Gambling Problem? 1-800-589-9966 Live Chat

What's Legal in Ohio?

Many different kinds of betting and gambling are legal in Ohio. But regardless of which kinds of gambling you choose to participate in, it’s important to remember that all gambling comes with risks, including the risk of a gambling disorder. Keep your betting responsible by pausing before you play to set limits, recognize the risks, and ask whether it’s time to stop.

Sports Betting

Sports betting is the most recent form of gambling to be legalized within the State of Ohio, and is available through online apps and websites, in-person sportsbooks, and lottery terminals across the state. With many people betting digitally, it is now possible to place bets faster and more frequently than ever before. But all betting comes with risks. And betting too quickly can lead to making bets without thinking about what’s at stake, which can develop into a gambling disorder.

View Toolkit
Football player reaching out with football

Fantasy Sports vs. Sports Betting: What’s the Difference?

Fantasy sports and sports betting are both legal in Ohio. But it’s important to know the difference between them. In fantasy sports, you pick your own rosters of players instead of placing a bet on a real-life team. Ohio regulates fantasy sports separately from sports betting, but both involve an element of random chance and could lead to developing a gambling disorder. So whether you participate in fantasy sports or sports betting, it’s important to set limits, recognize the risks, and know when to stop.

View Toolkit
Closeup of hands holding a smartphone

Casino and Racino Games

Many different games are offered in licensed casinos and racinos across Ohio, including card games, dice games, slots, and other forms of gambling. Betting on horse races, both in-person at tracks and remotely, is also available. All kinds of gambling come with an element of risk, and can put you at risk for a gambling disorder. So be sure to make a plan to play responsibly.

View Toolkit
Woman and man using smartphones with looks of excitement

Keep Gambling Responsible

Take a pause before playing to:

Set Limits. Recognize the Risks. Know When to Stop.

The Ohio Lottery

Lottery games have been offered in Ohio since the 1970s, with the proceeds funding education in the state. Most recently, that includes placing certain types of sports bets using lottery terminals in bars and restaurants. As with any other form of gambling, playing the lottery can put you at risk for a gambling disorder.

RESPONSIBLE LOTTERY PLAY

Ohio offers a responsible gambling campaign specifically for lottery players, called Keep It Fun Ohio.

Visit Site

Keep It Fun Ohio - Play Responsibly

Are You at Risk for a
Gambling Disorder?

It only takes two minutes to gauge your risk level for a gambling disorder?

Rate My Risk
Man using a smartphone

Call the Problem Gambling Helpline

Trained specialists are available 24/7.

Call 1-800-589-9966
Text 4HOPE to 741741
Suicide and Crisis Line: Call 988

Access Helpful Resources

Help is available in your local area. For gambling addiction services, find clinical locations near you by visiting Gambling Help Ohio. And to find other resources, Pause Before You Play provides an overview on this site.

Get Help