Online casino gaming is popular in Ohio and, as of this writing, fully legal under the right conditions. Ohio is a gambling-friendly state; if you live in Ohio, you can pretty much take your pick of local gaming options. There are tribal gaming centers and other traditional gambling operators near enough for a short road trip. But, residents of Ohio are consistently choosing to play casino games at online casinos rather than taking a road trip to a nearby land casino. Why is that? The relaxed attitude towards online gaming has played a huge part in this as well as other factors including convenience.

More to the point, they want real-money players to play and STAY on their sites over the long term. That's why the really good sites will run a range of online poker freerolls. Look at the traffic that a typical daily freeroll gets: if 3 or 4,000 players are turning up to play that can be a sign the site is popular and well-trusted. Now that the federal government is focused on illegal sports bets, and no longer plan to use the 1961 Federal Wire Act to prosecute online casino or poker gamblers, online casino play is perfectly legal, and far more convenient at legal Ohio gambling sites than the nearest tribal gaming center.

Ever wonder more about playing online casino games for real-money in Ohio, such as the legal status of being able to play? Or even furthermore, what online casinos might be out there that players in Ohio might be capable of playing? These questions are all answered within this content, as each is addressed specifically, and answered in a way that relates directly to how an Ohio casino player should approach it.

Online Cash Poker. When you think of online poker, what comes to mind are probably online poker cash games rather than free poker. Online cash poker sites allow you to play Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and other kinds of poker games for real-money and partake in tournaments with considerable prize pools.

Are Online Casinos Legal In Ohio?

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Yes, online casinos are legal in the Buckeye State. Not one arrest has ever been made in Ohio for the crime of playing at an online casino, because in Ohio it isn't a crime at all. There are no laws on the books that make online casino play a crime in Ohio. Now that the federal government is focused on illegal sports bets, and no longer plan to use the 1961 Federal Wire Act to prosecute online casino or poker gamblers, online casino play is perfectly legal, and far more convenient at legal Ohio gambling sites than the nearest tribal gaming center.

Legality Of Online Casino Gambling In Ohio

One thing that might trip you up if you're looking to play online casino games in Ohio are the legal blockades that conservative members of the US government have put up against online gambling. It isn't outright illegal to gamble in the USA, but it can be difficult to send money back and forth from your online account thanks to regulations as part of the 2006 UIGEA.

Thanks to a lack of laws in Ohio against online gambling, you don't have much to worry about in terms of breaking the law when playing casino games on websites in the state of Ohio.

You will be presented with many online casino options that accept Ohio players. This is good in the sense that lots are out there. But how to choose the one that's best for you? Well, Lucky Red is certainly one that measures up to the high standards that we set for the casinos that are reviewed. The casino at Lucky Red will give you Ohio players a great opportunity to play casino games and feel like you are right there in the action.

Lucky Red offers players over 100 games, spanning several different categories. There will be something for every type of casino player looking at this site. Big players, small players, slots player, blackjack players, or whichever type of casino game might be your cup of tea, it will be here. Come see why Lucky Red is one of the best choices in our opinion for Ohio casino players.

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Real Money Poker Sites Ohio River

All Star Slots is above the rest of the casinos that accept Ohio residents simply because it has equal bonuses for both slots and table games which is something you won't get at the new casino that just recently opened in Cleveland... plus you don't have to drive to Cleveland.

And, while those land-based casinos might have occaisional offers and a player's club, All Star Slots can beat that with the welcome bonuses and on going promotions. As an example, their 100% match of the first deposit to $787 gives players a lot of bonus money (with a low rollover requirement) that can be used for their slots or the table games found in this casino.

What All Star Slots can't give you is a ticket to a free buffett which is something you are probably much better off not having... casino buffetts have never been known for having very delicious food.

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Will I Go To Jail For Playing Online Casino Games in Ohio?

Playing at an online casino is not something that will land you in jail. What federal law targets is the operation of an online casino in the U.S. So long as you are not participating in launching such a site, or day-to-day operation thereof, jail time will not occur.

Having said that, online gambling is not free from restrictions especially when it comes to the legal age to gamble. Gambling age is set by Ohio law at the state level. Those in violation of gambling age laws will likely not end up in jail though, but will face other action deemed necessary.

If you live in Ohio and play poker, then hopefully you’re
near the capital of Columbus. Most of the big poker rooms are
located around this city, although you’ll find some action in
Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Toledo also.

Most of the play is in the casinos with a few private clubs
that require membership. Because of the limited rooms, those
that do exist are quite large and offer a lot of tournament play
and cash games.

Although no limit holdem is still king in Ohio, you’ll find
Omaha, limit holdem and HORSE games in most of the larger rooms.
If you’re a professional in these games you should be able to
capitalise on the weaker no limit holdem players.

The standard of play in Ohio is decent, and the poker middle
class has certainly risen to the top. This means the economy of
the game is struggling a bit, but most regulars and poker room
staff know they need to make newer players and visitors feel
welcome to keep the game thriving. So if you play poker in an
Ohio poker room make sure you do your bit in this respect.

If you love Las Vegas style poker rooms then you’ll find
similar rooms in Ohio, which is a great thing. Because we all
know Vegas does it best, so why try to do anything else.

List of Ohio Poker Rooms

Here is our compiled list of all the poker rooms you can find
in the state of Ohio:

Hollywood Casino Columbus

• Location: Columbus, Ohio
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 36
• Games: In this poker room you’ll find a daily no limit holdem
  tournament with the buy in ranging from $160 up to $550
  depending on the day of the week. For the cash players they
  spread $1 / $2, $2 / $5, $5 / $10 and $5 / $25 no limit holdem,
  $1 / $2 pot limit Omaha high, $4 / $8 and $5 / $10 limit holdem,
  $4 / $8 limit Omaha 8 or better and $5 / $10 HORSE.
• Ambience: This large poker room is quite spacious and
  features TVs on the walls to keep you entertained between hands
  and it’s completely non smoking. The room is made up of red,
  brown, and beige decor and the lighting is soft enough so that
  you can put in a long session without too many troubles.
• Hospitality: You’ll be served cocktails and food at the table
  while playing in this poker room. On top of this they run a
  series of jackpots and promotions to keep you coming back for
  more. Comps are earned at a starting rate of 50 cents per hour,
  provided you play at least 60 hours in the month. These are
  earned through the Marquee Rewards program.
• Players: Overall the play here is quite decent although
  you’ll be able to catch a lot of bluffs and get great value for
  good hands. The play is dominated by regulars but they aren’t of
  the caliber of other poker rooms which is a great thing.
  Management is OK and the dealers are great at making you feel
  welcome. It’s a fun and enjoyable place to play poker and is one
  of the best options in Columbus.

Hollywood Casino Toledo

• Location: Toledo, Ohio
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 20
• Games: If you are looking for tournaments you’ll find
  multiple offerings on most days at the Hollywood Casino Toledo
  poker room. The main game is no limit holdem and the buy in
  ranges from $25 up to $300. For cash players they spread $1 /
  $2, $2 / $5 and $5 / $10 no limit holdem, $1 / $3 pot limit
  Omaha high and $3 / $6 limit holdem.
• Ambience: The poker room in this casino is non smoking for
  comfort and features TVs around the tables so you can watch
  sport while you play. The chairs are comfortable for long
  sessions and the tables are well maintained and have automatic
  shufflers so you can play more hands per hour.
• Hospitality: You can earn comps while playing here at a rate
  of $1 per hour through the Marquee Rewards program. They also
  have a bad beat jackpot and offer players cocktails and food
  service at the table. This means you can push your session out
  even longer.
• Players: You’ll come up against solid competition in this
  poker room, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a winning
  session. If you are looking for loose action then visit on
  weekend evenings once the alcohol has kicked in.

Hollywood Casino Aurora

• Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 31
• Games: If you are look for a tournament this poker room holds
  up to two no limit holdem events per day with the buy in ranging
  from $75 up to $390. If ring games are your thing you’ll come
  across $1 / $2 and $2 / $5 no limit holdem, $1 / $2 pot limit
  Omaha high, $3 / $6 limit holdem and $6 / $12 limit Omaha 8 or
  better tables.
• Ambience: This no smoking poker room has TVs strategically
  placed around the tables and brown and gold decor which matches
  well with the clean tables and comfortable chairs. The lighting
  is just right for a casino poker room.
• Hospitality: Comps can be earned by players at a rate of $1
  per hour through the Club JACK rewards program. On top of this
  you’ll be served cocktails while at the table. If you want food
  you’ll need to up and leave to get it. This poker room also runs
  a range of promotions and a bad beat jackpot.
• Players: This casino used to be the Horseshoe and has since
  gone through some changes. You’ll still find some good action at
  the felt though with a good mix of regular players and amateurs.
  This mix makes for a lot of fun at the table and ensures that
  there are some great spots for you to attain maximum value.

Hollywood Casino Joilet

• Location: Cleveland, Ohio
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 days
• Tables: 30
• Games: No limit holdem and dealer’s choice tournaments are
  held on Monday and Wednesday with a buy in of $100. If you are
  looking for a ring game they spread $1 / $3, $2 / $5 and $5 /
  $10 no limit holdem, $1 / $2 and $2 / $5 pot limit Omaha high,
  $3 / $6 limit Omaha 8 or better and $2 / $6 limit holdem.
• Ambience: The bright green table felt in this poker room
  clashes wonderfully with the brown and beige carpet and decor.
  The room is open and spacious and has comfortable chairs and TVs
  place around the walls so you can watch sports between hands.
  It’s also no smoking for your comfort.
• Hospitality: Comps can be earned through the Club JACK
  program at a rate of $1 per hour. On top of this you can get
  food served to you at the table and also cocktails. They also
  run a range of promotions and a bad beat jackpot to push your
  rake dollars further.
• Players: This poker room has recently undergone some changes
  which aren’t too favourable for the player. This is a real shame
  as it’s driven away a lot of the market, even though there isn’t
  really another option in Cleveland. The play you’ll come across
  is decent and competitive which is also great if you are a
  recreational player and want to see where you are at.

Shark Tank Poker Club

• Location: Columbus, Ohio
• Hours: Monday and Friday from 3pm until 4am, Tuesday to
  Thursday from 5pm until 4am, Saturday to Sunday from 11am until
  4am.
• Tables: 8
• Games: If you are after a cash game this poker club spreads
  $1 / $2 no limit holdem and $20 / $40 HORSE. For the tournament
  players they run up to two no limit holdem tournaments per day
  with a buy in between $50 and $115.
• Ambience: This poker club is non smoking and has TVs on the
  wall to watch when the guy on the button tanks pre flop. Basic
  tables and chairs are clean and comfortable enough for a long
  session in a home game atmosphere.
• Hospitality: Snacks and drinks are available as part of
  membership in this club. They also run a bad beat jackpot.
• Players: You must be a member to play in this poker club.
  Membership is available for $20 per year and a daily usage fee
  which depends on what you’ll be playing. Once you have paid
  these fees you are good to go and no further rake is taking from
  any games. The players are quite solid here and it will be a
  good challenge. Everyone who is a member of this club takes
  their poker seriously so it’s more like a big group of friends
  who all play together. They are very welcoming though and ensure
  that new comers have fun and enjoy it.

The Ruggles Club

• Location: Dayton, Ohio
• Hours: Saturday to Thursday from 7pm until 3.30am, Friday
  from 2pm until 3.30pm
• Tables: 8
• Games: This room runs up to two tournaments per day in no
  limit holdem format with a buy in ranging from $50 up to $150.
  If you are looking for a cash game to exploit you’ll come across
  $1 / $2 no limit holdem tables here.
• Ambience: This room is non smoking and has TVs on the walls
  and basic chairs and tables which aren’t that comfortable.
• Hospitality: Food and refreshments are served to players at
  the table in this poker room.
• Players: This place has a very questionable reputation. There
  have been reports of cheating and dealer’s that don’t really
  understand the game, so proceed with caution if you choose to
  play here.

Conclusion

Ohio didn’t have any legal casinos or poker rooms until the
2000’s, forcing residents to travel to Indiana or West Virginia
to gamble. Now anyone in the state can be in a poker room in two
hours or less, with the majority of the population only minutes
away from Texas holdem action.