Ohio Online Casinos

This state is a relatively late bloomer in the United States online gambling market, but with a varied alternatives scheme, and having some good perspectives in the future development of online gambling, Ohio is one of the most exciting places to keep under surveillance. Although the Ohio gambling laws have gradually evolved to the current state of affairs, there is still a way to go and some aspects to be taken care of. Online casinos, Ohio-based, would be one of the changes mentioned before, which would surely help the gambling expansion statewide and why not, even nationwide.

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Ohio Gambling Laws

The way gambling has evolved in this state seemed to always go up in a short-lived burst, resulting in an intense expansion, creating the scenery at hand these days. The first modern set of Ohio gaming laws first appeared late, in the middle 70s, after three years of attempts on behalf of the residents, to instate a lottery. Not long after, charitable organizations were given permission to organize raffles or bingo nights. And even if this doesn’t sound like much, it was a big deal, seeing how these were the only modifications in this area for more than 30 years, until the Ohio casino laws were put in place.

2009 meant the big breakthrough for Ohio casinos, with a bill passing through, which, in exchange for promises of new jobs and additional tax revenues, regulated the instatement of casinos in the state. But how many casinos are in Ohio following this development? The state prides itself with 4 such casinos and resorts, basically in the main cities.
However, the list of casinos in Ohio can be expanded by including the seven other racinos that have opened gates since then. In 2012 the turning point happened when the introduction of Ohio gaming slot machines was allowed in the existent and the newly opened race tracks.

The current gambling stage here is not that different from most other US states, with the same restrictions and the same prudent appetite towards expanding gambling. For instance, the gambling age in Ohio is 21 for casino gaming and 18 only for horse racing, as is the case with most states.

Ohio Online Gambling

A decisive stance regarding the expansion of the gambling market into the online area has never explicitly been underlined. Therefore, wondering whether or not is online poker legal in Ohio is a legit preoccupation. Even though, for the time being, there isn’t a legal framework to cover the online aspect, there are a couple of points worthy of being considered:

  • Social gaming: a couple of the existing casinos and racinos, already offer the online framework for the development of online gambling, by giving the opportunity to access for free, on their websites, some of the games existent in the land-based casinos.
  • Commissioned study: there has been a study put at the state’s disposal which suggests that legalizing online gambling ensures the maximization of tax incomes.
  • Pennsylvania: the neighbouring state has already put in motion the necessary laws for state-based online casinos. Hopefully, local lawmakers are casting quick glances across state borders, and we might be talking soon about an online casino Ohio.
  • Off-shore: these sites, which accept US residents are already a notable competitor for the land-based venues. More so if we’re talking about those sites thoroughly verified and reviewed by professionals, as are the ones on the new RTG casinos list above. The security requirements rival those of any state-based establishment, making them a popular option. And the most popular is Bovada which is legal in Ohio and satisfies most the American players.
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Ohio Offline Gambling Options

Land-based Casinos

The Ohio casinos haven’t managed to fulfill their initial promises of new jobs and income, but still, they’ve made an impact. They have also pinned the blame on racinos’ apparition, which takes away a big part of their customers. These being said, the casino operators claim there is an oversaturated market, directly impacting the implementation of online poker in Ohio.
However, the example of the neighboring state of PA, which entrusted the online business exclusively to the existing casinos, might change the situation altogether.

Racinos

The leading supplier for Ohio gaming slots, these establishments have also become the main competitors for the initial casinos and resorts. There is an ever-going race for customers between them. The casinos often complain that racinos have been allowed by the authorities to open up shop, regardless of market studies or strategic positioning, and have put a dent in their original market shares and subsequently in their profits.

Lottery

A solid alternative to the games offered by any casino Ohio-based is the lottery. After it was voted for, in 1973, the lottery developed step by step across the 30 years when it was the primary possibility to gamble in this state. This day, the resident can enjoy the state lottery, as well as the inter-state options. Also, there are restaurants and different venues that allow keno’s play by transmitting the results of draws every four minutes.
Some people even consider the VLTs installed in racinos as a form of a lottery rather than slot-like gambling, even though the similarities between the two systems are numerous.

Future Expectations

In these past few years, the focus shifted from the question is gambling legal in Ohio to where is the gambling expansion going next? On this matter, there are slight chances for any new Ohio gambling license to be issued anytime soon. The existing casinos already voice their concerns regarding the oversaturation of this market and see how the predicted revenues haven’t happened yet. State authorities might be less inclined to add other venues to the mix.

However, the option of online casinos Ohio might still be viable, pretty much depending on the way, the system created by the neighbouring state of Pennsylvania is going to turn out. It might just become the push needed for authorities to see it as a means for bringing some extra revenues, without increasing taxes.

You Might Also be Interested in:

Kentucky online gambling
Indiana online gambling
Michigan state online casinos
Pennsylvania online gambling
West Virginia state online casinos

FAQ
Is gambling legal in Ohio?

Yes. Although the Ohio gambling laws were issued might have made us believe that authorities were reluctant to this subject, the gambling scene is varied enough. There are some casinos Ohio based which offer all the alternatives to casino games. Also, the racinos have quite a supply of games as well. A lottery is also an option, and some perspectives for online gambling exist, especially if we consider the free trials on the official websites of the existing establishments.

How many casinos are in Ohio?

The list of casinos in Ohio is not that expansive as other states have accustomed us with. There are only four casinos and resorts in this state. However, as far as Ohio slots go, there are seven more racinos statewide, with a high number of VLTs installed.

Is online poker legal in Ohio?

At this moment, there isn’t any state-based site for online poker legal in Ohio, nor is there any genuine debate about creating the legislation for such a business. However, the laws don’t make it illegal for players to use off-shore websites. Several such alternatives, carefully reviewed, offer the security and gaming quality required for care-free entertainment.

What's the gambling age in Ohio?

Ohio’s legal gambling age is 21 years old for casino-type games and only 18 for horse racing.

Is online gambling legal in Ohio, now or in the near future?

The talk about online gambling in Ohio could take place by looking from two different vantage points. First, it’s the reluctant reaction we’ve seen from the majority of lawmakers across the US and casino operators, as well. The competition is fierce. Giving out licenses to this sort of business and exploiting the main advantage of easy access might put an additional strain on the existing venues.
The second way to look at things is by simply looking at how Pennsylvania decided to implement this and replicate the idea for one or more sites of online poker Ohio-based. Issuing the licenses exclusively to the existing casino businesses might enhance the customer base and create additional income.

Additional Sources:

http://www.playitsafeohio.org/problem-gambling-information/faqs/
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/FAQ/Charitable-Gaming-FAQs