Ohio Online Poker – Is It Legal To Play Online Poker In OH?
Recent changes in the legal status of online gaming in Ohio leads many to wonder if Ohio’s online poker players can still play, or whether they will be forced to fold the hobby. Unfortunately, the law hasn’t chosen to show its whole hand on the question, and nebulous gray areas offer only offer confusion at both the state and federal levels.
This website was designed to clear up some of the misconceptions and confusion surrounding OH online poker gambling and to give players a concise resource to determine what is and is not legally available to them.
Legal Ohio Online Poker Options
So, in the current climate, it may seem that there are no concrete answers to give, but legal Ohio online poker that is part of a licensed offshore operation are solid options for Ohio players. No doubt, the case will be made, again and again, that Ohioans will spend money on gambling entertainment and the possibility of winnings with little concern for where that spending goes, whether Ohio launches their own online gambling platform or not.
That spending will benefit any and all online poker sites accepting Ohio players, wherever in the world they may be. The state will be faced, as ever, with the choice to allow that money to stay in Ohio by permitting legal online poker, to watch it flow out, or to prepare for action specifically targeting the activity for the sort of legal clarity that comes from sting operations, seizures, and raids.
In the meantime, we have provided some recommendations for a safe, reliable and reputable online poker sites that accept players from Ohio and all parts of the United States. These options have been carefully vetted by our team of professionals, and have been found to exceed licensing requirements and industry standards, providing a secure and overall enjoyable online poker gambling experience. It is each legally licensed and compliance certified, and utilize a premium software solution to power their operation.
Top 3 Legal Online Poker Sites Accepting Ohio Players In 2025
| Poker Site | Bonus | Rating /5 | USA | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Poker | 100% Max $500 | 4.8 | Yes | Play Now |
| Betonline Poker | 100% Max $1,000 | 4.6 | Yes | Play Now |
| SB Poker | 100% Max $1,000 | 4.4 | Yes | Play Now |
State and Federal Gambling Laws Affecting Ohio Online Poker Gambling
The confusion comes from incomplete legal coverage, and vast vague areas in those laws which do apply. From the Federal government, we have the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which, as Ohio’s lawmakers have pointed out, does not really spell out the legal status of online poker.
For those who are unaware, the UIGEA law does not prohibit players in O.H. or the USA from participating in online poker that is regulated and located outside of the United States. These sites must be legally licensed and certified in order to legally operate within the online gambling industry, so this must be verified prior to actually playing at any poker site.
There are not currently any Ohio state laws which expressly prohibit or criminalise online poker participation at these legally licensed offshore poker rooms. So to clear up the confusion, operating an online poker site within the state of Ohio is not legal, however participating in an online poker site located outside of the USA is not prohibited for American players.
Ohio’s Position on Online Gambling
Ohio does include poker as a gambling activity, and the state of Ohio strictly controls all gambling activities on a blanket basis. In 2013 the state opted to raid first and pass laws later, with respect to some styles of unregulated online gaming, such as Internet Café gambling options. However, with lawmakers choosing to treat Internet activities as being distinct from activities performed in a brick and mortar establishment, the current legal status of state based online poker in Ohio is generally seen as vague.
We recommend that players stick to those Ohio online poker rooms located outside of the USA until this aspect is cleared up legally and concisely in order to avoid getting involved in any type of illegal online poker gambling.
Online poker in general has not been targeted for enforcement in the same way as so-called “sweepstakes” operations have been. Older laws, still in force, specifically permit other aspects of gambling which would seem to point to a distinct possibility that legal Ohio online poker sites that are operated and regulated by the state may one day emerge.