Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Ohio?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Ohio. Skill machines in Ohio bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Ohio. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Ohio; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Neighboring Indiana keeps cash play for every game except card games. Ohio taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Ohio, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Ohio
| Game | Cash play in Ohio | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Ohio |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Ohio |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Ohio |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Ohio |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Ohio |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Ohio |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Ohio |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Ohio |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Ohio |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Ohio |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Ohio |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Ohio
Every game plays free first, so Ohio players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Ohio
Ohio taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Ohio return. The Ohio Department of Taxation decides how Ohio treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Ohio players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Ohio
In Indiana, card games lose cash play but other games keep it.
Questions about skill-game apps in Ohio
Can I play Atay games for cash in Ohio?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Ohio. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Ohio I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Columbus gets the same answer as any small town in Ohio.
What happens if I cross from Ohio into Indiana?
In Indiana, card games such as Solitaire Real Cash and Gin Rummy Cash switch to free play, while other games keep cash play. Back in Ohio, card games return to normal.
Does Ohio tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Ohio has a state income tax; check the Ohio Department of Taxation's guidance for your situation.
Ohio status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.