Akron Online Casinos & Offline Gambling Options

Whether you’re new to Akron or a local, this guide dives into everything you need to know about online casinos and local gambling laws in Akron, Ohio. Ohio’s stance on online casinos remains conservative, though recent legislative moves hint at potential changes. For now, players often explore offshore options for real-money gaming, with reputable international sites available to Ohio residents. If you’re looking to get out on the town, Akron’s local casinos and racetracks bring live-action gambling close to home.

Ohio, including Akron, prohibits state-based online casinos, but players are free to access licensed offshore casinos legally without restriction. From sports betting to social casino options, Ohio has made strides in other forms of gambling, though online casino legalization has not yet passed. For residents of Akron, several brick-and-mortar casino options are nearby, providing a diverse array of slots, table games, and poker rooms to satisfy any gambler’s cravings.

Online Casino Laws in Akron

Ohio law currently restricts the establishment of local online casinos but allows legal sports betting, both online and in physical sportsbooks. As of 2024, offshore casino sites are popular choices among Akron players due to their broad game selections and bonuses. While the state is slowly warming to online casino discussions, the Ohio Casino Control Commission still oversees traditional brick-and-mortar locations and legal sports betting apps. Legislation is ongoing, with a possible update expected next year, but for now, offshore casinos remain the primary online option for Akron residents.

Popular Offline Casinos Near Akron

1) JACK Cleveland Casino
Location: 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
Hours: Open 24 hours
Games: Extensive slot machines, poker rooms, table games including blackjack, craps, and roulette
Just an hour from Akron, JACK Cleveland Casino offers a dynamic, urban gaming experience with a variety of entertainment and dining options in the heart of Cleveland.

2) MGM Northfield Park
Location: 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
Hours: Open 24 hours
Games: Over 2,200 slots, live racing, electronic table games, no live dealer tables
Located just 20 minutes from Akron, MGM Northfield is known for its thrilling racino setup with a blend of slots and live harness racing, giving visitors an engaging night out with a range of food and drink options.

3) Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course
Location: 655 North Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515
Hours: Open 24 hours
Games: Video lottery terminals (VLTs), sports betting, live harness racing
About an hour’s drive from Akron, this racino offers a mix of video lottery machines and sports betting. It’s a smaller, intimate casino with excellent amenities for race lovers and bettors alike.

What You Should Know About Akron Gambling

For Ohio residents in Akron, the legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and poker rooms and 18 for racetrack betting. Unlike some states, Ohio’s laws allow playing on international online sites, which are not blocked by state or federal law. These sites offer the same types of games found in traditional casinos but may require payment methods outside of regular U.S. banking due to regulatory barriers. Akron residents can look forward to the state’s ongoing legislative conversations that may bring additional online gaming options in the future.