Ohio Casino Revenues Rise in April 2025 Amid Ongoing Online Gambling Debate

Ohio's four commercial casinos showed a rise in year-on-year revenue for April, according to the latest report from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. 

Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) hit $88.5 million in April 2025, compared to $83.5 million generated in April 2024, representing a 6.0% rise year-on-year. Revenue declined from March 2025, however, dropping from $94.5 million to $88.5 million. 

Slot Machines: The Steady Performer 

Slot machines continued to be the main contributor to overall revenue, generating $65.3 million in April. Although this figure was down 5.1% on the $68.9 million recorded for March, it represents a 6.2% year-on-year increase. Table games remained a relatively steady segment, adding $23.2 million to the combined total, down 2% on March 2025 but up 6.4% year-on-year. 

Casino-by-Casino Revenue Breakdown

Of the state’s commercial casinos, Hollywood Columbus once again led the way, contributing $25.2 million, for an 8.6% year-on-year increase. Hard Rock Cincinnati improved by 7.6% to $21.3 million, closing the gap on second-placed JACK Cleveland, which returned a modest 2% year-on-year rise.

Year-to-Date Performance Indicates Positive Trend

Despite the revenue drop from March 2025, Ohio's casino sector generated a combined $342.7 million through the first four months of the year, a 1.1% increase from 2024. 

Online Casino Legislation Stirs Debate, with the Governor DeWine Opposing the Move

As Ohio’s retail casino sector continues to show strong results, state lawmakers are grappling with the issue of online gambling legalization. House Bill 298, which would issue eleven online casino licenses at a cost of $50 million each, is currently being considered in the state legislature. 

The bill would also impose a 28% tax on revenue, allocating almost all of the proceeds to the Ohio General Fund and a small amount to programs to tackle problem gambling. 

The most vocal opposition comes from the top. Governor Mike DeWine has expressed his opposition to the expansion of gambling in the state, warning about the risk of increased levels of gambling addiction associated with 24/7 online accessibility. Some lawmakers have echoed these concerns, 

“Gambling has the highest rate of suicide and suicide attempts of any addiction. What we’d be saying with this bill is that it’s worth it to have thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people at increased risk of suicide, especially those under 24,” said State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn during a hearing on the bill.