Casino revenues in Ohio rose slightly in June compared to the same time last year, with a modest 0.5% increase. But the bigger buzz? A heated legislative push for legal online gambling — a move that could completely reshape the state’s gaming landscape.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission’s latest numbers are in. While brick-and-mortar casinos saw a marginal year-over-year rise, there’s a more dramatic dip when comparing this June to May’s revenue. And behind the scenes, lawmakers are rolling the dice on something far more disruptive: legalising online casino gaming, despite resistance from the governor’s office.
A Mild Uptick That Masks a Bigger Slowdown
Let’s start with the numbers. June 2025 saw Ohio’s four casinos pull in a total of $82 million, nudging past the $81.6 million collected in June 2024. That’s a 0.5% rise, which isn’t nothing — but also not particularly flashy.
But rewind just one month and the contrast is sharp. Compared to May 2025’s $91.7 million, June’s revenue dropped by 10.5%.
Hollywood Columbus Leads, But It’s Jack Cleveland That Shines
Among the state’s four casino giants, Hollywood Columbus kept its top spot for total revenue, banking $23.6 million in June. That’s a 0.7% year-over-year bump — solid, if not spectacular.
But it’s Jack Cleveland Casino that’s quietly making the loudest noise. Revenue there climbed to $20.3 million, a 3.1% increase over last June — the biggest percentage jump of all four operators.
In contrast, Hard Rock Cincinnati didn’t share in the gains. Its revenue fell 3.8%, dropping from $20.2 million to $19.5 million. That’s not insignificant.
Just to make it clear:
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Hollywood Columbus: $23.6M (+0.7%)
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Jack Cleveland: $20.3M (+3.1%)
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Hollywood Toledo: $18.7M (+2.8%)
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Hard Rock Cincinnati: $19.5M (−3.8%)
The Lawmakers Want Online Gambling. The Governor? Not So Much
Here’s where it gets spicy.
While the bricks-and-mortar scene holds relatively steady, some Ohio lawmakers are pressing ahead with proposals to legalise online casinos — or “igaming,” as it’s being called.
Supporters argue it’s a natural evolution. After all, sports betting was legalised in Ohio not long ago, and the appetite for remote gambling is clearly growing.
The challenge? Governor Mike DeWine. He’s not a fan of expanding gambling laws and has voiced concerns over the social and regulatory consequences of legalising online slots, poker, and roulette.
Still, legislative momentum is building. And in other states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, legal igaming has already started to make waves — and revenue.
This debate isn’t going away any time soon.
How Ohio’s Casinos Stack Up — A Quick Table Snapshot
Let’s break the data down simply for June 2025 vs June 2024:
| Casino | June 2024 Revenue | June 2025 Revenue | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Columbus | $23.4M | $23.6M | +0.7% |
| Jack Cleveland | $19.7M | $20.3M | +3.1% |
| Hollywood Toledo | $18.2M | $18.7M | +2.8% |
| Hard Rock Cincinnati | $20.2M | $19.5M | −3.8% |
One glance at that table, and it’s easy to see who’s up and who’s sliding.
What’s Driving the Fluctuations?
No one thing explains why June lagged behind May. But experts point to a few possible factors.
Weather can play a role. Travel patterns shift. Promotions come and go. School holidays and summer activities often distract from casino traffic.
Also, May’s higher figures might’ve been buoyed by specific marketing pushes or events that didn’t repeat in June.
It’s also worth noting that the small YoY growth isn’t alarming — but it might be a hint that traditional casinos are nearing a revenue ceiling without new strategies.
Is Ohio Falling Behind Its Neighbours?
States like Michigan and Pennsylvania are already counting substantial gains from online casino platforms. In May 2025, Michigan’s online casino revenue surpassed $180 million, more than double Ohio’s entire physical casino haul in June.
That kind of number catches attention. Especially from lawmakers eyeing new tax revenue streams.
Whether Ohio joins them depends not just on votes — but on the willingness to challenge entrenched positions, including those held by the governor.
