Ohio Online Poker: Legal Status, Sweepstakes Options, and What’s Next

Ohio does not currently have regulated real‑money online poker, even though the state operates one of the largest sports betting markets in the United States. While players cannot access licensed poker platforms such as PokerStars or WSOP Online, there are still legal ways to play online poker in Ohio today.

In the absence of regulated online poker, Ohio players primarily turn to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms and free‑play poker apps. These options allow players to enjoy online poker either for entertainment or for cash‑equivalent prizes, despite operating outside a formal online casino framework.

Unlike some neighboring states, Ohio has been slower to consider online casino legislation. While iGaming proposals have surfaced in recent years, online casinos — and by extension online poker — are not yet a legislative priority. In the US, online poker is typically treated as a casino game and handled through regulation rather than separate legislation.

This guide explains the current legal status of online poker in Ohio, the sweepstakes options available to players today, and what lawmakers may consider if online casino gaming becomes part of the state’s future gaming discussions.

Is Online Poker Legal in Ohio?

Online poker is not currently legal or regulated in Ohio. The state does not license real‑money online poker sites, and players cannot legally deposit and withdraw money on platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Ohio follows a permission‑based approach to gambling, meaning activities are prohibited unless explicitly authorized by law. While the state legalized online sports betting in 2023 and operates multiple land‑based casinos and racinos, online casino gaming — including online poker — has not been approved.

Lawmakers have occasionally discussed iGaming proposals, but online casinos have not been a legislative priority. In states where iGaming is legalized, online poker is typically treated as a casino game and implemented through regulation rather than separate poker‑specific legislation. Until Ohio legalizes online casino gaming and establishes a regulatory framework, regulated real‑money online poker remains unavailable in the Buckeye State.

Sweepstakes Online Poker in Ohio

While Ohio does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are legally available to players in the state. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations and provide a way to play online poker for prizes that can be redeemed for cash.

Sweepstakes poker platforms typically use a dual‑currency system. Players purchase Gold Coins, which are used for free‑play and social poker games and have no cash value. When Gold Coins are purchased, players usually receive Sweepstakes Coins as a reward. Sweepstakes Coins can be used in eligible poker games and may be redeemed for cash prizes, subject to each platform’s rules and verification requirements.

Because they are not classified as gambling sites, sweepstakes poker platforms are accessible in Ohio even though regulated online poker has not been approved. As a result, sweepstakes poker has become the primary option for Ohio players who want to play online poker for cash‑equivalent prizes.

It’s important to note that sweepstakes poker sites are not regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Game selection, liquidity, prize structures, and consumer protections differ from those found in regulated online poker markets.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites Available in Ohio

Because Ohio does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are currently the primary way players in the state can play online poker for cash‑equivalent prizes. These sites operate under US sweepstakes law rather than state gambling regulations and are legally accessible in Ohio.

Below are informational profiles of sweepstakes poker platforms available to Ohio players. These are not rankings. For a broader explanation of how this model works, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a sweepstakes‑based online poker platform designed to mirror the experience of a traditional online poker room. Players purchase Gold Coins for social play and typically receive Sweepstakes Coins as a reward. Sweepstakes Coins can be used in eligible poker games and redeemed for cash prizes, subject to verification.

The platform focuses primarily on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em and offers both cash‑game‑style tables and tournaments. Its familiar layout makes it appealing to players who have experience with regulated online poker. Learn more in our Clubs Poker review.

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the longest‑running sweepstakes poker platforms in the US and is available to players in Ohio. It uses a dual‑currency system that separates free‑play Gold Coins from Sweeps Coins, which can be used in games offering redeemable prizes.

Global Poker supports a wide range of formats, including ring games, sit‑and‑go tournaments, and multi‑table tournaments, and generally offers stronger liquidity than many sweepstakes poker competitors. See our Global Poker review for additional details.

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes poker platform operated by the World Poker Tour brand. It blends elements of subscription poker with sweepstakes‑style prize redemptions, offering a poker‑only environment rather than a full social casino.

Players purchase Gold Coins for play and can enter poker games that award prizes redeemable for cash. The site focuses on No‑Limit Texas Hold’em and is geared toward tournament‑oriented players. Read more in our ClubWPT Gold review.

Stake.us Poker

Stake.us operates as a sweepstakes casino platform that includes poker alongside other casino‑style games. Players purchase Gold Coins and typically receive Sweepstakes Coins, which can be used in eligible games and redeemed for cash prizes.

Poker is a smaller part of the overall offering compared to dedicated sweepstakes poker sites, but Stake.us may appeal to players who want poker as part of a broader social casino experience. For more information, see our Stake.us review.

Free‑Play Poker in Ohio

Ohio players can also play online poker for free through a range of free‑play and social poker platforms. These sites do not involve real‑money wagering and are intended for entertainment and practice rather than cash prizes.

Popular free‑play poker options include Zynga Poker, Replay Poker, Governor of Poker, and Poker Patio. Free poker games are also available on social platforms such as Facebook, and many well‑known poker brands offer free‑to‑play versions of their games.

Because there is no real money at stake, free‑play poker is best suited for new players who want to learn hand rankings, betting mechanics, and overall game flow without financial risk. However, gameplay on free‑play sites does not fully reflect real‑money poker strategy, since players are not risking their own funds.

Free‑play poker is legal and widely accessible in Ohio, but players looking for cash‑equivalent prizes typically turn to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms instead.

What’s Next for Online Poker in Ohio?

Ohio does not currently regulate online casino gaming, and there is little immediate momentum toward legalization. While lawmakers have occasionally introduced iGaming proposals, online casinos — and by extension online poker — have not been a legislative priority since the launch of legal sports betting.

In US states where iGaming is approved, online poker is typically treated as a casino game and implemented through regulation rather than separate poker‑specific legislation. If Ohio were to legalize online casino gaming in the future, online poker would likely be addressed during the regulatory process overseen by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

For now, any change to Ohio’s online poker landscape depends on whether lawmakers decide to revisit online casino legislation and how they balance potential tax revenue against concerns from land‑based casinos and racinos. Until then, Ohio players remain limited to sweepstakes‑based poker platforms and free‑play options.

Ohio Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Ohio?

No. Ohio does not currently regulate real‑money online poker. Players cannot legally play on licensed poker sites such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.

Can you play online poker for money in Ohio?

Ohio players cannot access regulated real‑money online poker sites. However, sweepstakes‑based poker platforms are legally available and allow players to redeem prizes for cash under sweepstakes rules.

Are sweepstakes poker sites legal in Ohio?

Yes. Sweepstakes poker sites operate under US sweepstakes law and are legally accessible in Ohio. These platforms are not regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and use a dual‑currency system.

Does Ohio have any regulated online gambling?

Ohio regulates online sports betting and allows land‑based casinos and racinos. Online casino games, including online poker, have not been legalized.

Will Ohio legalize online poker?

Ohio lawmakers have occasionally discussed online casino gaming, but it has not been a legislative priority. In most US iGaming states, online poker is treated as a casino game and handled through regulation rather than separate poker‑specific legislation.

When could online poker launch in Ohio?

There is no clear timeline. Any regulated online poker market would require Ohio to first legalize online casino gaming, followed by a regulatory and licensing process that would likely take many months or longer.

Can I play PokerStars or WSOP Online in Ohio?

No. PokerStars and WSOP Online only operate in states where online poker is legal and regulated. Neither platform is currently available in Ohio.

Are offshore online poker sites legal in Ohio?

Some offshore poker sites accept players from Ohio, but Pokerfuse does not recommend using them. These sites are not regulated by US authorities and offer limited consumer protections compared to legal alternatives.