Even though gambling is legal in Ohio, the state has strict regulations and laws to ensure that the industry is safe and fair for everyone involved.Īll in all, the gambling industry in Ohio is a significant source of revenue for the state, generating over $3 billion annually, and providing more than 20,000 jobs. In addition to that, the Buckeye State launched its legal sports betting market on January 1, 2023, and now hosts some of the top sports betting operators in the USA. The casinos in Ohio offer a range of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker.
Today, Ohio has four full-service casinos, seven racinos (which offer slot machines and horse racing), and a state lottery. Later, in 2009, commercial gambling was finally legalized, with the first casinos opening in 2012. Later, in the 1970s, Ohio approved a state lottery. However, in the 1930s, when the Great Depression hit, Ohio legislators approved horse betting as a means to raise revenue and to create jobs. In the 19th century, the state prohibited all forms of gambling, including lottery, joining the anti-gambling movement. Ohio has a long and complicated gambling history.
