Real-money online casino games are not legal in Ohio right now, but the 2026 governor’s race is putting new attention on whether that could change.
Democratic nominee Amy Acton says she’s open to expanding online casino-style gambling (iGaming) as a revenue source—if it comes with strong rules to protect young people and limit predatory ads.
It's another sign that the online casino debate in The Buckeye State could help fuel the way Ohio's Governor race plays out.
Is Online Casino Gambling Legal in Ohio?
Short answer: No. Ohio does not license or regulate real-money online slots, table games, or poker. What is legal today includes:
- Four commercial casinos and seven racinos (racetrack casinos with video lottery terminals)
- Retail and online sports betting, which launched statewide on Jan. 1, 2023
- The Ohio Lottery, including the new Scratch Connect digital scratch-off option
- Sweepstakes casinos, which offer casino-style play without direct real-money wagering
Under Ohio law, gambling outside these approved forms can be a misdemeanor or even a felony for repeat offenses, which is why unregulated online casinos are not an option for Ohio players.
Amy Acton’s Position on Ohio Online Casino Expansion
Acton, a physician and former director of the Ohio Department of Health, frames iGaming as a potential funding tool for priorities like lowering the cost of living, supporting schools, childcare, and property tax relief. In a Sept. 8, 2026 interview with Statehouse News Bureau, she said:
“Certainly I see it as a source of revenue that can help fund the proposals that we need to help bring down the cost of living in this state and provide for the services we need to fund.”
She added that, as a public health professional, she wants tight guardrails:
- A strong regulatory environment
- Protections for minors and young people
- Limits on predatory advertising
Her campaign has also said consumers “should be able to spend their money how they please,” while stressing mental health protections and other consumer safeguards.
Where the Other 2026 Candidates Stand
Vivek Ramaswamy (Republican): Has not taken a clear position on online casino expansion. He says he’d approach the issue with a “fresh perspective” and do it in a “responsible way that protects Ohioans,” but has not said whether he would sign an iGaming bill.
Some of his supporters, including certain Christian leaders, oppose expansion.
Don Kissick (Libertarian): Generally favors regulation over prohibition and has expressed support for expanding online gambling options, with less emphasis on new restrictions than Acton.
Incumbent Gov. Mike DeWine, who is term-limited, has opposed further expansion, citing addiction and accessibility concerns, and has expressed some regrets about sports betting.
Ohio’s Current Gambling Landscape
Ohio already has a mature gambling market:
- Casinos and racinos: Four commercial casinos and seven racinos operate across the state.
- Sports betting: Legal online and retail since 2023, regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and taxed at 20% of operator revenue.
- Lottery and DFS: The Ohio Lottery and daily fantasy sports are legal and widely available.
- Online casino (iGaming): Still illegal for real-money play.
In 2025, bills like SB 197 and HB 298 sought to legalize forms of online casino gaming and iLottery, but they did not advance. As of September 2026, HB 298 remains stalled in committee, keeping sweepstakes casinos legal while real-money online casino games stay outside Ohio’s regulated market.
What an Ohio Online Casino Law Could Look Like
Based on recent proposals and Acton’s comments, a future Ohio iGaming framework might include:
- Licensing tied to existing operators: Prior bills envisioned limiting iGaming licenses to current Ohio casino and racino operators.
- High license fees and taxes: Earlier drafts discussed a $50 million initial license fee and a 28% tax on internet gaming revenue.
- Strong consumer protections: Age verification, self-exclusion tools, deposit limits, and mental-health resources.
- Advertising limits: Restrictions aimed at reducing predatory marketing and exposure to young people, a key theme in Acton’s stance.
Any expansion would still need to pass the Ohio General Assembly and be signed by the governor, so campaign positions are just the starting point.
Sweepstakes Casinos vs. Real-Money Online Casino Ohio
Because real-money online casino Ohio sites are not licensed, many players use sweepstakes casinos instead. These platforms:
- Let you play casino-style games for free using virtual currencies
- Offer chances to win real prizes through sweepstakes mechanics
- Operate legally in Ohio under current rules
They are not the same as regulated iGaming, but they show there is demand for online casino-style play in the state.
What This Means for Players and the 2026 Election
The most practical takeaways from all of this is:
- Real-money online casino games are not legal in Ohio today.
- Legal options now are casinos, racinos, sportsbooks, the lottery, DFS, and sweepstakes casinos.
- The November 3, 2026 governor’s race could shift the debate, with Acton clearly open to regulated iGaming expansion and Ramaswamy non-committal.
Acton’s public-health background means any push for online casino Ohio legalization under her administration would likely come with stricter ad rules and youth protections than some industry-backed proposals.
FAQ: Ohio Online Casino
Is online casino legal in Ohio in 2026?
No. Real-money online casino games (slots, table games, poker) are not legal in Ohio in 2026. Only sweepstakes casinos are allowed for online casino-style play.
Will Ohio legalize online casinos soon?
There is no guaranteed timeline. Bills in 2025 did not pass, and Gov. DeWine has opposed expansion. The 2026 election could change the political math, especially with Acton saying she’s open to regulated iGaming.
What did Amy Acton say about Ohio online casino?
Acton says she sees online gambling as a possible revenue source but wants strong regulation, protections for young people, and limits on predatory advertising.
Can I play casino games online in Ohio right now?
You can play at sweepstakes casinos, which are legal in Ohio, but you cannot play real-money online casino games on state-regulated sites because none exist yet.
