Ohio Betting Sites

Want to find out more about legal sports betting in Ohio? You’ve landed in the perfect place. This page serves as your guide to sports betting in the Buckeye State. From understanding Ohio betting laws to discovering the best sportsbooks to place your bets, we’ve got your journey covered. Whether you’re a newcomer keen to place your first wagers or a seasoned bettor looking for a new sportsbook to call home, our guide tells you what you need to know. 

Our Top Ohio Sports Betting Sites - October 2023

Is Online Betting Legal in Ohio?

Absolutely, online betting is now legal in Ohio. The Buckeye State gave the green light on December 22, 2021, when Governor Mike DeWine signed the Ohio Sports Betting Bill (HB 29) into law. The Ohio Casino Control Commission was put in charge of handling applications from sportsbook operators and overseeing the new industry. The first online sportsbooks kicked off on January 1, 2023, with names like DraftKings, Caesars, and Barstool leading the way. Ohio’s new sports betting laws not only permit up to 46 online/mobile sportsbooks to operate but also pave the way for in-person betting at casinos, racetracks, sports stadiums, restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and supermarket kiosks. The response across the state has been enthusiastic, resulting in ample betting options.

To participate in sports betting in Ohio, bettors need to be at least 21 years old and present in the state. Betting on college sports, including on events involving Ohio college sports teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Akron Zips, is allowed. Ohio also permits prop bets on college players, a unique aspect compared to many other states. 

While Ohio is relaxed in its approach to gambling, permitting bets on daily fantasy sports, horse racing, and participation in the lottery, it doesn’t allow online casinos just yet. However, casino players are not entirely out of luck. Ohio boasts several land-based gaming venues, including Hollywood Casino Columbus and Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs (formerly Scioto Downs Racino).

Popular Sports to Bet on in Ohio

Ohio sports culture runs deep, and the option to bet on the action adds an extra layer of excitement to proceedings. Online sportsbooks have made it easier than ever for Ohioans to place bets on their favorite teams and events. Here’s what they’re backing: 

NFL

The National Football League (NFL) is hugely popular in Ohio, with locals following the fortunes of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. The Bengals call Paul Brown Stadium home, while the Browns compete at FirstEnergy Stadium. However, through the state’s new online sportsbooks and apps, football fans can place wagers from the comfort of their home, with point spreads, totals bets, and props among the many NFL betting options.

NBA 

In Ohio, basketball fans are diving into NBA betting with gusto, especially when it comes to the hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland buzzes with excitement as fans and bettors come together for Cavaliers games. The NBA's fast-paced action offers lots of ways to bet, from straightforward moneyline wagers to prop bets that allow you to predict player performances to precision. 

MLB

Major League Baseball (MLB) has a big following in Ohio, with the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians attracting huge fanbases. Against the backdrop of the Great American Ballpark and Progressive Field, bettors can wager on various MLB betting markets, including moneyline, run line, and prop bets. These options enable baseball fans to predict a variety of outcomes, adding extra thrills to every crack of the bat. 

NHL

Sports betting fever in Ohio extends to the National Hockey League (NHL), with the Columbus Blue Jackets leading the way. The Blue Jackets impress at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, drawing both cheers and wagers from Ohioans. Thanks to the introduction of legal online sports wagering in Ohio, betting on NHL games has never been easier, with over/under bets, first period betting, and puck line bets among the many options available.

Horse Racing

Betting on horse racing in Ohio is nothing new, with the state legalizing this activity back in 1975. Well-known tracks like Belterra Park in Cincinnati and JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall attract armies of horse racing enthusiasts, with the Ohio Derby just one of the thrilling races available to bet on. The excitement of horse racing betting in Ohio is also available online, coming courtesy of options like TVG and FanDuel Racing.

Betting Markets Available in Ohio

Ohio’s sports scene has found new depth with the introduction of legal sports betting, providing residents and visitors a chance to bet on their favorite teams and events. Here are some of the most popular ways to wager: 

Moneyline

The moneyline bet is a simple wager on the outcome of a sporting event, with odds assigned to each team or individual to indicate potential payouts. For instance, in an NFL match between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns, if the Bengals have a moneyline of +150 and the Browns have a moneyline of -120, a $100 bet on the Bengals returns $150 in profit if they win, while a $120 bet on the Browns offers $100 in profit if they win. 

Parlay

Parlay bets group multiple bets into one, offering higher payouts if all bets win. For example, an Ohio sports fan might create a parlay with bets on the Cincinnati Reds in MLB, the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA, and the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL. If all win, the parlay does too, with bigger potential winnings than single bets. Some sportsbooks provide same-game parlays and parlay insurance, which refunds your stake if one pick doesn’t pan out. 

Over/Under

An over/under bet or total bets involves wagering on whether the total combined score of a game will be over or under a specific number set by the sportsbook. For example, in an NBA match like Cavaliers v. Detroit Pistons, if the over/under is 210, you wager on the total number of points being over or under that. It’s also used for other statistics such as the total number of corners in a Columbus Crew v. FC Cincinnati game.  

Against the Spread

The ATS bet creates a handicap by requiring one team to win by a certain number of points or to not lose by more than a specified margin. If the Bengals are favored by -6.5 points against the Browns, a bet on the Bengals would require the team to win by at least 6.5 points. On the other hand, a bet on the Browns would win if they either win the game or lose by 6.5 points or fewer. 

Betting Apps Available in Ohio

Mobile betting apps have proven hugely popular among sports bettors in Ohio, and it’s no surprise why. These apps deliver an engaging and convenient experience that brings the excitement of wagering right to your fingertips. Sportsbooks apps offer a host of features aimed at enhancing your experience, from user-friendly designs and real-time updates to the freedom of betting anytime, anywhere. Through push notifications, you can stay informed about game developments, odds shifts, and exclusive promotions, ensuring you’re always in the know and ready to take advantage of the perfect betting opportunity. Plus, with robust security features like Face or Touch ID, you can trust these apps to keep your information safe. Whether you’re following your favorite team’s progress or exploring different betting markets, Ohio betting apps make online betting more accessible and enjoyable. Below, you can find out more about three of the best Ohio sportsbook apps.

Caesars

Partnering with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Caesars brings both in-person and online sports betting to Ohio. You can find their retail sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, while their mobile betting app covers the entire state. The Caesars app combines ease of use with a comprehensive range of sports markets. Whether you’re into classic choices like football, basketball, and baseball, or the thrill of in-play betting, this app has something for everyone. Signing up with Caesars using promo code CZRFULL comes with a special welcome perk: make your first bet of $10 or more, and if it doesn’t go your way, you’ll get your stake back as a free bonus bet, up to $1,250. Plus, regardless of the bet’s outcome, you’ll earn 1,000 Reward Credits and 1,000 Tier Credits for the popular Caesars Rewards program.

FanDuel

Teaming up with Boyd Gaming, FanDuel brings the excitement of sports betting to Ohio through a retail sportsbook at Belterra Park Cincinnati and comprehensive online and mobile betting across the state. New users are greeted with a generous ‘No Sweat First Bet’ welcome offer with no bonus code required — simply place your first bet of $10 or more, and if it doesn’t win, FanDuel will refund your stake in bonus bets, up to $1,000. FanDuel’s mobile app sets a benchmark for an enjoyable and user-friendly experience, offering a wide range of bet types such as moneyline, over/under, prop bets, and even same-game parlays. With an intuitive design and widespread coverage of various sports, the FanDuel sportsbook app is a go-to for Ohio bettors looking for an exciting and reliable betting platform.

PointsBet

Alongside traditional bet types like moneyline and over/under bets, the PointsBet mobile betting app offers Ohio bettors an exciting new way to wager on sports. With their innovative points betting feature, the size of potential payouts is based on the accuracy of your bets. The closer you are to a correct prediction, the more you’ll win; similarly, the further away you are, the more you can lose. As a welcome treat, new customers can enjoy up to $500 in bonus bets with the PointsBet Second Chance promotion — just create a new online betting account, use the code WELCOME, and place fixed odds cash bets for five days. If your first cash bet of the day doesn’t win, PointsBet has your back, offering up to $100 in bonus bets each day for five days. 

Ohio Betting Timeline

The journey towards legal sports betting in Ohio has been marked by several milestones. Here are a few of the key developments:

2018 – The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) opened the door for individual states to legalize sports betting.

2021 – Ohio Governor Mick DeWine signed HB 29 into law on December 22, 2021, legalizing both retail and online/mobile sports betting in the state. The Ohio Casino Control Commission was tasked with regulating the new industry.

2023 – Legal sports betting launched in Ohio on January 1. The first online sportsbooks to go live included DraftKings and Caesars. According to reports, the state logged over 11 million betting transactions in the first two days and took over $1 billion in bets in January.

Compare Ohio Betting Sites and Sign Up

Ready to place your bets on your favorite Ohio sports teams and events? To get started, compare the top Ohio sportsbooks on this page. When you’ve found a betting site with the features you want, simply click through to sign up and enjoy your welcome bonus. 

Frequently Asked Questions