The gambling industry in Ohio has changed significantly over the past several years, and 2025 is shaping up to be a key moment for both physical casinos and online betting platforms. While the Scioto Valley region, covering Ross, Pike, and Pickaway counties, does not currently have a brick-and-mortar casino, it has not been left out of the action. Residents are participating in statewide gambling trends, especially through mobile apps and internet-based gaming.
One of the biggest shifts has come from the rise of mobile sports betting, which became legal in Ohio in January 2023. Since then, thousands of people across the state have signed up to place bets from their phones. In southern Ohio, including the Scioto Valley, mobile betting activity increased nearly 30 percent in 2024.
Residents in towns like Chillicothe and Waverly are now regular users of betting platforms. Along with sports betting, there has also been a noticeable increase in the use of online credit card casinos, where players can deposit and withdraw money using familiar payment methods. According to iGaming expert Wilna van Wyk, these sites have become especially popular in rural areas, offering convenience without the need to travel to a casino.
While online betting is taking off, the state’s four full-service casinos continue to bring in steady revenue. In 2023, the casinos brought in approximately $1 billion, slightly down from the year before. Slot machines remained the biggest money-makers. Hollywood Casino Toledo led the pack with $279 million in revenue, followed by JACK Cleveland Casino. Despite the slight dip, these facilities are still drawing strong interest, even as more people turn to online options.
Lawmakers in Columbus are working on new proposals that could expand gambling even more. Senate Bill 199 would create a 2 percent fee on sports betting in the state, generating around $180 million a year for public projects like stadium upgrades and transportation. Another proposal, Senate Bill 197, would legalize online casino games such as poker, blackjack, and slots. Supporters estimate that legal online casino gaming could bring in up to $800 million annually.
Online betting has surged across Ohio, and the boom forces operators to polish their apps until they feel almost like pocket-sized casinos. Even in the hilly stretches of the Scioto Valley, residents now encounter a cleaner layout, instant betting alerts, fingerprint log-ins, and one-tap links to a growing roster of e-wallets and cards.
With a few taps, anyone can switch from wagering on a Browns game to joining a live dealer table, then prove the odds while watching the same screen. That kind of freedom to bet, track, and walk away with cash without turning a key in a car door matters most where the nearest brick-and-mortar house sits miles down a winding road.
In addition to smoother user experiences, technology is also helping to ensure security and compliance. Advanced geolocation tools, encrypted payment systems, and identity verification features have become standard across most licensed platforms. This not only protects players but also helps operators meet state requirements. As a result, the Scioto Valley and similar regions are now part of a broader digital network that operates with speed, precision, and legal oversight.
Looking ahead, gambling in Ohio is likely to keep growing, especially if the state approves legal online casino games. Even though the Scioto Valley doesn’t have a casino of its own, the area is already part of the broader market through digital platforms. Whether through local tax revenue, jobs tied to the gambling industry, or expanded programs for responsible gaming, the effects are being felt. As gambling continues to expand in Ohio, local leaders will need to make sure the benefits are shared fairly and that the risks are not ignored.