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State of Play
- Ohio casinos experienced a revenue decline in September, with a 5% year-over-year drop to $78 million.
- This decline, following a strong summer, highlights market challenges as lawmakers debate the legalization of online casinos in Ohio.
In September, Ohio’s four casinos generated a combined revenue of approximately $78 million, representing a 4.6% decrease from the $82 million recorded the previous year.
Slot revenues held steady at $58 million, down just 1%, while table game revenue declined 14% to $19 million.
Hollywood Toledo was the standout performer, increasing its revenue by 3% to $19 million, the only casino to report earnings growth in the month. The other casinos faced declines:
- Hollywood Columbus down 2%
- Jack Cleveland Casino down 5%
- Hard Rock Cincinnati is down 14%
Online sports betting reached $967 million in September handle but faced lower earnings per bet due to increased competition and market saturation.
Ohio lawmakers expected to debate online casinos in 2026
These figures underscore a shifting landscape. The overall revenue drop may reflect growing competition both within casinos and from emerging online platforms, which lawmakers are actively considering legalizing in Ohio. The decline in table game revenue suggests a shift in player preferences or economic pressures.
Operators must now navigate a more crowded and competitive market, while bettors may see evolving betting options if real-money online casinos are approved in Ohio.
Meanwhile, sports betting maintains substantial interest, although its profitability per bet has slightly diminished, signaling an industry adapting to new market dynamics.
As the sweepstakes casino industry faces strong headwinds in 2026, legalizing online casinos is a viable way to clarify the regulatory landscape for both players and regulators. In the process, it provides protection to those who want to play online casino games on their devices in a regulated market, while generating additional revenue for the state.
Given the current economic tumult states are facing and will face in 2026, having online casinos to add to the state coffers might seem intriguing to lawmakers. Ohio legislators don’t need to look far to see what legal online casinos do for a state, as neighboring Michigan and Pennsylvania have real-money online casinos available.
Based on the revenue generated by online sports betting in Ohio, online casinos are expected to bring in even more.
Based on reporting by Dave Grendzynski for Action Network.
