Ohio Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Ohio. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Ohio. Ohio legalized daily fantasy sports in 2018.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Ohio is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
LEGALOhio legalized online casino gambling and online poker in 2021 under HB 29, which amended the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3772. The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates licensed operators offering online casino games and poker to residents 21 and older.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of licensed online gambling software is legal for authorized operators.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or operation of online gambling platforms requires a state license.
Penalties
Unlicensed operation or participation can lead to criminal charges and fines under ORC § 3772.
Minimum Age
21 years old.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
UNVERIFIEDLegal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in Ohio has not yet been verified. In March 2026, a new bill to legalize online casinos was introduced, adding to similar efforts from 2025.
Online Gambling Rules
Unverified
Licensed Operators
Unverified
Penalties
Unverified
Minimum Age
Unverified
Poker Home Games
LEGALSocial poker home games are legal in Ohio as long as no one takes a rake or house cut from the pot. No significant changes to social gambling laws in recent years.
Home Game Rules
Legal for social games without a rake
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Taking a rake converts it to illegal gambling.
Age Requirements
Varies, typically 18+
Sports Betting
LEGALSports betting is legal in Ohio. Sports betting launched in January 2023.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. Ohio launched sports betting on January 1, 2023 under HB 29. Online/mobile and retail available. Competitive market with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and others. Ohio allows betting at casinos, racinos, bars/restaurants (via kiosks), and through mobile apps.
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at casinos and racinos. Self-service kiosks at licensed bars and restaurants (Type C license). Operator tax rate: 10% of gross revenue.
Penalties
Unlicensed gambling operations face criminal charges. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+