Sportsbooks and casinos in Ohio have shown dynamic revenue trends over the past few months.
According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the four commercial casinos licensed by the state generated $88.5 million in revenue in April. While still a robust figure, it represents a decline from the $94.5 million recorded in March.
Breaking Down the 2025 Figures
Ohio's casinos have generated significant revenue so far in 2025, with the total amount reaching an impressive $342.7 million from January through April. This figure sums up both table game and slot machine revenue from the state's casinos. Let's delve a little deeper:
January: The new year kicked off with $77.9 million in total revenue. Slot machines were the major contributors, bringing in $55.2 million, while table games added $22.7 million.
February: The month saw a slight increase to $81.9 million. Slots continued to dominate with $58.6 million, and tables added $23.3 million.
March: March showed a significant uptick, with revenues climbing to $94.5 million. As spring began to bloom, the slot machines contributed $68.9 million, and tables generated nearly $26 million.
April: April maintained strong earnings, bringing in $88.5 million, with slots contributing $65.4 million and tables $23.2 million.
Ohio’s casinos have made a total of $342.7 million, which is a 1.6% increase compared to $336.9 million they made during the same time last year.
Hollywood Casino in Columbus Earns the Most
Among the casinos, Hollywood Columbus emerged as the highest earner, generating more than $25 million. On the other end, Hollywood Toledo reported a more modest $20.7 million.
Additionally, Ohio’s sports betting industry showed promise, with sportsbooks recording $73.7 million in revenue for April, marking a 1.3% increase compared to April 2024. Interestingly, while online sports betting thrived with $74.1 million in revenue, the retail sports betting sector faced challenges, losing $367,110.
A Look Back: The History of Gambling Revenue in Ohio
The history of gambling in Ohio reflects a journey marked by gradual legalization and expansion. Before the 21st century, most forms of gambling were prohibited in Ohio. However, state-run lotteries were introduced in the 1970s, setting the stage for future expansion into the gambling industry.
A significant milestone occurred in 2009, when Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment to permit the establishment of four casinos in the state's major cities: Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, and Toledo. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ohio's gambling landscape, opening up a new stream of revenue for the state.
The first casino opened its doors in Cleveland in 2012, followed by the other cities shortly thereafter. This development spurred an increase in gaming revenues and fueled interest in further expanding gambling opportunities in the state.
Beyond casinos, Ohio has embraced other gambling forms like racinos—horse racing tracks that offer video lottery terminals—further contributing to state revenues. Notably, the introduction of legalized sports betting in recent years has added another layer to Ohio’s gambling scene. The state's travel down this path reflects broader national trends toward gaming industry expansion and modernization.
Ohio's Position in the National Gambling Scene
According to Charlotte Capewell, from CDC Gaming, Ohio ranks among the top states for gambling revenue, trailing New York, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Notably, for the first quarter of 2025, Ohio reported $859.9 million in revenue, positioning it fifth in the nation.
The state’s performance in the gambling industry is strengthened by 14 licensed sportsbook operators, encompassing a mix of racinos, casinos, sports organizations, and mobile betting platforms. This diverse ecosystem underscores Ohio's competitive stake in the national market.
Could Online Casinos Be Coming to Ohio Soon?
Ohio's land-based casinos have maintained steady revenue streams, but the discussion is now shifting toward the potential legalization of online casinos. Lawmakers in Columbus are considering House Bill 298, which could pave the way for Ohioans to legally play online casino games such as poker, roulette, and slots.
Proponents of HB 298 argue that legalizing online gambling could significantly boost state tax revenue, remedying what has been seen as a missed opportunity since the 2009 legalization of physical casinos.
The proposed bill includes a 28% tax on online gaming, justified by the Sports Betting Alliance’s Scott Ward, who notes that unlike physical casinos with diverse revenue streams, online platforms primarily generate income from gambling alone.
In addition to HB 298, Sen. Nathan Manning has introduced SB 197, a competing proposal that would not only legalize online casinos but also lotteries.
This bill suggests a higher tax rate of 36% and a substantial $50 million licensing fee. Manning predicts that these measures could eventually redirect the estimated $2 billion currently spent by Ohioans on illegal sites to the state's legal market, potentially generating $600 to $900 million annually once matured.
As Ohio continues to evaluate the future of online gambling, these legislative proposals highlight the potential economic benefits and regulatory improvements that legalizing online casinos could bring to the state.
In the meantime, if you live in the Buckeye State, you can get a similar experience by playing slots or table games at a social or sweepstakes casino.
