Casino earnings in Ohio experienced a 0.5% increase compared to the previous year in June.
Ohio Casinos See Mixed Results as Online Gambling Legislation Stalls
A recent report by the Ohio Casino Control Commission has revealed varying revenue figures for the state's casinos in June 2025. The total revenue generated by Ohio casinos was $82 million, marking a 0.5% increase from the $81.6 million reported in June 2024. However, this is a 10.5% decrease from May's $91.7 million.
Hard Rock Cincinnati saw a 3.8% decrease in revenue year-over-year, with June 2025 earnings amounting to $19.5 million. On the other hand, Hollywood Toledo posted a 2.8% increase, generating $18.7 million in June 2025. Jack Cleveland Casino experienced the most significant percent increase year-over-year, with June 2025 earnings reaching $20.3 million.
Hollywood Columbus Casino was the top revenue generator, bringing in $23.6 million in June 2025. This represents a 3.1% rise on what was reported the year prior. The report did not mention any new revenue figures for Hollywood Columbus Casino, Jack Cleveland Casino, or any other casinos.
Despite the revenue changes, the report did not provide any insights into the reasons behind these fluctuations. Additionally, it did not offer any information about the potential impact of online casino games on the revenue of land-based casinos in Ohio.
The ongoing debate about the legalization of online casino games in Ohio continues. While legislative efforts are being made, no bill has passed as of mid-2025. Governor Mike DeWine has expressed opposition to online casino legalization, and bills seeking to regulate online casino operations either stalled or failed to be reintroduced for the 2025 session.
Two notable proposals, Stewart’s HB 298 and Sen. Nathan Manning’s SB 197, aimed to legalize online casino gaming in Ohio. HB 298 proposed granting 11 licenses tied to existing casinos with a 28% tax rate and specific consumer protections, while SB 197 proposed opening the market to outside operators but with steeper taxes. However, neither proposal has become law due to political opposition and lack of legislative progress.
As online casino gambling remains illegal in Ohio, residents are left with alternative entertainment options such as online sportsbooks or sweepstakes casinos. The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates gambling in the state, but online casino options are not yet officially authorized.
[1] Ohio Capital Journal [2] Cleveland.com [3] The Columbus Dispatch
- Despite the ongoing debate and legislative efforts, the legalization of online casino games in Ohio, including casino-and-gambling via digital platforms and casino-games of various varieties, remains stalled, as no bill has passed as of mid-2025.
- Currently, while online casino gambling is illegal in Ohio, residents can explore alternative entertainment options such as online sportsbooks or sweepstakes casinos, but officially authorized online casino-and-gambling and casino-games are not yet part of the Ohio Casino Control Commission's gamut of regulated activities.
