Ohio Gambling Rebounds: Casinos & Racinos Rake in $181.2M in Revenue for January 2025
A Good Start to 2025 but Challenges Remain to Get Back to Pre-Pandemic Highs
Promising Start to 2025
Ohio’s casinos and racinos are finally shaking off the financial cobwebs of 2024. Last week, the Ohio Casino Control Commission reported a total revenue of $181.2 million for the state’s 11 casinos and racinos during January 2025. The number is still short of some pre-pandemic highs but it is up 2.9% from last year’s $176.1 million revenue figure.
January has always been a tough month for casinos due to holiday spending fatigue and bad weather. But with the pandemic slump behind, these numbers could be a sign of stability going forward.
While land-based betting casinos are common in Ohio, this is one of the many jurisdictions in the United States where gambling is present yet there are no gambling regulations in place for the expansion of online casinos.
I live in SW Ohio. I have two full casinos plus three racinos within a 90 minute drive. I can bet on sports on my phone. What am I coming to Vegas for now? To pay $500 a ticket to see a show? To pay $200 for a steak?
— Matthew Hampton (@mwhampton03) February 9, 2025
Breaking Down the Numbers
Out of the $181.2 million total, the four full-service casinos raked in $77.9 million. Meanwhile, the seven racinos took home the remaining $103.3 million. This type of establishment continues to be a steady earner in the state, with VLTs and horse racing being offered.
These numbers are also way better than last year’s, when the properties were down 10.5% from January 2023. A year ago they reported $176.1 million, down from $196.8 million a year earlier.
While they might not be back to those figures yet, at least the trend is up during a slow month.
Also, all four casinos showed growth after a combined revenue of $75.2 million in January 2024.
- JACK Cleveland Casino: $22.2 million
- Hollywood Columbus: $19.6 million
- Hollywood Toledo: $18.4 million
- Hard Rock Cincinnati: $17.7 million.
The Casino-Racino Dynamic
The casino-racino dynamic has been the backbone of Ohio’s gambling industry. Casinos offer full-service which means table games, slots, and poker.
On the other hand, racinos offer VLTs and horse racing. Since they opened, they have drawn big crowds due to their locations and a hybrid model that seems to appeal to a broader demographic.
Soaking up the sunshine and celebrating some amazing wins! ☀️💰
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER pic.twitter.com/4YQB9wYRZZ
— JACK Cleveland (@JACKCleCasino) March 16, 2025
Regional Context & Future Outlook
Despite the upswing, Ohio’s gaming revenue is still small compared to some other jurisdictions.
For example, Pennsylvania recently made casino news after raking in $529 million in gaming revenue for January 2025, almost three times Ohio’s total.
Meanwhile, the three cash casinos in Virginia experienced a 36% year-over-year revenue increase in January 2025, up to $72.3 million from the $52.8 million mark achieved in January 2024.
Back in Ohio, seasonal factors could be at play. Inclement weather historically slows down the urge of people to play blackjack for money. As the weather warms up and travel gets easier, operators are hopeful that foot traffic at Ohio’s casinos and racinos will increase.
Looking ahead, some industry insiders also think 2025 could be the year Ohio finally explores the subject of online gambling regulations. However, nothing is official as no proposal has been filed yet.
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