Private cardrooms in Ohio use a loophole in the law that allows poker as long as it's not “conducted for profit.” Establishments like the Shark Tank Poker Club in Columbus and the River Room Poker Club in Akron don't take a rake or levy tournament fees, so they claim they're not making a profit from gambling. Instead, they charge membership fees.
Clearly, there are those who disagree with this interpretation of the law, and local law enforcement sometimes shuts these rooms down, which is what happened to the Gemini Poker Club in Berea in 2010. Still, there are parts of the state where the police and prosecutors turn a blind eye to these activities, and most of these clubs are in no immediate danger of being targeted by state or local officials.