Internet Poker in Ohio and it’s Laws
Ohio seems to be stepping up and becoming a good place for regulated gambling. As their gambling expands, they have taken measures against illegal gambling. Placing at the top of the list, let us see how they define what a Bet is.§ 2915.01
(B) “Bet” 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.
This is a very broad definition, as many other states’ laws too, which encompasses many different aspects of gambling; hence, it essentially makes any form of gambling illegal, unless they explicitly say that it is legal. They do go further and define what a game of chance is.
§ 2915.01
(D) “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.
With this more specific definition, they actually state which games are considered games of chance, which in an unregulated scenario would be considered completely illegal.
Gambling Allowed in Ohio
There are many gambling options that are available in the State of Ohio. They have a flourishing commercial casino business, racetracks where pari-mutuel gambling is allowed, and a state-run lottery. Social gambling is approached differently, since in order for a game of chance to become a gambling violation, it would need to be conducted for profit. This is where playing poker in private homes is considered legal, as well as by following the simple rule of, no one profits from the operation of the game, even the dealers are not allowed to get a tip.
Online Poker Law
Ohio does not have any laws explicitly stating that playing poker online is illegal; however, just because something is not determined as illegal, does not make it legal. Based on their gambling definitions, it could be argued that Ohio would deem online gambling as illegal if it is run by someone in the State, or a resident participates in the game. Their social gambling law would not protect them, since the online poker site more than likely takes a rake.
Land Based Casinos and Tribal Stances
Ohio has been successfully expanding their commercial gambling, so much so that it has become very popular. The only gambling related thing that is not present in Ohio would be the tribal gambling. Impressively enough, their brick and mortar commercial casinos that are regulated, offer casino-style games that would rival the casinos in Las Vegas.
State Regulated Online Poker
With Ohio’s successful gambling expansion, one can assume that there are more people that want regulated gambling, than not. This could actually accelerate things in the State, allowing them to become an online poker regulator. They have even had some great contacts between prominent casino owners in regards to running online poker sites. The only thing holding Ohio back is the lack of a bill giving them the right to regulate online gambling, for now.
Online Lotteries
Ohio started their state-run lottery in 1973, where it has progressed as far as becoming a member of the MUSL and increasing their lottery lineup. There does not seem to be anything on the books about selling lottery tickets online, but they have had some past games that have been sold online. They are also in a battle over the operation of online sweepstakes cafés.
Online Poker Sites
With nothing on the books regarding online gambling, and the push towards being an online poker site regulator, Ohio seems that it does not mind if their residents play poker online. There are some clauses in their laws that could be used to deem online poker as illegal, but there has not been any real evidence that Ohio is enforcing any kind of punishment on these individual poker players. That said, for those that want to try out some great online poker sites for real money that allow Ohio residents to participate can go and play at Lock Poker, BetOnline, or Carbon Poker, recommended sites by us.
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