Online Columbus Poker Rooms in OH

Columbus is one of four cities in Ohio where you’ll find a commercial casino with a fully-stacked poker room. But according to gambling laws enacted in the Buckeye State, this is where the poker action stops. Or is it?

Officially, online poker is still unregulated statewide in Ohio, including Columbus. Off the record, players living in the area are quite familiar with online poker gameplay.

If you’ve ever wondered how these two contradictory statements can be true at the same time, check out this guide covering online poker details in Columbus.

Best Online Poker Sites in Columbus, Ohio

Ohio allows various types of gambling across the state, but online poker isn’t one of them. Therefore, Columbus isn’t a place for those looking for legal online poker action, be it at online casinos or web-based poker rooms.

However, the absence of state-approved gambling sites doesn’t mean that players from Columbus can’t take part in online poker games or tournaments at all. They have complete freedom to explore the numerous offshore online casinos and poker platforms based outside the country.

Although playing on international sites may raise certain concerns, it can be a lot of fun if you choose a safe and trusted platform. We can help you in this regard, which is why we compiled a list of the best offshore sites for poker players:

• 100% Legal & Licensed
• Verified Bonus
• Mobile Friendly
• Advertiser Disclosure
  Kindly be aware that some links on Top 10 Poker Sites are affiliate links, for which we may earn a commission. Find out more on our terms & conditions

• Must be 18+ to participate.

# 1  Poker Site

5

5.0 / 5.0

100% up to $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Regulated by

• 100% First deposit bonus
• Top 3 in US player traffic
• Great selection of games
• Banking through cryptocurrencies

Payout speed 1-3 days

Deposit options

+10

Exclusive bonus

100% up to $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Visit Site Read Review

# 2

5

5.0 / 5.0

100% upto $3000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Regulated by

• Increased Poker Crypto Bonus $1500
• Exclusively for US players
• Many Payment Options
• Rich Player Traffic

Payout speed 1-3 days

Deposit options

+4

Exclusive bonus

100% upto $3000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Visit Site Read Review

# 3

4

4.0 / 5.0

200% upto $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Regulated by

• Recreational Player Traffic
• Get a 200% Match on Your Initial Deposit
• Wide Tournament Selection
• High-Quality Games

Payout speed 1 - 5 days

Deposit options

+9

Exclusive bonus

200% upto $1000

18+. T&Cs Apply

Visit Site Read Review

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Is Online Poker Legal in Columbus?

Online poker still hasn’t found its place among legal gambling options in Columbus or any other city in Ohio. The state has made a move toward a regulated online gambling scene by lifting a ban on online (and land-based) sports betting, but the new regulations don’t mention online poker rooms or casinos.

This lack of clarification can be interpreted differently since being in the online poker limbo isn’t the same as prohibiting the activity altogether. For this reason, many players from Columbus who can’t wait for online poker legislation spend time on offshore online platforms packed with poker games and tournaments.

Don’t forget, though, that the state may interpret the lack of precise online poker regulations differently than you do, especially when an activity has no legal status at all. To get a more accurate idea about potential consequences, talk to a legal expert and see what they think about your activities on international sites.

Columbus, OH Poker Laws

For further reading about poker laws in Columbus, check out the links below:

• Ohio Casino Control Commission
• Ohio Revised Code — Chapter 3772 Casino Gaming

How to Choose the Best Online Poker Room in Columbus

Offshore poker sites and online casinos don’t have a problem welcoming players from Columbus. Still, as they don’t report to any authority in Ohio, it’s the players’ responsibility to research the good platforms that won’t leave them in the lurch. Before you start playing on any international site, go through the following checklist and see how many points it can score.

Licensing and Safety

As mentioned, online poker isn’t legal in Columbus, which is why legal state-based poker sites don’t exist. Nevertheless, even a reliable offshore site has to be licensed by at least one reputable jurisdiction, so make sure to find the stamp of approval from a known regulatory body. Also, go through the operator’s privacy policy and security regulations to ensure your sensitive data will be protected.

Game and Tournament Selection

Websites can assemble their game selection as they please, meaning that you can’t expect all of them to offer the same poker games and tournaments. If you have poker preferences, keep looking until you find the site that meets them in terms of available poker variations and tournaments. In case you’re new, Texas Hold’em and Omaha are the games to start with and are on almost every website.

Rake Levels and Player Traffic

Some offshore sites stand out from the competition with stable player traffic. If the player traffic is good, you’ll have company at virtual poker tables whenever you enter the poker room. Also, it’s wise to check the rake a site takes from poker games and tournaments so you know how big of a return you can expect. The smaller the rake, the bigger the winnings.

Welcome Bonus and Other Promotions

Offshore sites are famous for offering welcome bonuses and promotions targeting registered users. Hopefully, you’ve learned by now that a big bonus isn’t a pile of free money for you to gamble away. No matter how attractive a welcome promo is, always check its terms and conditions to get the real picture. Furthermore, look at promotions for regular players to learn what you can look forward to once you use up the welcome deal.

Banking

Banking options at offshore casinos aren’t something to take lightly. If you’re worried about your money being tracked, avoid credit cards and bank transfers and go for alternatives like cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and prepaid vouchers. Remember to check transaction time, withdrawal limits, and potential fees you may have to pay when withdrawing your funds.

Mobile Compatibility

Nowadays, nearly all casinos offer mobile play, whether through a native app or a mobile-optimized website. This is a matter of personal preference, so it’s up to you to choose a site with a standalone app or one that sticks to browser-based gameplay.

Customer Care

Customer support agents can be a real lifesaver if you ever come across a problem at an offshore poker room. While a comprehensive FAQ section can help, you want a site that offers around-the-clock support, preferably through live chat. Email support and a 24/7 phone line are bonus perks.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker in Columbus, Ohio

• You can become a member of as many poker sites as you want.
• You don’t have to take long drives to a physical gambling venue to play poker.
• The selection of games and tournaments is extensive.
• You can take part in high roller games or play poker on a budget, thanks to buy-ins and limits that support all types of players.
• Bonuses and promotions come in all forms and sizes.
• Mobile optimization allows you to play poker no matter where you are.

Famous Poker Players from Columbus, OH

Some great US poker players were born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. The best of those who currently play the game as pros is Jeremy Kottler.

He’s reached position number nine on the all-time Ohio money list with $2,457,311 total live earnings, while his best live cash to date is $643,267.

Best Land-Based Poker Rooms in Columbus, OH

Columbus is home to a single commercial casino and one racino that isn’t known for hosting poker nights. That’s why we’ll share the details about the one option in Columbus and give recommendations for a few more in the city’s proximity.

FAQ

Adrian Sterne

Editor

  Contact Me

Hi, I am the Chief Editor of top10pokersites.net, this site is dedicated to all thing poker. I have been working around the poker industry for the last 15 years, with different brands. The main purpose of this site is to keep you uptodate with the industry and offer you the best deals around.