If you live in Ohio and you enjoy playing poker, you're among a very large group of likeminded people. Poker cash games and tournaments are a common leisure activity in this state, and there are plenty of opportunities to play the game in brick-and-mortar casinos across the state. It's so popular, in fact, that there are often wait times of several hours just to get a seat. But for as many live poker fans as there are in Ohio, there are a lot more who prefer to play online poker from the comfort of their own homes.
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There are quite a few online poker sites that continue to accept Ohio's residents, but they are all offshore operators, meaning they aren't regulated in the United States. Many offshore operators are perfectly honest, upright business entities, but what most online poker players in Ohio ultimately want is a state regulated market. Until that happens, they would also like to know whether there are any explicit online poker laws in Ohio that prohibit them from participating at offshore sites.
Legality of Online Poker in Ohio
The laws of Ohio aren't exactly outdated, but the definitions for gambling and related offenses are quite broad, meaning the legalities of online poker are essentially open to the interpretation of the reader. What the average person takes away from reading these laws could be entirely different from what a legal authority understands them to mean. We don't claim to be masters of legal jargon, but we do try to decipher the online poker laws of each state to the best of our ability. We strongly recommend contacting a licensed attorney in the state for a more definitive answer as to the legalities of online poker.
With that said, let's examine some of Ohio's gambling laws to see how they might relate to online poker. Later, we'll also take a moment to review the possibility of online poker regulation in the Buckeye State.
Ohio Revised Code – Gambling
The following text is quoted from the Ohio Revised Code, Title 29, Chapter 2915; Gambling. Note that some context has been omitted or abridged as it does not apply to online poker laws.
OCR 2915.01 Gambling Definitions
Bet Osman mustanoglu poker room. : means the hazarding of anything of value upon the result of an event, undertaking, or contingency, but does not include a bona fide business risk.
Game of Chance: means poker, craps, roulette, or other game in which a player gives anything of value in the hope of gain, the outcome of which is determined largely by chance, but does not include bingo. [Note that a Game of Chance is not the same as a Scheme of Chance, wherein no element of skill is involved.]
Gambling Device: means any of the following:
(1) A book, totalizer, or other equipment for recording bets;
(2) A ticket, token, or other device representing a chance, share, or interest in a scheme of chance or evidencing a bet;
(3) A deck of cards, dice, gaming table, roulette wheel, slot machine, or other apparatus designed for use in connection with a game of chance;
(4) Any equipment, device, apparatus, or paraphernalia specially designed for gambling purposes;
(5) Bingo supplies sold or otherwise provided, or used, in violation of this chapter.
Game of Chance Conducted for Profit: means any game of chance designed to produce income for the person who conducts or operates the game of chance, but does not include bingo.
OCR 2915.02 Gambling
The laws of Ohio aren't exactly outdated, but the definitions for gambling and related offenses are quite broad, meaning the legalities of online poker are essentially open to the interpretation of the reader. What the average person takes away from reading these laws could be entirely different from what a legal authority understands them to mean. We don't claim to be masters of legal jargon, but we do try to decipher the online poker laws of each state to the best of our ability. We strongly recommend contacting a licensed attorney in the state for a more definitive answer as to the legalities of online poker.
With that said, let's examine some of Ohio's gambling laws to see how they might relate to online poker. Later, we'll also take a moment to review the possibility of online poker regulation in the Buckeye State.
Ohio Revised Code – Gambling
The following text is quoted from the Ohio Revised Code, Title 29, Chapter 2915; Gambling. Note that some context has been omitted or abridged as it does not apply to online poker laws.
OCR 2915.01 Gambling Definitions
Bet Osman mustanoglu poker room. : means the hazarding of anything of value upon the result of an event, undertaking, or contingency, but does not include a bona fide business risk.
Game of Chance: means poker, craps, roulette, or other game in which a player gives anything of value in the hope of gain, the outcome of which is determined largely by chance, but does not include bingo. [Note that a Game of Chance is not the same as a Scheme of Chance, wherein no element of skill is involved.]
Gambling Device: means any of the following:
(1) A book, totalizer, or other equipment for recording bets;
(2) A ticket, token, or other device representing a chance, share, or interest in a scheme of chance or evidencing a bet;
(3) A deck of cards, dice, gaming table, roulette wheel, slot machine, or other apparatus designed for use in connection with a game of chance;
(4) Any equipment, device, apparatus, or paraphernalia specially designed for gambling purposes;
(5) Bingo supplies sold or otherwise provided, or used, in violation of this chapter.
Game of Chance Conducted for Profit: means any game of chance designed to produce income for the person who conducts or operates the game of chance, but does not include bingo.
OCR 2915.02 Gambling
(A) No person shall do any of the following:
(1) Engage in bookmaking…
(2) Establish, promote, or operate or knowingly engage in… any game of chance conducted for profit…
(3) Knowingly procure, transmit, exchange, or engage in conduct that facilitates [anything] in connection with… any game of chance conducted for profit…
(4) Engage in betting or in playing any scheme or game of chance as a substantial source of income or livelihood;
(7) With purpose to violate [any part] of this section, acquire, possess, control, or operate any gambling device.
(B) … For purposes of division (A)(2) of this section, a person facilitates a game of chance conducted for profit or a scheme of chance if the person in any way knowingly aids in the conduct or operation of any such game or scheme, including, without limitation, playing any such game or scheme.
(C) This section does not prohibit conduct in connection with gambling expressly permitted by law [state authorized casinos, racinos, tribal casinos, state-run lottery, charitable bingo/raflles.]
(K) Whoever violates this section is guilty of gambling, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of any gambling offense, gambling is a felony of the fifth degree.
OCR 3763.02 Money lost at games may be recovered – exceptions.
If a person, by playing a game, or by a wager, loses to another, money or other thing of value, and pays or delivers it or a part thereof, to the winner thereof, such person losing and paying or delivering, within six months after such loss and payment or delivery, may sue for and recover such money or thing of value or part thereof, from the winner thereof, with costs of suit.
What does it all mean? Is online poker illegal in Ohio?
Although there is no mention of online or internet poker, there are some key elements we must look at. First of all, poker is categorized as a game of chance, and the skill factor is negligible in regards to being legal or illegal. Secondly, games of chance conducted for profit include any poker game wherein the host (not necessarily the player) makes a profit. By default, this would include any live or online poker site (not authorized by the state) that collects a rake at cash tables or a fee (in addition to a buy-in) to enter a tournament. Now look at 2915.02 (A) (3), it is illegal to knowingly engage in any game of chance conducted for profit. Section 2915.02 (B) reiterates that law.
For this reason, it could easily be construed that online poker is illegal in Ohio. However, there is no penalty listed for this violation. The nearest thing to it is a minor misdemeanor for committing public gaming, which requires conduct of illegal gambling in a public place. Finally, note Chapter 3763.02, wherein a player who loses money by betting at an illegal gambling operation has 6 months to sue the person/operator they lost that money to for a full refund, minus court costs/attorney fees.
Is Ohio working to regulate online poker?
When the DOJ reversed its opinion of online gambling, several states took immediate notice. While the Buckeye State didn't jump on the legislative bandwagon right away, Ohio considered online gambling in January of 2012 when Interim director of the Ohio Lottery Commission, Dennis Berg said, 'We're exploring this topic.' Nothing has come of it yet, but the state has taken great strides in expanding its land-based gambling market. The fact that officials are so keen on generating additional revenue from gambling ventures could mean that online poker regulation is on the horizon in Ohio.
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.
Poker Texas Holdem Free Online
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
Texas Holdem Poker Free Games
- 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.
Online Texas Holdem
Shark Tank Poker Club
Texas Holdem Poker In Akron Ohio Today
- 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
Poker order of play. 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.
