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

Ohio does not currently have regulated real-money online poker, but the prospects for a future market have become considerably more interesting.

The Buckeye State already has a large regulated gambling industry that includes commercial casinos, racinos, and online sports betting. In 2025, Ohio lawmakers introduced legislation that would go a significant step further by legalizing and regulating internet gambling.

House Bill 298 remains under consideration in the 2025-2026 legislative session. A separate Senate proposal, SB 197, also proposes legalizing and taxing internet gambling.

Neither proposal has become law, and Ohio players still cannot access regulated US poker platforms such as PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel, WSOP Online, BetMGM Poker, or BetRivers Poker for real-money play.

Some sweepstakes poker platforms currently accept Ohio players, but these sites operate outside the state’s regulated online gambling market. Their availability should not be confused with licensing or approval by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

The legislative debate could also affect those platforms: HB 298 proposes prohibiting covered online sweepstakes games as part of its broader gambling changes.

This guide explains the current status of Ohio online poker, the internet gambling legislation under consideration, sweepstakes poker options currently available, Ohio’s live poker rooms, and what would need to happen before regulated online poker could launch.

Is Online Poker Legal in Ohio?

Ohio does not currently authorize or regulate conventional real-money online poker.

There are no Ohio-licensed online poker rooms offering real-money cash games or tournaments.

Regulated US poker platforms unavailable in Ohio include:

• PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel
• WSOP Online
• BetMGM Poker
• BetRivers Poker

Ohio law expressly identifies poker as a “game of chance” when a player gives something of value in the hope of gain and the outcome is determined largely by chance.

The state has established regulated markets for casino gambling and sports betting, but it has not yet created a regulated internet gambling framework that permits online poker.

That could change if pending iGaming legislation becomes law.

What Online Gambling Is Legal in Ohio?

Ohio has a much larger regulated gambling market than many states without legal online poker.

Legal gambling includes:

• Online and retail sports betting
• Commercial casino gaming
• Video lottery terminals at racinos
• Ohio Lottery products
• Fantasy sports

Online sports betting launched on January 1, 2023.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates casino gaming, sports gaming, skill-based amusement machines, and fantasy contests, while the Ohio Lottery Commission oversees the state lottery and video lottery terminals at racinos.

However, Ohio has not yet authorized conventional online casino gaming or real-money online poker.

The distinction is important because several companies offering legal sportsbooks in Ohio also operate poker or online casino products in other states.

An Ohio sports betting license does not authorize those companies to offer poker.

Could Ohio Legalize Online Poker?

Ohio lawmakers are actively considering legislation that would establish a regulated internet gambling market.

That makes Ohio significantly different from states where online poker legalization remains largely hypothetical.

Two major proposals have been introduced during the 136th General Assembly:

• House Bill 298
• Senate Bill 197

Both propose legalizing and taxing internet gambling in Ohio.

Neither has become law.

Ohio HB 298

HB 298 was introduced in May 2025 by Representatives Brian Stewart and Marilyn John.

The bill would legalize and regulate internet gambling in Ohio and place the market under the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Under the proposal, licensed operators would be permitted to offer approved internet gambling products to eligible players physically located in Ohio.

The bill also establishes:

• Internet gambling operator licenses
• Regulatory authority for the Ohio Casino Control Commission
• Technical and compliance requirements
• Player account requirements
• Geolocation controls
• Responsible gambling provisions
• Taxation of internet gambling revenue
• Restrictions on unauthorized internet gambling
• A prohibition on covered online sweepstakes games

HB 298 proposes a 28% tax on internet gambling receipts.

The legislation also proposes a $50 million initial internet gambling operator license fee and a $10 million renewal fee.

As of September 2026, HB 298 remains in the House Finance Committee and has not passed the Ohio House.

Its introduction nevertheless represents a significant change in Ohio’s online gambling debate.

Rather than merely discussing whether internet gambling should eventually be considered, lawmakers now have detailed legislation establishing how a regulated market could operate.

Ohio SB 197

HB 298 is not the only internet gambling proposal introduced during the current General Assembly.

Senate Bill 197 also proposes legalizing and taxing internet gambling in Ohio.

The existence of proposals in both chambers demonstrates that internet gambling has become an active legislative issue in the state.

However, introduction of legislation does not guarantee enactment.

Until a bill passes the legislature, receives any required executive approval, and is implemented through regulation, real-money online poker remains unavailable.

Would the Internet Gambling Bills Allow Online Poker?

Online poker would need to fall within the internet gambling framework ultimately adopted by Ohio and be approved for operation by state regulators.

Ohio already defines poker as a game of chance under its gambling laws.

HB 298 creates a broad regulated internet gambling framework rather than a poker-specific market.

If Ohio enacts internet gambling legislation, the Ohio Casino Control Commission would play a central role in determining which games and operators are approved under the new system.

For poker players, legalization would therefore be only the first step.

Operators would still need the appropriate licenses and regulatory approval before a poker platform could launch.

What Would Have to Happen Before Ohio Online Poker Launches?

Even if Ohio passes internet gambling legislation, regulated online poker would not become available immediately.

A launch would require several additional steps, potentially including:

• Passage of enabling legislation
• Establishment of final regulations
• Operator licensing
• Supplier and platform approvals
• Technical certification
• Identity verification systems
• Geolocation testing
• Responsible gambling controls
• Player fund protections
• Game approval
• A decision on interstate poker liquidity

Ohio already has regulatory infrastructure for casinos and online sports betting, so the state would not be building an online gambling oversight system entirely from scratch.

However, internet casino gaming and peer-to-peer poker would still require their own rules and approvals.

Sweepstakes Poker in Ohio

Several sweepstakes poker platforms currently accept eligible Ohio players.

These platforms operate differently from conventional regulated online poker rooms.

A typical sweepstakes platform uses virtual currencies instead of allowing players to deposit money directly into a conventional real-money poker balance.

A common model uses:

• Gold Coins for social or free-play games
• Sweeps Coins or another promotional currency for qualifying games offering redeemable prizes

Not every sweepstakes poker platform uses the same structure.

The important distinction is that these platforms are not licensed as real-money online poker rooms by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Are Sweepstakes Poker Sites Legal in Ohio?

Ohio does not regulate sweepstakes poker sites as licensed real-money online poker rooms.

Some sweepstakes operators currently accept eligible Ohio players under their promotional models.

However, operator availability should not be interpreted as affirmative approval or licensing by Ohio.

That distinction has become particularly important because pending Ohio internet gambling legislation directly addresses sweepstakes gaming.

HB 298 proposes prohibiting covered online sweepstakes games as part of its broader gambling reforms.

The proposal has not become law.

For now, several sweepstakes poker platforms continue to accept Ohio players, but their future availability could be affected by legislation, regulatory action, or changes to individual operator policies.

For a broader explanation of these platforms, see our Sweepstakes Online Poker Guide.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites Available in Ohio

Several major sweepstakes poker platforms currently accept eligible players from Ohio.

These profiles describe current operator availability rather than licensing or regulatory approval by the state.

Availability can change, particularly while Ohio lawmakers consider legislation addressing online sweepstakes games.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a poker-focused sweepstakes platform currently available to eligible Ohio players.

The site uses two virtual currencies:

• Gold Coins for social play
• Sweeps Coins for qualifying promotional games offering redeemable prizes

Clubs Poker offers ring-game-style poker and tournaments.

Its game selection includes No-Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and a selection of mixed games and other poker variants.

That broader poker selection distinguishes it from sweepstakes casino platforms where poker is only a small part of the overall product.

Clubs Poker is not licensed or regulated as a real-money online poker room by Ohio.

Learn more in our Clubs Poker review.

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the longest-established sweepstakes poker platforms serving US players and currently accepts eligible players from Ohio.

Global Poker uses:

• Gold Coins for social poker
• Sweeps Coins for qualifying promotional games offering redeemable prizes

Its poker offering includes ring games, Sit & Go tournaments, and multi-table tournaments.

Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha form the core of the platform.

Global Poker has withdrawn from several states as sweepstakes laws and enforcement policies have changed around the US.

Its current Ohio availability should therefore not be assumed to be permanent.

Global Poker is not licensed as a real-money online poker operator by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

See our Global Poker review for additional details.

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes-based poker platform associated with the World Poker Tour.

The platform changed its operating model substantially in late 2025.

Rather than relying exclusively on the traditional Gold Coin/Sweeps Coin structure used by many sweepstakes platforms, ClubWPT Gold introduced Hand Analysis Credits and gameplay Chips as part of its updated model.

The platform offers poker ring games and tournaments and currently accepts eligible Ohio players.

ClubWPT Gold is not licensed or regulated as a real-money online poker room by Ohio.

Read our ClubWPT Gold review for more information about its current structure.

Stake.us Poker

Stake.us Poker operates within the larger Stake.us sweepstakes gaming platform.

Stake.us uses Gold Coins for social gaming and Stake Cash as its promotional sweepstakes currency.

Its poker platform offers peer-to-peer poker games alongside the company’s broader sweepstakes casino product.

Ohio is currently among the states where eligible players can access the Stake.us sweepstakes product.

However, Stake.us is not licensed or regulated as a real-money online poker room by Ohio.

As with other sweepstakes platforms, availability could change if Ohio adopts new legislation or the operator changes its state eligibility rules.

Free-Play Poker in Ohio

Ohio players can also use genuine free-play poker platforms.

These games use virtual chips that have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for money or cash-equivalent prizes.

Free-play poker can help beginners learn:

• Poker hand rankings
• Betting rounds
• Table positions
• Tournament structures
• Basic poker terminology
• Online poker software

Free-play poker should be distinguished from sweepstakes poker.

Genuine free-play games do not use a redeemable promotional currency and do not award cash-redemption prizes.

Because nothing of financial value is at stake, player behavior can differ considerably from conventional real-money poker.

However, these platforms provide a straightforward option for learning and recreational play while regulated online poker remains unavailable in Ohio.

Live Poker in Ohio

Ohio has a substantial regulated live poker market.

Unlike states without commercial casinos, Ohio players can access conventional poker rooms offering cash games and tournaments even though regulated online poker remains unavailable.

Major Ohio casino poker rooms include:

• JACK Cleveland Casino
• Hollywood Casino Columbus
• Hollywood Casino Toledo
• Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati

JACK Cleveland Casino

JACK Cleveland Casino provides live casino gaming in downtown Cleveland and has historically been one of the state’s major poker destinations.

Players should check the casino’s current poker schedule before visiting, as games, operating hours, and tournament schedules can change.

Hollywood Casino Columbus

Hollywood Casino Columbus operates a dedicated live poker room.

Its game selection includes Texas Hold’em and Omaha, with cash games and poker promotions offered throughout the week.

The casino maintains a large dedicated poker room and publishes current game and promotion information for players.

Hollywood Casino Toledo

Hollywood Casino Toledo also operates a dedicated poker room.

No-Limit Texas Hold’em cash games are a central part of the offering, with multiple stakes available depending on demand.

The room also runs regular poker promotions.

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati operates live-action Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha games.

Its published cash-game offerings include multiple stakes of No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, along with poker tournaments and promotions.

That gives players in several of Ohio’s largest metropolitan areas access to regulated casino poker even though online poker remains unavailable.

Could Ohio Join MSIGA?

If Ohio legalizes online poker, interstate player liquidity would become an important regulatory question.

Ohio is not currently a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).

MSIGA allows participating jurisdictions to authorize approved poker operators to combine players across state lines.

Shared liquidity can support:

• More active cash-game tables
• A wider range of stakes
• Larger tournament fields
• Bigger tournament guarantees
• More poker variants
• Better game availability throughout the day

Ohio has a population of nearly 12 million, giving it considerably more potential in-state poker liquidity than many states that have already legalized online poker.

Even so, access to interstate networks could improve game selection and tournament liquidity.

Several major regulated US poker operators already maintain multi-state networks.

If Ohio eventually authorizes poker, operators could have a strong incentive to connect Ohio players with their existing player pools rather than operate separate Ohio-only networks.

However, Ohio would first need to legalize online poker and establish appropriate authority for interstate participation.

The state has not joined MSIGA and currently has no regulated online poker market.

Ohio Online Poker FAQ

Is online poker legal in Ohio?

Ohio does not currently authorize or regulate conventional real-money online poker.

There are no Ohio-licensed online poker rooms offering real-money cash games or tournaments.

Can you play real-money online poker in Ohio?

There is currently no Ohio-regulated real-money online poker site.

Poker platforms licensed in other US states cannot offer their state-regulated poker products to players physically located in Ohio.

Could Ohio legalize online poker?

Yes, Ohio lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would establish a regulated internet gambling market.

HB 298 and SB 197 both propose legalizing and taxing internet gambling.

Neither bill has become law, so regulated online poker remains unavailable.

What is Ohio HB 298?

HB 298 is legislation introduced by Representatives Brian Stewart and Marilyn John that would legalize and regulate internet gambling in Ohio.

The bill would place internet gambling under the Ohio Casino Control Commission, establish operator licensing and taxation, and prohibit covered online sweepstakes games.

As of September 2026, HB 298 remains in the House Finance Committee and has not passed the House.

Does Ohio have to legalize online casinos before online poker?

Not necessarily.

Ohio needs legislation establishing legal authority for regulated online poker.

The current proposals provide a potential route through a broader internet gambling framework, but lawmakers could theoretically address peer-to-peer poker separately.

Can I play PokerStars in Ohio?

No.

PokerStars exclusively on FanDuel does not currently operate a regulated real-money online poker room in Ohio.

Can I play WSOP Online in Ohio?

No.

WSOP Online is not licensed to offer regulated real-money online poker in Ohio.

Can I play BetMGM Poker in Ohio?

No.

BetMGM operates regulated sports betting in Ohio, but BetMGM Poker is not authorized in the state.

Sports betting authorization does not permit an operator to offer online poker.

Are sweepstakes poker sites legal in Ohio?

Ohio does not license or regulate sweepstakes poker platforms as real-money online poker rooms.

Some sweepstakes operators currently accept eligible Ohio players under their promotional models, but availability should not be confused with state licensing or affirmative regulatory approval.

Pending HB 298 would prohibit covered online sweepstakes games if enacted in its current form.

Which sweepstakes poker sites are available in Ohio?

Major sweepstakes poker platforms currently accepting eligible Ohio players include Clubs Poker, Global Poker, ClubWPT Gold, and Stake.us Poker.

Their availability can change based on legislation, enforcement developments, and operator policies.

None is licensed as a real-money online poker room by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Does Ohio have legal online gambling?

Yes.

Ohio has regulated online sports betting, along with other authorized forms of gambling.

However, conventional online casino gaming and real-money online poker have not yet been legalized.

Does Ohio have live poker?

Yes.

Ohio has regulated casino poker rooms, including Hollywood Casino Columbus, Hollywood Casino Toledo, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, and JACK Cleveland Casino.

Games and tournament schedules vary by property.

Is Ohio part of MSIGA?

No.

Ohio is not currently a member of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement and does not have a regulated online poker market.

If Ohio eventually legalizes poker, lawmakers and regulators could consider whether to authorize interstate shared liquidity.

When could online poker launch in Ohio?

There is no confirmed timeline.

Ohio lawmakers are considering internet gambling legislation, but no proposal has yet become law.

Even after legalization, the state would need to complete rulemaking, licensing, technical approvals, and other regulatory steps before online poker could launch.

Are offshore poker sites legal in Ohio?

Offshore poker sites are not licensed or regulated by Ohio.

Pokerfuse does not recommend offshore poker sites because players do not receive the consumer protections provided by a state-regulated US online poker market.