When it comes to generating revenue from the casinos, Ohio may really be the "heart of it all."
In July, Ohio's four casinos made $88.9 million, which is 8.4% more than the $82 million they made in July last year. It's been a banner year for the Buckeye State.
Why? This year-over-year increase is nothing new. It's something we've been tracking since January.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission reported that all casinos experienced an increase in earnings. But there are a couple that stand out. Hollywood Columbus and Hard Rock Cincinnati experienced double-digit growth. Compared to June 2025's $82 million, the July numbers show a strong bounce back, with an 8.4% increase from month to month as well.
Which Ohio Casinos Generated the Most Revenue in July?
To find the Ohio casino that generated the most revenue in July, all you have to do is head to the capital. Columbus is home to Hollywood Casino, which made the most money out of the four casinos in the state, but the race was pretty tight. Here's a look:
Ohio Casino-by-Casino Breakdown
- Hollywood Columbus remained the state's top earner, bringing in $24.7 million in July, an 11.3% rise from July 2023.
- Hard Rock Cincinnati saw the largest jump with $22 million, up 11.6% year-on-year, overtaking Jack Cleveland as the second-highest revenue generator.
- Jack Cleveland Casino reported $21.5 million, up a modest 1.4% from the previous year.
- Hollywood Toledo generated $20.7 million, a 9.6% increase over July 2023.
All four casinos continue to show resilience and adaptability despite intensifying competition from neighboring states. And when you look at which games, or products, are bringing in the most revenue, slot machines come out on top.
Which Casino Games Generate the Most Revenue in Ohio?
- Slot machines dominated, delivering $65.2 million (about three-quarters of all revenue), up from $60.1 million year-over-year.
- Table games contributed $23.7 million, up from $21.8 million the prior July.
Although slots dominate as money.makers, table games like Blackjack, Poker, and Baccarat hold their own.
When Will Online Casinos Be Legalized in Ohio?
Ohio probably won't legalize online casinos this year. However, there's a lot of discussion and legislative effort happening around this topic.
In 2025, two main bills were introduced—Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 298. These bills aim to legalize online casinos, the online lottery, and online horse racing betting. They outline rules, licensing fees, and tax rates for these activities. If these bills are approved, online gambling could start as soon as March 31, 2026.
Ohio Sportsbooks Sent a Warning By the Ohio Casino Control Commission
Also making news on the Ohio gambling scene was the Ohio Casino Control Commission sending a letter to sportsbooks, cautioning them against using prediction markets.
Ohio has one of the largest legal sports betting markets in the country, and the commission reminded sportsbook operators that prediction markets need proper licensing to be legal.
The letter, dated August 25, specifically stated that any connection between licensed betting companies in Ohio and entities offering unlicensed betting could damage the companies' reputations and the integrity of sports betting in the state.
It read: “Any business relationship between an Ohio sports gaming licensee (including its related entities or those under common ownership) with any entit(ies) offering or facilitating the offering of unlicensed sports gaming in Ohio calls into question the reputation of the licensee and the integrity of sports gaming in Ohio.”
The letter also clarified that simply using geolocation technology to block Ohio residents from accessing prediction market services "may not alleviate the suitability concern" for operators offering the contracts in other jurisdictions.
Play Sweepstakes Casino Games in Ohio
Even though Ohio lawmakers are discussing the future of online casinos, people in Ohio can still legally enjoy casino games.
Sweepstakes casinos provide a fun alternative where you can play games like slots and poker without gambling with real money. Instead, you use virtual currencies called sweeps coins and gold coins, which you can obtain for free or purchase. You might also exchange sweeps coins for cash prizes sometimes. These platforms are an excellent way to play online while following the law.
