thrill.
Can I play online poker in Ohio and be safe from prosecution?
We can’t find any record of an Ohio resident being arrested of charged for playing online poker for real money. That’s not to say we encourage participation, and we would always advise you consult a qualified legal professional before indulging in online poker while based in Ohio.
Are there international online legal poker sites that will allow Ohio players?
Yes, there will be plenty of international real money legal poker websites that accept Ohio-based players. If you do decide that’s the way forward, we strongly advise you choose your outlet very careful to avoid being scammed by a phony operation set up to take your cash.
What does the future hold for online poker in Ohio?What does the future hold for online poker in Ohio?
We can’t say for sure. All we know is that Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware have led the way by legalizing online gambling and other states are sure to follow in the very near future.
Ohio decision-makers will know only too well the potential benefits of making online poker legal, and for that reason there’s real hope that a law will pass in the not-too distant future.
FAQ
Is online poker legal in Ohio?
Not yet. Online poker is only legal in three states so far in America, being Delaware, New Jersey and Nevada.
What age do you have to be to gamble in Ohio?
Ohio residents can play the lottery and participate in pari-mutuel betting from the age of 18. You have to be 21 or above to enter a casino however.
Are there live casinos in Ohio?
There are live casinos and also racinos in Ohio. They include the Hollywood Casino Toledo and the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati.
Can I make deposits in Ohio?
If you do decide to play online poker in Ohio, making deposits might not be as easy as you’d expect. Due to legal concerns, some credit card companies won’t allow use for online poker, which leaves real money websites to lean on other methods instead. The good news is there are more and more options coming into the market in 2024 and beyond.
