Ohio Casinos Make $88,9 Million In July, Up 8.4% Year on Year

Ohio’s casino sector recorded an 8.4% year-on-year revenue rise in July, increasing from $82 million to $88.9 million. 

The figures, published by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, show that of the Buckeye State’s four casinos, combined slot revenue hit $65.2 million, up from $60.1 million, an 8.4% increase year-on-year. Table games generated $23.7 million last month, rising from $21.8 million and representing an 8.4% rise year-on-year.

Compared to June 2025, total casino revenue was also up, increasing from $82 million, a month-on-month rise of 8.4%. 

Hard Rock Cincinnati on the Rise

All four of the state’s casinos showed revenue growth year-on-year, but the biggest improvement came from Hard Rock Cincinnati. It improved on its July 2024 figure of $19.7 million by 11.6%, which was enough to see it overtake Jack Cleveland to become the second-highest revenue generator. 

Jack Cleveland also showed a revenue rise, but of just 1.4%, significantly lower than its three rivals. 

Hollywood Toledo recorded a 9.6% rise to $20.7 million, closing the gap behind third place, but the market leader continues to be Hollywood Columbus, which generated $24.8 million in July, up 11.3% on the previous year and representing 27.9% of the market. 

Ohio Governor Opposes Online Casino Expansion

As Ohio’s casinos experience a positive July, the same can’t be said for online casinos. Last month, Governor Mike DeWine spoke out against proposed legislation that would expand gambling access in the state to online casino games.

"Basically, to put a casino in everybody’s hands 24/7 I think is probably not a great idea, and I think it will cause more pain and suffering in regard to gaming addiction. So I’m just not for it. I think we probably have enough gambling in the state already,” he said.

The proposals, currently being debated in the Ohio legislature, are also facing resistance from faith groups. Over 100 church leaders have signed a letter urging politicians in the state to reject the legislation, citing moral and social concerns.

Yet, supporters of the bills have argued that legalizing internet gambling could bring in significant tax revenue to the state. Estimates suggest that Ohioans are currently gambling between $600 million and $2.2 billion on illegal sites. The legislation being debated would set a 28% tax on iGaming and iLottery. 

A legislative report from July 2024 indicated that other states with legalized internet gambling have seen significant increases in tax revenue, along with a boost to i-person lottery sales. However, the report also warned against the risks of undermining Ohio’s existing casinos and racinos.

Governor DeWine did not explicitly say whether he would veto the bill if it were passed by the Ohio General Assembly, saying that he doesn’t like “the V word,” but his opposition has been made clear, and lawmakers currently debating the issue will have noted his comments.