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Gambling laws are changing quickly in the US, with more and more states legalizing online casinos and sportsbooks throughout the country.
But there’s a long way to go as many states are still restricting online gaming sites.
So what options do casino game enthusiasts living in Ohio have?
Online sportsbooks have been legally operating in Ohio since 2023, but the Buckeye State hasn’t yet legalized real money online casinos.
Social and sweepstakes online casinos are also legal in Ohio, and we’ve got all the information you need about playing on these sites right here.
Keep reading to learn more about what social and sweepstakes casinos are, what games they offer, the bonuses you can claim, and how you can turn your wins into real cash prizes.
Is It Legal To Play Online In Ohio?
Although you can’t gamble real money at online casinos in Ohio, you can play casino-style games at any of the social and sweepstakes casinos legally operating in the state.
Social and sweepstakes casinos offer many of the same types of games as real money online casinos, and the best part is you can play them all for free.
The idea is to play for fun, not for cash, by using free virtual tokens commonly known as Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC) for their games.
But if you want to raise the stakes, there are ways to turn your virtual tokens into real cash prizes.
Are Ohio Online Casinos Safe And Legit?
All the online casinos mentioned below are safe and legit, but we’ve also listed a few providers we think you should stay away from.
Stick with our recommendations to safely play your favorite casino-style games in Ohio, whether you’re winding down at home after work or waiting in line at the supermarket.
So how exactly do social and sweepstakes casinos work and how can you claim cash prizes?
First, you need to sign up to claim your free coins, which you can use to play games.
Most social and sweepstakes casinos give users GC and SC for free through different promotions such as welcome bonuses, friend referrals, login bonuses, and more.
To extend your gameplay, you can also buy GC packages, which usually include free SC.
Keep in mind that you can’t purchase SC, only GC.
If you’re using GC to play, any wins will be awarded in GC. These tokens can only be used to play the games for fun and have no real world value.
If you wager your SC, you stand to win more SC, which can then be redeemed for cash prizes.
All casinos have different playthrough requirements for redeeming SC and minimum amounts, so please read their Terms & Conditions carefully.
We’ll go over some of these rules in more detail below.
Best Online Casinos In Ohio
We’ve listed our favorite online casinos in Ohio in the table below to make it easier for you to choose which one works best for you.
They all offer different benefits, games, and bonuses, and we hope this information will make your choice easier.
But if you can’t choose just one, you can always try them all!
With free coins awarded on signup, you really have nothing to lose.
| Online Casino | Best For | Play Now |
| Stake.US | Exclusive welcome bonus of $55 Stake Cash & 260K Gold Coins | Play Now |
| Wow Vegas | Get 34.5 free Sweepstake Coins & 1.5 million WOW Coins for $9.99 | Play Now |
| High 5 Online Casino | Claim 5 Sweep Coins & 250 Game Coins plus 600 Diamonds | Play Now |
| Fortune Coins | Claim your $43 no deposit bonus & 1.25 million Gold Coins plus up to $50 & 20 million GC on 1st purchase | Play Now |
| McLuck | Get up to 27.5 SC & 57,500 Gold Coins for free | Play Now |
| Pulsz Casino | Claim up to 367.000 Gold Coins & 32.3 Sweeps Coins for free | Play Now |
| Pulsz Bingo | Get 5,000 Gold Coins & 2 Sweeps Coins for free | Play Now |
| Funrize Casino | Claim 125,000 Coins plus 1,000 SC with your 1st purchase of $19.99 | Play Now |
| Golden Hearts Games | Get 500 free Sweep Coins and 250,000 Gold Coins plus 100% Sweeps Coin bonus with 1st purchase | Play Now |
| Funzpoints | Get a $22.50 bonus & 1,000 Funzpoints on sign-up | Play Now |
Stake.US Ohio
Stake.US, known as America’s social casino, has risen to Internet popularity thanks to rapper Drake, who has infamously played (and lost) millions of dollars on their crypto-based site while live-streaming his sessions.
And their unique marketing strategy has paid off.
Thousands of happy users praise Stake.US for their easy withdrawals, their generous bonuses, and their selection of games.
Their library includes over 1,000 games by some of the top providers in the industry, like Pragmatic and Hacksaw, and they have live dealers streaming table games.
If you like card games and classic casino games, you can play plinko, blackjack, keno, baccarat, video poker, and more.
Or you can head straight for the slots, with favorites like Sugar Rush, Sweet Bonanza, and Gates of Olympus topping their lists.
Sign up today to claim your welcome bonus, which includes $250 in Stake Cash (the equivalent to Sweeps Coins) and 250,000 GC to use on any of their games.
And make sure to log in daily and check out their promos tab, as they always have something going on.
From races and battles to challenges and raffles, there are plenty of ways to claim even more free coins on Stake.US.
Wow Vegas Ohio
Wow Vegas (and Paris Hilton) are bringing the fun of Las Vegas right to your mobile device with over 900 casino-style games from top providers like Pragmatic and 3 Oaks.
If you’re a new user, you can claim 3 SC and 150,000 Wow Coins (the equivalent of GC) as soon as you complete your registration.
You’ll then be prompted to buy coin packages for a special price, which is completely up to you.
Get more free coins by logging into your account every day, referring your friends, spinning the Wheel of Wins, joining races and draws, and claiming special email offers.
Wow Vegas has tons of special offers going on, so check their promos tab every time you log in to keep winning free coins.
Use your coins on popular slot titles like Wilds of Fortune and Big Bass Bonanza, or check out their new and exclusive games, which are constantly updated.
Users frequently praise their quick and friendly customer service support and their range of promos and offers.
High 5 Ohio
With over 800 slots and table games available, you’re sure to find your favorite titles on High 5 and discover new go-to games.
Platinum Goddess, Triple DaVinci Diamonds, and Fire Stampede are some of their most popular titles, but I always check out their new and featured games first.
Register today to claim a welcome bonus that includes 250 Game Coins (Gold Coins), 5 SC, and 600 Diamonds, which you can use to boost your gameplay.
To claim even more free coins, spin the wheel, claim your daily login bonus, and play their jackpots. You can also enable SMS and email notifications to be eligible for even more prizes.
Users love their mobile app, which is available for both Apple and Android users, though it’s also possible to play on desktop through their website.
Fortune Coins Ohio
With thousands of reviews and a 4.6 overall rating on TrustPilot, Fortune Coins is one of the top social and sweepstakes casinos in the country.
Players love their quick and easy redemption process, the variety of themes and games in their catalog, and their friendly customer service support.
Right now, new players can claim 4,490 Fortune Coins (the same as Sweeps Coins or $49.90) as part of their welcome bonus plus 18,330,000 Gold Coins!
Keep in mind that to claim the full bonus you must not only sign up and verify your account, but log in every day for 30 consecutive days and opt in for email and SMS notifications.
Check out their promos tab to participate in challenges, claim special prizes, join their VIP program, and learn more about how you can claim free coins by referring a friend.
Then use your coins to play over 500 games ranging in themes, mechanics, and styles.
You’ll find popular titles like Hot Triple Sevens and Buffalo Hold and Win, as well as Big Bass games, Diamond Riches, Fruit Smash, and lots more.
McLuck Ohio
If you’re a new user, you can claim McLuck’s welcome bonus of 2.5 SC and 7,500 GC for free when you register a new account.
If you opt in to buy a coin package at a special welcome price, you can boost your bonus up to 27.5 SC and 57,500 GC!
Make sure to log in every day to claim their progressive daily bonus and check out their promos and special offers, which include weekly draws and jackpots.
To earn extra coins, you can also refer a friend, participate in social media competitions, and mail in a request.
Once you’ve verified your account and claimed your coins, check out their library, which has over 500 games including slots, table games, and their new live casino.
From live roulette and blackjack to popular slot titles like Immortal Ways: Buffalo and Gold Party, McLuck is trying to appeal to all kinds of players.
Though some of their users complain about the redemption process for their SC winnings, others praise their wide variety of games and promos.
Pulsz Casino Ohio
Boasting over 1,000 titles in their games library, Pulsz offers a wide range of Vegas casino-style games including slots, arcade games, and classic table games.
From popular titles like Buffalo King Megaways and Coin Strike Hold and Win to new exclusives like Super Sticky Piggy and 5 Wild Buffalo, slot enthusiasts will find all types of themes and mechanics on Pulsz.
They have excellent reviews from players who love their games selections and graphics, fast payouts, and great customer service.
We also think that their welcome bonus is pretty solid, with 5,000 GC and 2.3 SC for free upon registration and the chance to boost your gaming with a discounted coin purchase.
Purchasing coins is optional and you don’t have to buy anything to start playing, but if you want to extend your gameplay, their welcome offer is a good deal.
To earn more free coins, refer a friend, join their social media competitions, participate in their weekly draws, and sign in daily to claim their progressive login bonus.
Pulsz Bingo Ohio
Like the main site, Pulsz Casino, Pulsz Bingo has a great selection of slot titles, though their main focus is bingo.
There are multiple bingo rooms available for players to join, like Big Apple and Golden Gate. You can enter some rooms for free while others have an entry fee.
They also have high user ratings from players who appreciate the quality of their games, great bonuses, and helpful customer service.
New players can claim 5,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins for free after completing their registration and will be offered special discounts on their first purchase.
If you decide to buy coins, you will unlock even more games, get rid of ads, and get extra benefits, including VIP points.
You can also win free coins with their scratchcards, friend referrals, tournaments, jackpots, and giveaways, so make sure to check their promotions frequently.
Funrize Casino Ohio
Right now, new players can claim 125,000 free coins after registration, though it doesn’t include any Promotional Entries, their equivalent to SC.
You can get free SC when you purchase coins at a discounted welcome price of $19.99.
To get more free coins, you can refer a friend or spin the Funrize Wheel for daily prizes.
I suggest you also check their promotions tab often because there’s always something fun, like personalized deals, races, giveaways, and seasonal offers.
Join the Funrize Club for your chance to win free coins and entries, participate in exclusive deals and discounts, and gain VIP access to special rewards.
Enjoy their most popular titles like Grand Koala, Big Catch Bonanza, and Money Hive, try out their selection of fishing games, or shoot your shot with a jackpot.
Though they don’t have the highest user ratings out there, Funrize fans are loyal and love their site and customer service.
Golden Hearts Games Ohio
Golden Hearts stands out from the crowd as a charity-based social and sweepstakes casino since a portion of every purchase you make on the site supports the charity of your choice.
Users love this site for their daily bonuses, customer service, variety of games, and the chance to help out charities while having fun.
Sign up for an account today and claim 500 SC and 250,000 for free!
You will also get the chance to purchase a coin package at a discounted price to extend your gameplay and give a bit extra to charity.
Once you’re registered, go check out their small but complete library of slots, blackjack, live bingo, scratch cards, and video poker.
They even have exclusive titles like Cash of the Titans, Magic Meadow, and Gem Smash.
Funzpoints Ohio
Funtzpoints doesn’t have the best reputation anymore, with poor ratings and low scores for their small selection of games, complicated redemption process, and low RTPs on slots.
Many once-loyal users claim the site has gotten worse in recent months and are promising to play elsewhere if things don’t go back to the way they were.
Right now, new players can claim 250 Funzpoints on signup. If you choose to purchase a package, your bonus can go up to $22.50 with their 100% deposit match.
You can also join their social media competitions and daily jackpots to claim more coins and claim free Funzpoints when you log in daily.
But overall, their bonuses aren’t great and a lot of their games are reserved for premium play, which is only activated when you purchase coins.
If you’re playing in Standard mode, you can access games like Reel Groovy, Mega Jackpot Hits, and Pinball Wizz. Premium mode unlocks titles like Wheel of Riches, Lucky Sevens, and Mighty Mustang.
Worst Online Casinos In Ohio
We think all the casinos listed above offer something worthwhile to players, but not all online casinos are created equally.
As a rule of thumb, we stay away from offshore casinos that aren’t regulated to legally operate in the United States, or any casinos that aren’t approved to run in the country.
We also recommend avoiding casinos with confusing or unclear rules concerning virtual tokens and prize redemptions, as they can end up being more trouble than they’re worth when the time comes to claim your cash.
Here are some of the providers we recommend you steer away from:
- Riversweeps Casino
- Lucky Charms Casino
- BitBetWin
- Juwa
- VegasX
- Bitofgold.cc
- Gamba Casino
Benefits Of Playing At Ohio Online Casinos
Whether you just want to play for fun or are looking to turn your SC winnings into real cash, Ohio’s online casinos offer some great benefits for users.
Free SC On Signup
One of the biggest draws for users looking to sign up to a new online casino is the welcome bonus.
Players want to be able to try out the platform, check out the games, and get a feel for the site before they commit to purchasing coins, which is why a generous welcome bonus is key.
Receiving free tokens on signup, especially free SC, gives players an added incentive to register with a new casino, and it’s definitely one of the first things I look at.
Daily Login Bonuses
Another key incentive when choosing the right online casino is the daily login bonus.
In a way, it’s even more important than the welcome bonus, as you can only claim that once.
But the daily login bonus is ongoing and can significantly extend free play, which is a deciding factor for many users, especially if it’s a progressive bonus that increases with each day you log in.
If I can get a few free coins every day just for logging in, chances are I’m going to visit the site or open the app more often.
Wide Variety Of Sweepstakes Slots
Of course, most of us visit online casinos for the slots, and having a wide variety of games and providers is key to keeping players entertained.
We all have different tastes and preferences when it comes to slots, so a diverse games catalog is essential to appeal to a broad range of players.
From classics to new titles, progressive to jackpots, cascades to megaways, a variety of styles, mechanics, and themes is key when choosing an online casino.
Fish Table Games
Fish table games are quickly growing in popularity in the online gaming world, and casinos are working to keep up with demand.
Offering an alternative to traditional slots, players have to shoot or catch fish as they swim across the screen in these interactive arcade games.
Although slots are still the most popular games at both land-based and online casinos, fish table games are definitely on the rise and users want the option to play them online.
Real Money Prizes
Although some people just want to play casino-style games for fun and not for the chance of making money, we can’t deny that many of us do enjoy the possibility of winning some cash.
So even though we can’t wager real money on sweepstakes casinos, the option to redeem SC for real cash prizes is a huge deciding factor for many players looking to join an online sweepstakes casino.
But with differing rules, requirements, and conditions to redeem sweepstakes winnings for cash, it’s important to understand each casino’s policies before wagering your SC.
Ohio Online Casinos Vs. Physical Casinos
As much as I appreciate the convenience of online casinos, I love the excitement of playing on the casino floor.
The music, the lights, the lively atmosphere, and being surrounded by other players definitely makes for a fun time.
But it’s undeniable that online casinos do tend to offer better rewards and promotions than physical casinos, which can be a deciding factor for many people.
Also, you don’t have to pay for gas, parking, or restaurants when playing online.
But if you prefer the vibes of a physical casino, or like to switch it up from time to time, you can check out these brick-and-mortar casinos in Ohio.
- Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
- Formerly the Jack Casino, the Hard Rock brings all the excitement of Las Vegas to Cincinnati with games, dining, bars and lounges, and of course, live entertainment.
- At over 100,000 square feet, their 24/7 casino is packed with over 1,600 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, a live poker room, electronic table games, an on-site sportsbook, and lots more.
- Right now, new members who sign up for a Wild Card can claim up to $200 in casino credits as cash-back for any losses.
- They also have frequent promos and giveaways, so make sure you keep an eye out for their best offers!
- JACK Cleveland Casino
- The Jack in Cleveland offers all the essentials for an unforgettable casino experience: slots, table games, poker, a sportsbook, and bar and dining options.
- Whether you’re hanging out at the outdoor gaming and smoking patio, their indoor poker room, or their main casino floor, Jack has something for everyone.
- They also have frequent giveaways, lotto parties, special rewards and events, and new members of ClubJACK are eligible to win cash prizes!
- JACK Thistledown Racino
- With live horse racing and simulcasting, the Thistledown racino is the place for racing enthusiasts.
- They also have a two-story casino with a 24/7 climate-controlled smoking patio and all your favorite slots and video lottery terminals.
- Plus they offer dining and bar options, and free parking.
- Hollywood Casino Toledo
- This huge casino located in Toledo has something fun for everyone, from a sportsbook bar packed with huge screens and its own menu to live music and a delicious variety of bars and restaurants.
- Enjoy their climate-controlled gaming terrace, poker room, and classic table games spread out over 125,000 square feet.
- Play classic games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, give video poker a chance, or try your luck at any of their 1,700 slot machines.
- Join their PENN Play rewards program for free and enjoy their special offers, challenges, and prizes like casino credits and gift cards.
- Hollywood Casino Columbus
- This Vegas-style casino in Columbus is a hub of excitement, with great dining, entertainment, and an 8,000 square-foot smoking and gaming patio.
- Choose your favorite slot from over 1,700 machines, including video poker and high-limit slots, test your skills in their video poker room, or join a table game on the casino floor.
- For sports lovers, their 12,000 square-foot sportsbook has a full-service bar and restaurant, jumbo screens, and VIP seating.
- Download the PENN Play app for your chance to win up to $1,000 in casino credits and make sure to enter their giveaways.
- Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway
- This racino in Dayton has nearly 1,000 slots, a brick-and-mortar sportsbook, live harness racing, and races on simulcast.
- You can also enjoy their bar and dining options, which range from swanky lounges to fast food joints, and watch live music on the weekends.
- Keep your eye on their promos and giveaways, and join their rewards program to win casino credits and other prizes.
- Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course
- Horse racing is the main event at the Hollywood in Youngstown, but there are also plenty of video lottery terminals if you want to try your luck at something different.
- If you’re there for the thoroughbred horse races, you can watch them live from October to April, or enjoy live simulcasts from around the country.
- Players who download the PENN Play app today can start earning free casino credits and rewards points, plus they can participate in monthly promotions.
- MGM Northfield Park
- This racino in Northfield is all about horse racing, with year-round live harness races and simulcasting available.
- If you want a change of pace, you can also enjoy over 1,600 video lottery terminals, a high limit room with a smoking patio, three climate-controlled outdoor gaming patios, and a dedicated BetMGM sportsbook.
- You can also catch live music, theater, and stand-up comedy acts at their on-site, state-of-the-art entertainment venue.
- Join the MGM Rewards program for special prizes and discounts, and rack up redeemable points with every bet.
- Miami Valley Gaming
- This harness racing track and casino in Lebanon is a fan favorite in Ohio.
- With over 2,200 games, a huge variety of titles, and 2 gaming patios, you won’t ever get bored playing in their 25,000 square foot casino.
- They don’t have any table games, which is disappointing, but they do make up for it in dining, bars, and entertainment options.
- There’s also a race and sportsbook for sports fans, and seasonal horse racing and simulcasting.
- And there are frequent promos, giveaways, and special offers for MVG Club members.
- Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
- This racino in Columbus offers 24/7 gaming fun, delicious dining, bars, and a horse racing track.
- Their casino boasts 3 open-air gaming terraces with over 1,800 games.
- You can also hit the Caesars Sportsbook, with convenient access to the track and gaming floor.
- Between May and September, there are live harness races, simulcasting, and a dedicated racebook.
- For a full experience, check out their restaurants and bars, which also host live music events.
- If you’re a Caesars Rewards member, you can earn and redeem points at Eldorado. If you haven’t signed up yet, make sure you register next time you’re there!
- Belterra Park Cincinnati
- Formerly known as River Downs, this racino located just outside of Cincinnati promises you’ll “never run out of things to do.”
- With over 1,100 games on their 24-hour gaming floor, Belterra Park offers guests all the classic slots plus new titles.
- There’s also an on-site FanDuel sportsbook that’s open 24/7 where you can watch the biggest games and events from your favorite sports.
- And for 90 days a year, fans can also enjoy live horse racing and race replays either on the track or on big-screen TVs.
- Join the Boyd Rewards program for special promos and offers.
DFS & Lotteries In Ohio
Daily Fantasy Sports are fully legal in Ohio, with sites like DraftKings and FanDuel leading the way.
Online and retail sportsbooks are also legal, with plenty of options for sports enthusiasts to wager on their favorite teams and sporting events throughout the year.
Lottery tickets can also be bought online and at physical shops.
How To Sign Up To An Ohio Online Casino
If you’re in Ohio and want to try out one (or several) of the online casinos listed above, signing up for a new account is easy and requires only a few steps.
Follow the links provided on this page to register for the casinos you want to try out, verify your account, and claim your welcome bonus.
It’s generally a quick and easy process, though you may need to prove extra documentation to redeem your SC for cash prizes, like your banking details and possibly Social Security information.
You must also be at least 18 years old to play online and 21 to enter brick-and-mortar casinos in Ohio.
Gambling Problem? Find out how to exclude yourself from casino gambling in Ohio.