Since casinos and racinos were just allowed a few years ago, Ohio is often seen as more conservative than other states in the United States. Roulette, Mini Baccarat, and Blackjack, among other casino games, are legal there. The Ohio Lottery sells tickets for five different interstate draws (Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Rolling Cash, and Classic Lotto) and for the scratch-off games Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky for Life.
Voters in the state authorized the use of VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals) at racetracks in 2011, leading to the development of seven racinos. VLTs are essentially the same as slot machines in how they work. Ohio casinos have brought in about $2 billion in tax income for the state since the first casino opened in 2012. The total gross revenue for Jack Thistledown Racino and Jack Cleveland Casino in 2019 was $398 million.
Many offshore sites continue to serve the state even if it is unlawful to play on them. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act makes it illegal for any firm in the country to run an online gambling site. Roulette, craps, and slot machine gaming are all forbidden on foreign gambling sites. The state law allows for bingos, raffles, and other forms of “games of chance” used for charitable purposes. However, gambling for entertainment purposes is illegal in the state.
Curiosities about the Buckeye State
Warren G. Harding, James A. Garfield, William H. Taft, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley, Ulysses S. Grant, and Benjamin Harrison are just few of the American presidents whose birthplace is Ohio.
As both Wright brothers were born in Dayton, Ohio, the state is sometimes referred to as the “birthplace of aviation” in honor of their contributions to the development of the first practical airplane. The first electric starting engine, the folding stepladder, the first gas mask, Teflon, the dishwasher, the pop soda can, and the American hotdog are all thought to have been invented in Ohio.
The likes of Paul Newman, Anita Baker, and the late actor and director Steven Spielberg were all born in Ohio.
Columbus, the state capital and largest city, was named in honor of Christopher Columbus. More than 12,000 factories call Ohio home, making it the third-largest industrial sector in the United States.
Places to Gamble in Ohio
Despite the fact that four casinos were approved by voters in 2009, Jack Cleveland was not opened until 2011. A total of 18,278 slot machines, 322 table games, and 116 poker tables can be found among the state’s casinos at the moment.
In the state of Ohio, gamblers can choose from two distinct options. There are four casinos spread across the state’s largest cities, including the Hollywood Casinos in Toledo and Columbus and the Horseshoe Casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland. Hollywood Casino Columbus, located in Franklin County, is Ohio’s largest gambling establishment. It features 80 table games and 2,500 slot machines.
The Ohio Lottery has licensed seven racinos to house and operate video lottery terminals at horse racing facilities around the state. Four of Ohio’s seven racetracks are dedicated to harness racing, while the other three are dedicated to thoroughbreds. Scioto Downs, Lebanon Raceway, Raceway Park, and Northfield Park are all available for harness racing. The tracks of Thistledown, Belterra Park, and Beulah Park all host thoroughbred horse races. Ohio does not have any Native American casinos.
Ohio residents may use the free gaming site MyVegas, but the points they earn can only be redeemed at MGM properties, and these properties are located distant from the state.