Self-exclusion by state · Ohio
How to self-exclude from sports betting in Ohio
Time Out Ohio covers casinos, racinos and every sportsbook, online and retail. Online enrollment is approved the moment your ID checks out — but operators are only required to update their systems once every seven days, and bets you already placed still settle.
The short answer
One list covers casinos, racinos and all sportsbooks. Enroll online (ID and full SSN) or in person, for 1 year, 5 years or lifetime. Ohio gives free Gamban through its helpline.
Program: Time Out Ohio (Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program, VEP), run by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (with Ohio Lottery Commission). Official page →
Terms: 1 year (minimum) · 5 years (minimum) · Lifetime
Ohio help: Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-589-9966 (chat available); 1-800-GAMBLER outside Ohio. Program email: timeout@ohio.gov
What to do today, before the state list kicks in
Enroll online today, then self-exclude inside each app to cover the up-to-7-day gap. Call 1-800-589-9966 to request free Gamban. The term does not end on its own — you stay on the list until you ask to be removed.
Then read how to block each app — excluding inside the app is usually faster than any state list, and it’s the first layer of the firewall.
What the Ohio list covers, and what it doesn’t
| Type of gambling | Status | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Online sportsbooks | Covered | |
| Retail sportsbooks | Covered | |
| Casinos | Covered | |
| Online casino | N/A | (no legal online casino in Ohio) |
| Daily fantasy / pick'em | Unconfirmed | |
| Lottery | Not covered | |
| Video gaming machines | Partly | For the 7 racinos' video lottery terminals; no VGT/skill-game routes covered |
| Tribal casinos | N/A | (no tribal casinos in Ohio) |
| Prediction markets (Kalshi etc.) | Unconfirmed |
The gaps people miss
- 'Immediate' online enrollment does not mean every operator blocks you instantly; rules allow up to a 7-day update cycle
- Not automatically removed at the end of the term - but also not automatically extended; you must request removal, and lifetime needs 5 years plus education program
- Does not cover Ohio Lottery tickets/scratch-offs (only racino VLTs)
- Daily fantasy / pick'em apps are not named in Time Out Ohio materials
- Bets already placed before enrollment still settle
- Out-of-state properties are covered only if the operator chooses to extend the ban
- Prediction-market apps (Kalshi, DraftKings Predictions, FanDuel Predicts, etc.) are not mentioned and are presumably not covered
How to enroll in Ohio
| Way to enroll | Available? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Yes | |
| In person | Yes | |
| By mail | No | |
| By phone or video | No |
- Go to TimeOutOhio.com (available 24/7) and create an account
- Enter your details, full Social Security number and valid government ID for identity verification
- Choose 1 year (minimum), 5 years (minimum) or lifetime
- Agree to forfeit casino/racino points and promo credits and submit
- If online ID verification fails, finish verification at any of the 4 casinos or 7 racinos, or by virtual appointment
- Alternatively enroll in person at any Ohio casino or racino or the Commission office in Columbus
- Self-exclude inside each sportsbook app too, since operators may take up to 7 days to load the list
What you need
Valid government-issued ID and full Social Security number (for enrollment and removal). Applications accepted only via the online portal or in the presence of commission staff; must not be impaired.
How long it takes to take effect
Enrollment is approved immediately once online ID verification passes ('Once the request is validated, you are not permitted access'). BUT OAC 3772-12-04 only requires excluded entities to update their systems 'at least once every seven days' (Lottery's racino standard: download at least every 7 calendar days) - so a given sportsbook/racino may not block you for up to 7 days.
What happens to your balance and open bets
Do this first, whatever your state says: withdraw your balance and let open bets settle before you enroll. Getting money back afterward means dealing with an operator that is now required to refuse you.
Pending sports wagers placed before enrollment are NOT voided and may still pay out (OAC 3772-12-03). You forfeit casino/racino points, comps and promotional credits (cash-redeemable value may be retained if the marketing program allows). Any winnings while excluded are surrendered. Withdrawal of existing online sportsbook balances: (not stated by regulator).
Can you get off the list early?
No early removal. Not automatic at term end: you stay excluded until you request removal through the portal. 1- and 5-year: submit removal application after the minimum term. Lifetime: removal only after at least 5 years AND completing the Ohio VEP problem-gambling education program (OAC 3772-12-05).
Free blocking software in Ohio
Yes. Free Gamban via Time Out Ohio partnership, 6 months to 5 years; request through the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-589-9966 (timeoutohio.com/gamban). Eligibility wording suggests anyone seeking protection, not only enrollees.
The Betting Firewall
This is one wall. You need five.
The Ohio list makes licensed operators refuse you. It does nothing about offshore sites, prediction-market apps, a friend’s account, or the money in your checking account. That’s what the other four layers are for.
- The appsSelf-exclude and close every sportsbook, fantasy, and prediction-market account you have. Guide →
- Your phoneBlock the apps and sites at the device level so a deleted app can't come back. Guide →
- A blockerInstall Gamban or another blocker that can't be removed early. Guide →
- Your moneyCard controls, gambling blocks at your bank, and someone else on the account. Guide →
- The state list — this pageEnroll in your state's self-exclusion program so every licensed operator has to refuse you.
The 24-Hour Betting Shutdown Plan
Self-exclusion is one wall. The Shutdown Plan walks you through all five layers of the Betting Firewall in one day — apps, phone, money, people, and the state list. Free, first name and email only.
Sign-up opens shortly. In the meantime, every step is on the Shutdown Plan page.
No spam, no selling your data, unsubscribe anytime. If you want structure past day one, the 90-Day Stop Betting Program is the next step — we’ll mention it once in the emails.