For the longest time, the state of Ohio had very limited options in terms of online casinos. As of recently, however, the state took several important steps towards liberalizing virtual gambling, starting with submitting a bill about Sportsbook. This thaw would hopefully lead to more conversations about opening state-licensed online casinos, as well.
By the time we were ready to publish this review, the virtual space for gambling – that being online live dealer casinos and Sportsbook – was still not available to the state residents but was in the phase of negotiation between the state legislators.
The land-based industry is regulated. The residents of Ohio can bet real money on the lottery – it is state-owned. Plus, there are 4 brick-and-mortar casinos, as well as slightly less than 10 race tracks with VLTs. Bingo is allowed only when part of charitable gambling.
Players need to be at least 18 years to be engaged with lottery wagering, and 21 for casino games. There are several authorities in control of regulating the industry, including the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Ohio State Racing Commission, and the Ohio Lottery Commission. These regulators rely on the Ohio Constitution and the Ohio Revised Code.
All of the casino activities are taxed 33% on gross gaming revenue, and it is 33.5% applied to racinos gross gaming revenues.
