Ohio online poker players have a fantastic selection of options when choosing which site to play on. The biggest and best offshore poker sites in the world are available to gamblers.
With this in mind, we’ve ranked all of the best Ohio online poker sites, so you can choose one that’s right for you. We’ll also look at laws surrounding playing online poker for real money in Ohio, as well as bonuses, game types, and more. So, if you’re looking for a new Ohio online poker site, we’ve got you covered.
Top Online Poker Sites for Real Money in Ohio in November 2024
- All
Ignition Casino |
$3,000 Poker and Casino Bonus |
$3,000 Poker and Casino Bonus
|
Ignition Casino
|
Play Now
NO CODE REQUIRED
|
Get up to $3,000 when you make your first deposit with Crypto, or up to $2,000 when you deposit with a credit card. Full T&Cs apply. |
America’s Card Room |
New Player Bonus 100% Up To $2,000 |
New Player Bonus 100% Up To $2,000
|
America’s Card Room
|
Play Now
NO CODE REQUIRED
|
|
Black Chip |
100% Up To $2,000 |
100% Up To $2,000
|
Black Chip
|
Play Now
NO CODE REQUIRED
|
|
BetOnline |
100% Deposit Match Up To $3,000 |
100% Deposit Match Up To $3,000
|
BetOnline
|
Play Now
Copied
FREE250
Copy
|
New players receive 50% of their initial deposit matched in free bet credit, no restrictions applied. Full T&Cs apply. |
List of the Best Poker Sites in Ohio
Here are the five best offshore poker sites available to Ohio players. We’ve ranked them based on safety and security, the bonuses available, customer support options, and much more.
- BetOnline – The top Ohio online poker site
- Bovada – The best poker site for cash games
- Lucky Block – The best crypto casino available in OH
- Everygame – Huge rakeback offered
- SportsBetting.ag – Best for playing poker with cryptocurrency
- Ignition – $3,000 welcome bonus for all new customers
The Latest Ohio Poker News
With no online poker laws in Ohio, it has become a gambling and poker hotspot. To keep you informed of any future changes to laws and general poker news, we have compiled the most recent Ohio online poker news below:
- July 2024 – Three Republican state lawmakers have proposed the legalization of online casinos, putting Ohio online poker on the cards. There are currently only eight states with legal online poker, Ohio would be the ninth if legislation expected in 2025 passes through the state legislature and is signed by the governor.
- Dec 29, 2022 – As online sports betting becomes legal in Ohio, poker players over 21 who enjoy betting on sports can now do so at casinos from 1 January 2023.
- May 9, 2022 – John Dennehey wins the 2022 MSPT Ohio State Championship, scooping a prize worth over $150,000.
- May 2, 2022 – MSPT Ohio State Championship begins, with the main event costing $1,100 to enter and having a prize pool of $500,000.
- January 16, 2020 – The 2020 Cleveland Poker Open $1,100 Main Event starts at JACK Cleveland.
- August 1, 2019 – The Mid-States Poker Tour comes to JACK Casino Cleveland for a four-day poker event.
- April 25, 2019 – The main event of The Heartland Poker Tour takes place at the Hollywood Casino Columbus and is filmed for television – a first in Ohio.
Reviews of the Best Ohio Poker Sites
You’ve seen our quick list of the best sites offering online poker for real money in Ohio. Now, let’s take a deeper look at the five names we’ve recommended.
1. BetOnline – The Top Ohio Online Poker Site
- Website: www.betonline.ag
- Payout time: 0-5 days
- Established: 2001
- License: Panama
- Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
Our Verdict: 4.8/5
BetOnline is one of the largest offshore poker sites available in the US and is our number one place to play online poker in Ohio. It is based in Panama, plus holds a license from the Central American nation. Operating since 2001, it has proven itself to be a highly trustworthy gambling site. It runs on the Chico Poker Network, which is the third largest in the US.
The range of games available at BetOnline is superb. You’ll find cash games of all levels running throughout the day, along with tournaments of all shapes and sizes, including regular sit and go tournaments. There are also various types of poker available, plus you can play in your browser or by downloading the platform to your device.
BetOnline offers several bonuses and promotions, including a large welcome bonus worth up to $1,000, plus it allows you to deposit in many ways, ensuring everyone finds a depositing method suitable for them. There are plenty of weak players in the lower stakes games, along with some highly skilled players in the games with higher buy-ins.
Poker Game Variety at BetOnline: 4.8/5
You can play Texas hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha H/L at BetOnline, which are all offered as cash games and tournaments. The cash games have blinds starting at $0.05/$0.05, while some tournaments can be entered for free, although freerolls aren’t too plentiful. Several satellites are run every day, plus sit and go tournaments run throughout the day and night.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
You’ll be able to deposit at BetOnline using 18 different cryptocurrencies, along with a few other methods, including credit/debit card. Crypto deposits are free, but other depositing options have fees attached – the fee for using a credit card is a giant 9.75%. Most deposits will reach your account within 10 minutes, while withdrawals can take anything from 0-5 days.
Customer Support: 4.8/5
The customer support at BetOnline is very good. It’s possible to speak with someone quickly using the live chat option, plus you can also call them on 1-888-426-3661. You can also send them an email via [email protected]. You’ll find that the Help Center has a huge amount of information, so check there before contacting customer support.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.6/5
The welcome bonus at BetOnline is worth up to $1,000, which is impressive, while the terms and conditions are fair. Players will also find several other promotions running at the site. New promotions are added regularly and can include freerolls with large prize pools. There’s no loyalty scheme, which many will find disappointing.
BetOnline Online Poker Bonuses & Promos:
| Bonus Name | 100% Poker Welcome Bonus |
| Bonus Amount | 100% up to $1,000 |
| Promo Code | NEWBOL |
| Rollover | None – $5 released for every $50 wagered |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Bitcoin Accepted? | ✅ |
Pros:
- Several varieties of poker available
- Freerolls occasionally offered
- Welcome bonus worth up to $1,000
- Deposit with a huge range of cryptocurrencies
- Superb customer support
Cons:
- No loyalty scheme to reward players
- 9.75% fee for all credit/debit card deposits
2. Bovada – The Best Poker Site for Cash Games
- Website: www.bovada.lv
- Payout time: 24 hours
- Established: 2011
- License: Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
Our Verdict: 4.7/5
Next up comes Bovada, which is perhaps the best known of all the Ohio online poker sites on this list. It’s been around since back in 2011, and since launching has built up a strong following. You can be sure you’ll be treated fairly, as the site has a license from Curaçao. As with several other online gambling sites, Bovada is based in Costa Rica. It uses the Pai Wang Luo Poker Network.
Bovada offers a full range of poker games, but its cash games are its strongest point. You’ll always find people ready to play at a variety of stakes, while the Quick Seat feature means you can start playing in seconds. The overall standard of players at lower-stakes tables can be poor, making for rich pickings. Cash games at Bovada have fair rakes and come in a few variations.
You’ll also find that Bovada has an impressive range of tournaments, including turbo and knockout tournaments, plus the welcome bonus is a decent one. Anonymous tables are available, to ensure nobody uses past performances against you. Mobile players will be able to enjoy the full range of cash games and tournaments via their browsers. There’s no mobile poker app available.
Poker Game Variety at Bovada: 4.8/5
There are three poker variations found at Bovada: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo. These are available at both cash games and tournaments, although Texas Hold’em dominates the selection of options. There are various tournament types, including turbo tournaments, while you can use Zone Poker to get through more hands when playing cash games.
Payment Options: 4.7/5
Bovada offers a decent range of depositing options. Credit and debit card payments are available, as are several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Litecoin. Withdrawals can be made using a range of cryptocurrencies, as well as bank wire and a couple of other methods. Deposits using credit cards often have high fees, plus there are fees for withdrawing using several methods, but not crypto.
Customer Support: 4.6/5
Before contacting Bovada, look through their Help Center, which answers a huge range of questions. If you can’t find the answer you need, you can contact Bovada using live chat or email. It’s not easy to find the live chat or email form – you need to go to the Help Center, look at a page, then click the “No” option when asked if you found what you were looking for.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.6/5
Bovada isn’t known for offering loads of promotions, but you will find a decent poker welcome bonus, doubling your first deposit. There are no other poker bonuses, but there is a fantastic loyalty scheme, rewarding you for your continued play at the site. Points earned can be redeemed for cash, plus progressing through the loyalty levels also allows you to unlock new payment options.
Bovada Online Poker Bonuses & Promos:
| Bonus Name | 100% Poker Welcome Bonus |
| Bonus Amount | 100% up to $500 |
| Promo Code | PWB500 |
| Rollover | None – $5 released for every 150 Reward Points earned |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 |
| Bitcoin Accepted? | ✅ |
Pros:
- Great selection of cash games
- Plenty of fish at lower stakes tables
- Welcome bonus worth up to $500
- Highly rewarding loyalty scheme
- Various tournament types offered
Cons:
- Not enough bonuses available
- Fees charged for some deposits and withdrawals
3. Lucky Block – The best crypto casino available in OH
Casino facts:
- Website: https://www.luckyblock.com
- Payout time: Same day
- Established: 2022
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Curaçao
Our Verdict: 4.3/5
Lucky Block is a crypto casino, that operates from offshore, accessible to Ohio customers. Poker players can enjoy video poker through a mix of traditional emulators and interesting variations. The live casino also has poker lobbies and Caribbean Stud Poker you can play with a live dealer.
You can get one of the best sportsbooks in Ohio at Lucky Block with over 35 sports available ranging from popular sports like soccer to less popular ones like cycling, each containing endless markets with lots of prop choices. You can get access to over 6,000 casino games and this extensive sportsbook by signing up with just your username, email address, and a password required. The casino is also available in a mobile app which you can easily switch to from desktop.
Casino Game Variety at Lucky Block: 5/5
The games library at Lucky Block has over 6,000 casino games including poker, slot games, and classic traditional casino games. The range of online slot machines offer a variety of themes including Ancient Egyptian themes, Irish themes, and even horror themes all with their own combination of bonus features available too. Play classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat are available in emulators and in the live casino. Check out the numerous variations too such as Blackjack Gold and Namaste Roulette. The gameshow games are also not to be missed with great choices like Wheel of Fortune and Monopoly Big Baller available.
Payment Options: 4/5
The cryptocurrencies accepted at Lucky Block are Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Tether, Tron, Ripple, and Cardano.
Customer Support: 4.3/5
There aren’t any FAQs or help guides but you can speak to them via a live chat box that operates 24 hours a day and availble on mobile or desktop. They are also contactable by email but responses may take longer.
Bonuses & Promos: 4/5
The welcome offer gives new players bonus funds and bonus spins restricted to one game but once you’re a member you get access to weekly reload and game specific bonuses.
| Bonus Name | Casino Sign-Up Offer |
| Bonus Amount | 200% up to $10,000 + 50 spins |
| Promo Code | N/A |
| Rollover | 10% of bonus funds made available after each 6x wagering of original deposit |
| Minimum Deposit | $20 |
| Bitcoin Accepted? | ✅ |
- Join anonymously
- Get quicker withdrawals
- Access to 6,000+ casino games
- Secure crypto transactions
- Poor layout of games
- No VIP/Loyalty service
4. Everygame – Huge Rakeback Offered
- Website: www.everygame.eu
- Payout time: 2-5 days
- Established: 1996 (as Intertops)
- License: Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
- Headquarters: Antigua and Barbuda
Our Verdict: 4.6/5
Everygame is the new name for Intertops, one of the oldest online gambling websites, with the rebrand occurring in December 2021. It’s an exceptionally well-trusted name with a license in Curaçao and is based in Antigua and Barbuda. Everygame is a part of the Horizon Poker Network, which isn’t a particularly busy network, therefore player numbers can be limited.
There are several great reasons to make Everygame your next Ohio online poker site, but the biggest is the huge rakeback they offer. You’ll receive a giant 36% rakeback at Everygame, paid into your poker account in $10 increments. This rakeback is earned on both cash games and tournaments, excluding MTTs. To receive rakeback, you must contact the site – it’s not given automatically.
Another reason to choose Everygame is the fantastic welcome bonus, which triples your first deposit, plus there’s a nice loyalty scheme. The poker interface is exceptionally intuitive and easy on the eye, and there are plenty of game types to choose from – although the small player pool means you might have to wait to find a game.
Poker Game Variety at Everygame: 4.6/5
Everygame offers two types of poker: Texas Hold’em and Omaha. When it comes to cash games, you’ll be able to find blinds starting at $0.02/$0.04, while bigger spenders will find blinds that are considerably higher. Several tournaments are offered throughout the day, and you’ll occasionally find freerolls, such as the monthly freeroll for everyone depositing $25 or over.
Payment Options: 4.5/5
As with most sites, you can deposit using credit/debit card. Three cryptocurrencies are offered – Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash – along with a few other methods. For withdrawals, most choose bank wire transfer or crypto. Deposits are fast and there are no fees, while withdrawals take 2 to 5 days. Crypto withdrawals are free, but other methods have fees, such as $50 for bank wire transfers.
Customer Support: 4.6/5
Live chat is available 24/7 and is the preferred contact option for most players at Ohio online poker sites. It’s also possible to schedule a call or to email them via [email protected]. For payment queries, instead email [email protected]. There is an FAQ section, but it’s not the most comprehensive.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.8/5
There’s a 200% deposit match bonus that can be worth up to $1,000, plus you’ll also receive 20 free spins in the casino. There’s also a no deposit bonus. The loyalty scheme is a decent one – earn Frequent Player Points as you play and advance up the tiers while claiming prizes. And then there’s the amazing 36% rakeback, paid daily in $10 increments.
| Bonus Name | Welcome Bonus |
| Bonus Amount | 200% up to $1,000 + 25 spins |
| Promo Code | INSIDERS |
| Rollover | None – $5 released for every 83.335 Frequent Player Points collected |
| Minimum Deposit | $25 |
| Bitcoin Accepted? | ✅ |
- 36% rakeback given weekly
- Impressive 200% welcome bonus worth up to $1,000
- Exceptionally well-regarded online gambling site
- Intuitive gameplay
- Great customer support
- Small player pool
- Small FAQ section
5. SportsBetting.ag – Best for Playing Poker with Cryptocurrency
- Website: www.sportsbetting.ag
- Payout time: 24-48 hours
- Established: 1999
- License: Panama
- Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
Our Verdict: 4.6/5
SportsBetting.ag, as its name suggests, is best-known for being a sportsbook, but it also offers a fantastic poker platform. The company has been around since 1999 and is both licensed and headquartered in Panama. It is on the Chico Poker Network – the same network used by BetOnline, our number one site for online poker in Ohio.
Because SportsBetting.ag uses the Chico Poker Network, you’ll find a wide variety of games to play, with plenty of players waiting to take you on. There are plenty of poor players using the platform, and there are several game types offered. The mobile poker platform is an impressive one, accessed directly via your mobile browser.
Poker Game Variety at SportsBetting.ag: 4.7/5
The variety of games available at SportsBetting.ag is impressive, thanks to the popular network it uses. Most people choose to play Texas Hold’em, but Omaha and Omaha H/L are also available. Cash games are readily available at a range of levels, plus tournaments start almost constantly. Freerolls are available, plus you’ll find some impressively large MTTs.
Payment Options: 4.8/5
SportsBetting.ag’s range of accepted cryptocurrencies is its biggest selling point. 18 are available and all offer fast transactions with no fees. Credit/debit cards are also accepted, along with a few less popular payment methods. Payouts can also be received using many cryptos, with the minimum payout for most being just $20. Using crypto is free, but other options can have fees attached.
Customer Support: 4.6/5
The customer support offered at SportsBetting.ag is great. The easiest way to get in touch is via the live chat option, plus you can also call them on 1-888-843-9027. Poker players can also email them via [email protected]. There’s plenty of information in the help section, so check there before making contact.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.3/5
You’ll find a welcome bonus available to everyone at SportsBetting.ag, plus other bonuses are offered throughout the year. But that’s it – there are no reload bonuses, nor are there bonuses specially for crypto users. You also won’t find a loyalty scheme, meaning you won’t be rewarded for your time at the site.
| Bonus Name | 100% First Time Deposit Poker Bonus |
| Bonus Amount | 100% up to $1,000 |
| Promo Code | INSIDERS |
| Rollover | None – $5 released for every $50 in rake earned |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Bitcoin Accepted? | ✅ |
- Deposit using 18 cryptocurrencies
- Welcome bonus worth up to $1,000
- Large pool of players
- Impressive range of tournaments and cash games
- Great customer support
- No loyalty scheme
- More bonuses and promotions needed
6. Ignition – $3,000 Welcome Bonus for All New Customers
- Website: www.ignitioncasino.eu
- Payout time: 24-48 hours
- Established: 2016
- License: Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
Our Verdict: 4.6/5The final name to mention on our list of the top poker sites in Ohio is Ignition, another big name in the online poker world. They’ve only been around since 2016, after purchasing Bovada’s platform when Bovada took an ultimately short step away from poker, but have already built a strong player base. They’re licensed in Curaçao, headquartered in Costa Rica, and use the Pai Wang Luo Network.
Of the many reasons to choose Ignition, the biggest is their huge welcome bonus. All new players can claim a bonus worth $3,000 when depositing with crypto – this is split into $1,500 for poker and $1,500 for the casino. Non-crypto users can claim a $2,000 welcome bonus, also split equally between poker and the casino.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many other bonuses, but you will find several freerolls available throughout the week, including the impressive $2,500 Weekly Poker Freeroll, which takes place every Thursday. Other reasons to choose Ignition include the large range of available games and the reasonably busy tables.
Poker Game Variety at Ignition: 4.8/5
As with most poker sites, Texas Hold’em dominates the tables at Ignition. You’ll also be able to play Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo at Ignition. There are plenty of cash games, but the tournaments are where the real fun lies, with a range of exciting MTTs, including both knockout and turbo tournaments, as well as freerolls.
Payment Options: 4.3/5
Unfortunately, there’s not a huge range of depositing options at Ignition – you’ll be able to use a few cryptos, as well as credit/debit card. Crypto is free to deposit with, but credit card deposits have a huge 15.9% fee attached. Withdrawals can be made using crypto, as well as some minor methods, but bank transfer isn’t an option.
Customer Support: 4.6/5
Before contacting customer support, check the Help section, which contains a huge amount of information. If you don’t find the answer you need, you can use live chat to make contact. Alternatively, you can email via a contact form or head to the forum. To find links to contact options, open a Help article then select “No” when asked if you found what you were looking for.
Bonuses & Promos: 4.6/5
All new players can claim a welcome bonus worth up to $3,000, plus you’ll also find a few freerolls held every week, along with the Royal Flush Bonus and the Bad Beat Bonus. There’s a loyalty scheme, which is exceptionally rewarding, where you earn points and move up levels – the higher your level, the better the perks.
Ignition Online Poker Bonuses & Promos:
| Bonus Name | $3,000 Crypto Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus | $2,000 Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus |
| Bonus Amount | 150% up to $1,500 for Casino + 150% up to $1,500 for Poker | 100% up to $1,000 for Casino + 100% up to $1,000 for Poker |
| Promo Code | N/A | N/A |
| Rollover |
|
|
| Minimum Deposit | $20 | $20 |
| Bitcoin Accepted? | ✅ | ❌ |
- Two huge welcome bonuses offered
- Great loyalty scheme
- Large freeroll tournaments available
- Decent variety of game types
- Many tournaments to play
- Not many bonuses and promotions
- High fees for credit card deposits
FAQs About Poker in Ohio
Can I play real money poker online in Ohio?
Is playing poker for money illegal in Ohio?
When will online poker be legal in Ohio?
What are the best poker sites in Ohio?
How old do you have to be to play online poker in Ohio?
Comparing Poker Sites in Ohio
Looking to quickly compare the Ohio poker sites we recommend? If so, take a look through the handy table below.
| Poker Room | BetOnline | Bovada | EveryGame | SportsBetting.ag | Ignition |
| Poker Bonus | 100% up to $1,000 | 100% up to $500 | 200% up to $1,000 + 25 free spins | 100% up to $1,000 | 100% up to $1,000 for Casino + 100% up to $1,000 for Poker |
| Promo Code | INSIDERS | INSIDERS | INSIDERS | INSIDERS | INSIDERS |
| Casino Poker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Freerolls | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Qualifiers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live Poker | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Is Online Poker Legal in Ohio?
Currently, online poker is not technically legal in Ohio, and there are no concrete plans to legalize it any time soon. Despite this, you can still play poker online in Ohio by heading to one of the many offshore poker sites operating in the state, including those listed on this page. It is perfectly safe to play at these websites as their servers are located out of the US. When using these websites, your money is 100% safe and you will be eligible for the fantastic bonus offers up for grabs.
Ohio Poker Laws
As already established, online poker is not legal in Ohio, therefore there have been no laws passed regarding it. There have been few concerted attempts to introduce bills legalizing poker in Ohio in the past.
When Will Online Poker be Legal in Ohio?
Currently, there are no poker bills in the pipework, so it’s not possible to say when poker will be legalized in Ohio. Online sports betting in Ohio was legalized on Jan 1, 2023, regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, so this more liberal approach to gambling will hopefully fuel the legalization of online poker in Ohio at some point soon.
Previous Online Poker Bills in Ohio
There have never been any significant attempts to legalize online poker in Ohio, so there are no bills to mention. Fans of online gambling will be hoping that a bill legalizing poker in Ohio is launched soon, following the success of HB 29, which legalized sports betting in the state.
Tax on Online Poker Winnings in Ohio
As already stated on this page, online poker is not legal in Ohio, therefore there’s no official tax rate on winnings. If it were legalized, it’s safe to assume that winnings would be taxed at the same rate as online casino winnings, meaning you’d need to pay income tax on winnings, which can be anything from 2.765% to 3.99%. There’s also 24% federal income tax to pay.
It is important to note that you won’t have income tax withheld if you manage to win money at offshore poker sites.
Regulated Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites
In the US, there are two types of poker sites: regulated and offshore. But what are the differences between these two types of sites? We’ve listed a few of the main ones below.
- Regulated sites are licensed and regulated by a state, while offshore sites are based overseas.
- Regulated sites will often withhold tax on money you win, but offshore poker sites will pay out your entire winnings.
- Offshore sites cater to a wide range of players, while regulated sites only cater to a state, so the variety can be smaller.
- Offshore sites have loads of competition, so offer huge bonuses to attract players. Regulated sites have less competition, so offer smaller bonuses.
- Regulated poker sites can only be accessed in certain states. Offshore poker sites can be accessed almost everywhere.
- Offshore poker sites usually allow deposits using cryptocurrency, while regulated sites usually use more mainstream payment options.
Will Ohio be Ring-Fenced or Shared Player Pool?
It’s impossible to know whether legal Ohio poker would be ring-fenced or shared player pool. The majority of states with legal poker have shared player pools, meaning that players from various states play together. Ring-fenced player pools mean players from one state compete against one another, meaning that the player pool is much smaller.
How to Play Online Poker in Ohio
Wondering how to play online poker for real money in Ohio? If so, check out our quick guide below, using BetOnline as an example.
1. Head to BetOnline
Visit to BetOnline click the “Join” button. This will open the registration form.
2. Complete the Registration Form
Now spend a couple of minutes filling out the registration form, providing details like your name and email address. When finished, click the “Create Account” button. You’ve now created a BetOnline account.
3. Deposit Money
Before you can play, you’ll need to deposit. Head to the cashier and pick your preferred depositing option, before filling out all required details – remembering to include any promo code you have.
4. Select Your Table
You can now head to the poker room and browse through the various available games. Once you find one that looks good to you, launch it and click to take a seat.
5. Play Poker
You can now get down to playing poker online. If you want, you can also sit down at other tables at the same time. Once you’ve finished playing, the money on the table will be automatically transferred to your poker balance.
Types of Poker Games Available at Ohio Poker Sites
There are plenty of poker variations available online, but three are more popular than the rest: Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo. Let’s look at all three below.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the world’s dominant poker form. You’ll receive two cards, and over the course of the hand, five more cards are dealt into the center of the table, which can be used by anyone. The goal is to make the best possible five-card hand, using any combination of the seven cards available to you.
Omaha
In Omaha, you are dealt four cards, and during the hand, another five are dealt face up on the table, which all players can use. You then need to use exactly two of your cards and three cards from the board to create the best possible five-card poker hand.
Omaha Hi-Lo
Omaha Hi/Lo plays in the same way as Omaha, except that the pot is split in two, with half going to the player with the best hand, and the other half going to the player with the worst hand – unless everyone folds, in which case the last player standing gets the whole pot. It’s possible to make two hands from your cards and to win both halves of the pot.
Poker Site Bonuses Available for Ohio Players
Bonuses play a huge role at online gambling sites, including the many offshore Ohio online poker sites. There are plenty of bonus types to claim, and we’ve outlined the three main poker bonuses below:
Matched Deposit Bonuses
Most poker sites in Ohio offer a matched deposit bonus to new players. When you make a deposit, you’ll receive an added percentage in bonus funds. For example, if you deposit $100 and get a 200% bonus, you’ll receive an extra $200 to play with. This will nearly always be in bonus money and not real money, meaning wagering requirements will be attached.
No Deposit Bonuses
As the name suggests, these are given without you ever needing to make a deposit. They’re most commonly given right after a player signs up, before they’ve made their first deposit. They’re not usually very large, plus they will nearly always have high wagering requirements attached, but there can’t be any complaining, as they’re completely risk-free!
Freeroll Tickets
Freeroll tickets are free tickets to tournaments. They’re often given as a welcome bonus, and they’re also regularly given to players after they make a deposit. They often have real money prizes, and are sometimes satellite tournaments, giving players the chance to win entry to a larger tournament. Money won from freerolls can usually be withdrawn straight away.
| Poker Site | BetOnline | Bovada | EveryGame | SportsBetting.ag | Ignition |
| Poker Bonus | 100% up to $1,000 | 100% up to $500 | 200% up to $1,000 + 25 free spins | 100% up to $1,000 | 100% up to $1,000 for Casino + 100% up to $1,000 for Poker |
| Promo Code | INSIDERS | INSIDERS | INSIDERS | INSIDERS | INSIDERS |
| Rollover | None – $5 released for every $50 wagered | None – $5 released for every 150 Reward Points earned | None – $5 released for every 83.335 Frequent Player Points collected | None – $5 released for every $50 in rake earned | None for poker – $1 released for every 30 Ignition Miles earned. 25x for casino bonus. |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 | $20 | $25 | $50 | $20 |
| Bitcoin Accepted? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Expiration Date | 30 days | 30 days | 90 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Making Deposits and Withdrawals at Ohio Poker Sites
Before you can play poker, you’ll need to deposit some money. There are plenty of depositing options at the best poker sites in Ohio, including the ones we’ve outlined below.
Crypto at Poker Sites
Cryptocurrency is accepted at most offshore poker sites, with the most popular cryptos being Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Dogecoin. Crypto is easy to use and doesn’t have many associated fees, plus it’s exceptionally safe and secure. On the downside, the value of cryptocurrency can drop quickly – although it can rise quickly too.
Traditional Payment Methods
Traditional payment methods are credit and debit cards, like VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Most offshore sites accept them, but some card issuers don’t permit their cards to be used at online gambling sites. Credit and debit card deposits are fast and safe, but many offshore poker sites charge high fees for depositing using them.
eWallets at Poker Sites
Wallets are another popular payment method at online gambling sites, although none of the sites on our list offer any eWallet options. They act as a middleman between your bank account and a gambling site, ensuring privacy and safety, but they often have incredibly high fees attached to them, both for depositing and withdrawing.
Deposit Options Available at the Best Ohio Poker Sites
Wondering which depositing options you’ll find at our recommended Ohio online poker sites? If so, take a look at the handy table below.
| Sportsbook | Bitcoin | Bitcoin Cash | Ethereum | Dogecoin | Debit/Credit Cards | Bank Transfer | PayPal |
| BetOnline | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bovada | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Everygame | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| SportsBetting.ag | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ignition | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Withdrawal Options Available at the Best Ohio Poker Sites
If you win some money, you might want to make a withdrawal. But how can you withdraw money at our recommended poker sites?
| Sportsbook | Bitcoin | Bitcoin Cash | Ethereum | Dogecoin | Debit/Credit Cards | Bank Transfer | PayPal |
| BetOnline | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Bovada | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Everygame | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| SportsBetting.ag | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Ignition | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Playing on Ohio Poker Apps & Mobile Sites
Many people now prefer to play poker using a mobile device, and all our recommended sites allow you to play directly via your mobile browser. All you need is a decent internet connection – Wi-Fi is best – and a modern smartphone or tablet. Mobile sites have the same range of games as desktop sites, and they share the same pool of players.
Some sites also allow poker to be played via an app, but this is not the case at any of the Ohio online poker sites we recommend. Apps offer huge convenience, but many don’t like having to download anything onto their devices.
Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in Ohio
Looking for a helping hand when playing poker for real money? Check out our top five poker playing tips below.
- Use bankroll management. Never risk your entire bankroll in a session – instead, only risk around 5%. This will ensure you never lose everything in one session, plus it gives luck the chance to even out over time.
- Play conservatively. There’s no need to be overly aggressive when playing. In fact, most top players are conservative in their playing style, only becoming aggressive when they have strong hands.
- Don’t constantly bluff. The best poker players rarely bluff. Instead, they build a reputation as being a sensible player. Then, when they do decide to bluff, other players don’t expect it and are often inclined to fold.
- Don’t limp into pots. If you’re going to play a pot, play it confidently. Limping into a pot by just matching the big blind screams that you’re weak, and the better players will capitalize on this.
- Recognize when you’re on tilt. After losing a big hand, it’s easy to go on tilt and play ultra-aggressively, losing even more money. If you think you’re on tilt, get up from the table and sit out a few hands, until your mindset is stable again.
Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in Ohio
Online poker has many advantages over playing live. You’ll be able to monitor your gameplay far more effectively, plus you’ll be able to use online tools to enhance your game. You’ll also be able to claim big bonuses, which aren’t offered in land-based poker rooms, and the loyalty schemes online are often much better.
Online poker sites also offer a far larger range of games to play, plus there’s a much larger range of levels – you won’t find land-based poker rooms allowing you to play for blinds worth just a few cents. Online poker is also faster, plus the prizes are often larger. Overall, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to play online over playing live.
Live Poker in Ohio – Casinos with Poker Rooms
You’ll find several places to play poker in Ohio, including the following casinos and poker rooms.
JACK Cleveland Casino
- Address: 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
- Opening hours: 24/7
This casino in Downtown Cleveland offers poker 24/7, with regular games of both Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Tournaments occur every day of the week, although most are reasonably expensive to enter, plus cash games run throughout the day. The venue also has slots, other table games, and several restaurants.
Hollywood Casino Columbus
- Address: 200 Georgesville Road, Columbus, OH 43228
- Opening hours: 24/7
The poker room at Hollywood Casino Columbus features Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Low. It has 34 tables and tournaments run regularly throughout the week. It’s also the venue for the Ohio Poker Championship. Aside from poker, you’ll find plenty of games, plus a sportsbook and several dining options.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
- Address: 1000 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
- Opening hours: 24/7
This casino offers a fantastic poker room, where you’ll be able to play various poker variations. Cash games with a variety of blinds are almost always running, with the lowest blinds being just $1/$2. There are daily tournaments with prize pools sometimes worth $50,000. There are also dining options, as well as a bar.
Hollywood Casino Toledo
- Address: 1968 Miami Street, Toledo, OH 43605
- Opening hours: 24/7
The poker room at this casino has 20 tables and offers a range of games, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Low, 7-Card Stud, and mixed games. As you’d expect, cash games are almost always taking place, plus there are regular tournaments. The casino also offers over 2,000 slots, as well as many table games, plus restaurants and a sportsbook.
Shark Tank Poker Club
- Address: 1510 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220
- Opening hours: Sun – Fri: 12pm – 2am; Sat 11am – 2am
This is a private poker club, but membership is open to the public. The poker club hosts a variety of game types and doesn’t charge any rake. Tournaments take place regularly, including huge tournaments with prize pools worth hundreds of thousands, plus cash games are also usually available. Members will also get free snacks and soft drinks.
Famous Ohio Poker Players
Ohio has produced a few top-class poker professionals, who have scooped prizes worth millions in their careers.
- David Peters. The number one money winner among Ohioans, he’s won over $40 million at tournaments, scooping prizes worth over $1 million on 12 occasions.
- Byron Kaverman. Second on Ohio’s list of money winners is Byron Kaverman, whose biggest win was $2 million at the 2018 Big One for One Drop tournament.
- Keven Stammen. Winner of the $2,500 No Limit Hold’em event at the 2009 WSOP, he has won nearly $6.4 million in his career.
- Jacob Bazeley. While he’s never won a prize worth seven figures or higher, Bazeley is still the fourth highest earning Ohioan player, with winnings totaling over $4.5 million.
- David Reese. With total winnings of just under $4 million, David ‘Chip’ Reese is fifth on the list. His biggest win was the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event at the 2006 WSOP.
The Best Poker Site in Ohio
There are many fantastic Ohio online poker sites, but our number one choice is BetOnline. With its impressive range of games, all poker fans should find something to suit them, plus the first deposit bonus is a great way to welcome new players to the site.
If you’re looking for a new place to play online poker in Ohio, BetOnline is a superb choice. Why not head over there today and sign-up? There’s a $1,000 welcome bonus waiting for you when you do.