Best Ohio Betting Sites

Is Online Sports Betting legal in Ohio?

Oh yes – legal Ohio sports betting was signed into law in December 2021. Despite Governor Mike DeWine’s significant support since as far back as 2019, the Buckeye State took a longer road to legalization than several other states who swiftly created legal roadmaps. 

Moreover, Ohio sportsbooks didn’t launch until January 2023 – one of the longest periods between initial legalization and launch in the US. But residents were rewarded for the wait – Ohio sports betting law is relatively unrestricted, even considering the recent March 2024 decision to ban college prop bets. 

The Buckeye State currently has 19 online sports betting platforms available, generating comprehensive choices for sportsbook fans. It’s no wonder the Ohio sports betting market has quickly surged to become a US leader. Betting handle stands at $5,906,849,237 as of February 2024, with $779,140,969 in total revenue, and $102,115,317 generated in taxes to support education, healthcare, and more. 

Sports betting in Ohio is undeniably popular – unsurprising considering the number of professional sports teams. Major league options include the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Columbus Crew. Additionally, sports bettors can enjoy several highly-regarded NCAA Division I college sports sides like the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

With dozens of retail sportsbooks to complement the 19 online betting sites, Ohio residents have a full-spectrum experience on their doorsteps.

Ohio Betting Info

• Is online sports betting legal? Yes
• Ohio sports betting launch date? Online and retail Ohio sportsbooks launched on January 1, 2023. 
• What is the legal age to gamble? 21+ 
• How many sportsbooks are available? Ohio currently has 19 online sportsbooks, including Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, BetMGM, and other top-rated sports betting apps.   
• Are retail sportsbooks available? Yes. There are over a dozen retail OH sports betting locations in Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton, Youngston, Lebanon, and Northfield. 
• Ohio college sports betting? Ohio sports bettors could wager on college sports with near-total flexibility until March 2024. The recent law change prohibits individual college player props, but other markets are still on the menu. 
• Who is the state regulator? The Ohio Gaming Control Board regulates online sports betting and casino gambling in the Buckeye State. 

Best Sports Betting Sites Currently Available in Ohio

With so many Ohio sports betting sites to choose from, selecting the right one for your preferences is trickier than in many other states. But this is far from a bad thing – the abundant online sportsbook options create the perfect conditions to make an optimal decision. 

Our experts provide the best Ohio sports betting platforms below depending on the main characteristics you desire: 

FanDuel Ohio Sportsbook

FanDuel is regularly touted as the definitive best-in-class online sports betting platform, boasting arguably the most comprehensive selection of sports and betting markets. The operator made its name in the Daily Fantasy League industry, pivoting to offer a sportsbook in 2018. Ohio sports bettors can consequently enjoy an exceptionally broad set of data that underpins sophisticated same-game parlay leg options, props, and more. 

The same-game parlay and regular parlay options at FanDuel Ohio trump pretty much all other alternatives. It’s not just the number of legs and uniquely precise props that put the SGP feature at the top of the rankings. The online sportsbook also provides an intuitive interface and various ongoing promos, including no-sweat and profit boost same-game parlay options. 

Elsewhere, FanDuel also leads the pack with its mobile sports betting platform. iOS and Android users enjoy undoubtedly one of the best Ohio betting apps, with landscape mode for live streaming alongside integrated in-play wagering overlays. To top things off, the Fanduel promo is appealing offering a bet $5 get $200 in bonus bets if your first wager wins welcome bonus. 

BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook

BetMGM is another one of the best Ohio sports betting sites. The legendary Las Vegas brand has thrown its full weight behind this extremely powerful sportsbook, including a few fairly unique selling points you’ll struggle to find at many other sites. An Edit Bet tool kicks things off, allowing bettors to alter their stakes and other parameters after initially confirming a wager. bet365 is the only other Ohio sportsbook to offer this service, so it’s a huge selling point. 

Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Cavaliers fans will particularly enjoy the Select Your Squad feature. BetMGM enables users to choose their favorite NFL and NBA teams, subsequently providing regular team updates, bonuses, and other incentives. We’re particularly fond of Select Your Squad on the mobile sports betting app. Push notifications, easier live betting, and exclusive offers supercharge the overall experience. 

BetMGM also beats most other Ohio sports betting sites with its intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interface. Despite their maximal betting markets and functionality, we can find the DraftKings and FanDuel layouts slightly overwhelming at times. BetMGM dials things back, offering the same top-spec functionality, but with fewer options immediately available and easier-to-use menus.  To find out more about the current BetMGM promo, check out our dedicated page.

DraftKings Ohio Sportsbook

DraftKings is a sports betting industry giant, coming second only to its fellow Daily Fantasy League competitor FanDuel regarding overall US market share. Our favorite DraftKings highlight is the sheer number of ongoing promos, with bonus bets, parlay insurance, profit boosts, and other offers regularly available. Draftkings promo offers bet $5 get $150 in bonus bets welcome bonus, although the all-sports same-game parlay insurance is our top choice. 

The DraftKings Social network is another highlight, offering sports bettors a chance to enjoy social tournaments and discussions surrounding the latest developments or forecasts. We find this works particularly well with the powerful live betting suite. DraftKings has an extensive selection of in-play wagering options underpinned by useful menus and filters for various sport specific betting markets. 

We’ve also found DraftKings to be one of the top Ohio sports betting sites going by odds, with competitive pricing that’s especially favorable for users backing underdogs to cause an upset. The operator also has one of the top Ohio betting apps, with a 4.8 out of 5 App Store rating pointing to its superb design, reliability, and extra functionality. 

Caesars Ohio Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook Ohio is many sports bettors’ favorite platform for loyalty rewards, with an extremely generous array of benefits. Caesars Rewards provides bonus credits for every wager you make on the mobile betting app or desktop website. These can subsequently be converted into bonus bets or used to obtain discounts for hotels, retail casinos, shopping, dining, show tickets, and even as an official buy-in for World Series of Poker events. 

With an exhaustive catalog of sports and betting markets to enjoy, Caesars Sportsbooks users won’t have any trouble building Caesars Rewards points. The operator has one of our favorite designs, especially for beginners who want ready-made betting ideas on the main homepage. These include quick pick same-game parlays and several daily odds boost selections. 

And it’s not just the loyalty scheme confirming Caesars Sportsbook as one of the most generous Ohio betting sites. Users can also take advantage of an impressively high concentration of daily odds boosts. These are especially eye-catching for pre-made same-game parlays, check the banner at the top of the homepage to ensure you don’t miss out. 

bet365 Ohio Sportsbook 

bet365 made its name across the pond, becoming an industry leader within the UK betting world. The operator has expanded across six states and counting over the past few years, shaking up the US market with several unique features. Our favorite is the Edit Bet tool, something that most other operators (other than BetMGM) still haven’t been able to replicate. bet365’s tool is still better than BetMGM, offering more versatility regarding edited stakes, parlay legs, and more.

Another one of the top bet365 selling points for our experts is the Bet Boost odds enhancement promos. Just like Caesars Sportsbook above, bet365 reserves the most exciting daily odds boosts for pre-built same-game parlays. One example for the Washington Nationals at the Cincinnati Reds was boosted +200 at the time of writing, demonstrating its power. 

bet365 has several other ongoing promos, including unique options like early payouts and 70% boosted parlays. The operator has one of the best sports betting apps, especially considering the regular iOS and Android exclusive bonus bets. Other bet365 highlights include the extensive live wagering options, live streaming, user interface, and impressive emphasis on soccer wagering – particularly effective for the English Premier League. 

Ohio Sports Betting Timeline & Legislation Updates

Legal sports betting in Ohio took a few years to come to fruition. Our experts break down the essential milestones below: 

• 2024 – A lot was made regarding Ohio’s large-scale online sports betting rollout, but lawmakers have already proved themselves to have everybody’s best interests at heart. For example, tax rates have been hiked to generate more useful state income and college player prop bets were outlawed in March 2024. 
• 2023 – After various delays in 2022, legal Ohio sports betting finally launched on January 1. It was the largest initial rollout nationwide, with 16 sportsbooks slated to commence operations. The Ohio sports betting handle exceeded the already ambitious expectations, hitting over $1 billion in the first month. The Buckeye State also beat the US single-month revenue record, with $208.9 million. 
• 2022 – The Ohio Casino Control Commission was immediately tasked with creating the overarching rules and regulations underpinning a sports betting industry in the Buckeye State. Regulators and lawmakers worked slowly, but in the end, Ohioans got some of the least restrictive laws across the US. 
• 2021 – Despite the promising signs surrounding HB194, the legal online sports betting bill ultimately failed in the Senate. By now, however, there was a growing consensus that sports wagering would be legal in Ohio before long. New Senator Kirk Schuring proposed a new bill (SB176) before tightening it with HB29. It passed the House and Senate easily, with Governor Mike DeWine signing it into law in December. 
• 2020 – Eklund and Greenspan learn from their mistakes, working together over the summer of 2020 to iron out differences regarding tax rates and potentially physical locations. The House passes a revised HB194 at the end of the year, handing the reins to the Senate. 
• 2019 – Senator John Eklund and Representative Dave Greenspan launch two separate legal sports betting bills, SB111 and HB194. Competition between the two parties splits support down the middle, with neither gaining enough to get through the House and Senate. Nevertheless, Governor Mike DeWine throws his weight behind SB111, highlighting the growing appetite to legalize Ohio sports betting. 
• 2018 – The nationwide legal online sports betting flowering would have been impossible without the US Supreme Court overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May 2018. This set the stage for individual states to formulate their own sports betting laws, with early frontrunners including New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Ohio Sportsbooks Hoping to Launch Soon 

The Buckeye State has already issued 19 Ohio sports betting licenses to a diverse array of operators. Check back to this page for regular updates regarding new Ohio sportsbooks launching soon.

Best Sportsbook Promo in Ohio

With so many Ohio sports betting sites to choose from, deciding on the best welcome bonus is crucial. Learn where to find the most generous sportsbook bonuses below: 

bet365 Ohio Sportsbook – $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or $150 in Bonus Bets 

bet365 currently leads the way for new registration Ohio sportsbook promos. First-time customers get a choice between two Bet365 promo offers of $1,000 first bet safety net or $150 in bonus bets after an initial $5 wager. Check out the terms and conditions below: 

Up To $1,000 First Bet Safety Net 

• $10 minimum deposit 
• Place qualifying straight, parlay, or same-game parlay up to $1,000 
• Stake refunded as bonus bets if initial wager loses 
• Bonus bets valid for at least 90 days 

Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets 

• Minimum $10 deposit 
• $5 qualifying bet 
• $150 in bonus bets added after qualifying wager settles 
• Bonus funds expire after 90 days of account inactivity 

ESPN Bet Ohio Sportsbook 

ESPN Bet has a similarly enticing new betting offer. New customers can claim $100 in bonus bets alongside a 200% deposit match, potentially offering the most potential bonus bets across the Buckeye State. This is how the offer works: 

$100 in Bonus Bets: 

• Minimum $10 first-time deposit 
• Any qualifying washer amount 
• $100 in bonus bets split into five tokens worth $20 each 
• Seven day expiration period 

200% Deposit Match 

• $10 minimum deposit (to activate the bonus bets) 
• $500 in maximum funds 
• Bonus funds expire 30 days 
• 20x playthrough requirement

Requirements to Play at Ohio Sports Betting Sites

Although sports betting is legal in Ohio, online platforms and retail locations aren’t open to everyone. Ensure you satisfy the following requirements for legal access:

• Age – Ohio’s legal sports betting age is 21. Users must be able to prove their age with a valid SSN and occasionally extra identification.  
• Location – Although sports bettors from other states can register for Ohio sportsbooks, they can only use the platforms while located within the Buckeye State. This is proven with geolocation software. 
• Valid Account – The only way to place legal sports wagers in Ohio is with a valid account. 

Popular Sports & Leagues to Bet on in Ohio

Ohio bettors have one of the most concentrated selections of major league teams operating out of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Our experts provide the fundamental details below:

Ohio Sport Leagues

The most popular Ohio sports betting leagues are largely akin to elsewhere in the US. Here are the main options: 

Ohio Teams to Bet On

Ohio sportsbooks can regularly offer exclusive promos to bettors in the Buckeye State when some of the following major league teams play:

Betting Types Available At Ohio Online Sportsbooks

Wagering on an Ohio sportsbook without truly appreciating your options is a surefire way to minimize your overall enjoyment. Here are some of the main betting markets available: 

• Moneyline – Beginners usually start with moneyline wagers to learn the ropes and how the American odds system works. These bets are straight predictions on the winner or loser of a game 
• Totals – Struggling to choose an overall winner but know there will likely be lots of points scored? Total wagers are a great alternative to moneylines here. Instead of predicitng the overall outcome, sports bettors forecast whether the total number of specific statistics will be over or under an amount set by the sportsbook. 
• Parlays – These wagers are the most complex, and can pay handsomely. Parlays and same-game parlays mix at least three selections, with each so-called leg of the bet multiplying the odds. Be careful, as each must win for the overall bet to be successful.  
• Point spread – Spread betting is a great way to level the playing field between an overwhelming favorite and underdog. Instead of betting on the winner, you’ll bet on the underdog or favorite to win or lose by a certain number of points. 

What You Can't Bet On In Ohio

The Ohio Casino Control Commission is relatively relaxed regarding what Buckeye State residents can wager on. A few notable exceptions include things like the Super Bowl coin toss, politics, and cultural events like the Oscars.

Can you bet on Ohio College Sports?

Ohio sportsbooks can take wagers on college sports, although a recent ruling has changed the guidelines to take prop wagers off the table. 

Responsible Gaming in Ohio

Adhering to responsible gambling measures in Ohio is incredibly important, especially in such a possibility-filled market. We cannot overstate how important this is, as problem betting can lead to financial ruin, strained relationships, and serious mental anguish. 

One of the main factors our experts constantly have in mind is that sports betting should never be about making money. Sure, getting a payout can be nice, but the main satisfaction should be getting the prediction right. If you care about winnings too much, you’re more prone to chasing your losses, and this is where things can quickly get ugly. 

Additionally, ensure you set budgets before wagering and keep a record of your activity to guard against overspending. The following resources can help with other tips: 

• National Council of Problem Gambling
• GambleAware.org
• Gamblers Anonymous 

Other Types of Gambling in Ohio

Ohio sportsbooks are the main attraction in the Buckeye State, but residents also have access to other types of gambling: 

• Real Money Casino – Land-based casinos launched in the Buckeye State more than a decade ago, with residents now able to eleven locations like Hollywood Casino Colombus. Online real-money casino gaming is still banned. 
• Sweepstakes – Although real-money online casinos are prohibited, Ohioans can play slots and other iGaming titles at a growing number of sweepstakes sites. Platforms like McLuck use a virtual currency system, allowing users to play free games with potential for real money prize redemptions. 
• Horse Racing – Ohio bettors can also wager on horse racing, a particularly popular past-time in the Buckeye State. There are seven racetracks to choose from alongside prominent online options like TwinSpires. 
• Poker – Residents can play poker in land-based casinos, but that’s about it. Real-money online poker is banned, although free-to-play sites like Global Poker are available. 

Upcoming States to License Online Sports Betting Sites

Six states launched or legalized sports betting in 2023, but the number is forecasted to be less in 2024. Here are a few potential locations: 

• North Carolina – The Tar Heel State isn’t a potential, it’s a given. North Carolina betting sites will launch at some point in 2024 after official legalization in March.
• Oklahoma – The Sooner State could be the next location after North Carolina. Our experts list their findings on the Oklahoma betting sites homepage. 
• Georgia – The Peach State is also in the running to legalize sports betting in 2024. The Georgia betting sites page has the answers.  

Overview of Ohio Sports Betting Sites

Ohio sports bettors have one of the best online sportsbook selections, so it’s no surprise the Buckeye State has become such a hotspot. This page has vital information on the top betting sites, potential markets, popular Ohio sports teams, and more. If you’ve read this far, it’s time to register and get a taste yourself!