The Buckeye State is booming when it comes to casino revenue.
Ohio’s gambling landscape has changed dramatically since the state legalized casinos and, more recently, sports betting. Today, Ohio’s four commercial casinos—Hollywood Columbus, JACK Cleveland, Hard Rock Cincinnati, and Hollywood Toledo—are not just entertainment hubs but also major contributors to the state’s economy.
According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, monthly revenue reports show a consistent upward trend, including in May, when Ohio’s casinos brought in nearly $92 million, which is an increase of over 8% year-over-year and a 3.5% rise from April 2025.
This is a clear sign that demand for casino gaming remains strong, even as the industry faces legislative debates about online casino bills and tax rates.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Who’s Leading the Pack?
Among Ohio’s four casinos, Hollywood Columbus consistently leads in revenue. It generated $25.8 million in May — a 9.3% jump compared to the previous year. This marked the third consecutive month the casino topped $25 million in revenue.
Here's the list:
- Hollywood Columbus: $25.8 million
- JACK Cleveland: $22.3 million
- Hard Rock Cincinnati: $22.2 million
- Hollywood Toledo: $21.4 million
JACK Cleveland followed with $22.3 million (up 4.6%), Hard Rock Cincinnati with $22.2 million (up 8.4%), and Hollywood Toledo with $21.4 million (up 11.3%).
Most of the revenue comes from slot machines, which in May 2025 generated $68.4 million, while table games added $23.3 million. This pattern has held steady over recent years, with slots consistently being the biggest moneymaker for Ohio casinos.
The Growth of Casino Revenue in Ohio
Since the first casinos opened, Ohio’s gaming industry has seen steady and significant growth.
In 2024, Ohio’s casinos generated over $3.3 billion in revenue, ranking the state sixth in the nation for casino earnings. This growth has been fueled by both traditional casino games and the recent addition of sports betting, which launched in January 2023.
On top of this, taxable sports betting revenue hit a record high of $88.8 million last month, with a total handle of over $741 million.
This figure represents an increase of nearly 32% from May 2024, making it the most profitable month for sports betting since its legalization in the state. And now there's talk of upping the tax rate operators currently pay.
What’s Next for Ohio’s Gambling Industry?
Despite impressive growth, Ohio’s gambling sector faces ongoing debates about online casino legalization and proposed tax increases. Lawmakers are considering changes that could impact both casinos and sportsbooks, with discussions focused on balancing industry growth and state revenue needs.
Ohio is unlikely to legalize online casinos by this year. However, there is significant legislative activity and public debate on the issue.
Two major bills—Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 298—were introduced in 2025 to legalize online casinos, the online lottery, and online horse racing betting. These bills propose regulatory frameworks, licensing fees, and tax rates, targeting a potential launch as early as March 31, 2026, if passed.
Legislative hearings are ongoing, with strong opposition from religious groups and concerns about gambling addiction. Lawmakers are also proceeding cautiously because of concerns about the impact on existing land-based casinos.
A recent poll indicates that 61% of Ohio voters support legalization if the revenue is directed to public services, but this support has not yet translated into legislative action.
There's also debate about whether online casino gambling is constitutional in Ohio, which could further delay or complicate legalization.
If current bills pass, the earliest legal online casino gambling could launch in Ohio is 2026. For now, only online sports betting is legal and regulated in the state. Meanwhile, Ohio’s casinos and sportsbooks continue to thrive, breaking revenue records and cementing their place as key players in the state’s economy.
Play Sweepstakes Casinos Online in Ohio
Ohio residents can still enjoy casino games legally, even as lawmakers debate the future of online casinos. Sweepstakes casinos offer a fun alternative, allowing you to play games like slots and poker without betting real money. Instead of cash, you use virtual currencies called sweeps coins and gold coins, which you can get for free or buy. Sometimes, you can even redeem sweeps coins for cash prizes. These platforms are great for playing online while sticking to legal rules.
Remember, if you decide to give it a try, always exhibit responsible gambling habits.
