Ohio sports betting went live in 2023. The launch happened on New Year’s Day, giving residents the chance to celebrate the turning of the page with legal wagering action. The market quickly exploded 🧨 and continues to be a hotbed of activity for bettors and sportsbooks alike. Players have their choice of top shops like FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars.
Sports fans have plenty of squads to root for. Top draws include the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Guardians, and Columbus Blue Jackets in the pro ranks, and collegiate powerhouse Ohio State. As the industry continues to grow, Ohio has proven to be a premiere market for online sports betting apps and sites ✅.
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Ohio Sportsbooks
No books available.
Ohio Promotions & Bonuses
Please check back for promotions to be added for upcoming events.
Sports bettors in Ohio have a plethora of sportsbooks and promos to pick from. Sports betting sign-up offers are available for new players, while existing users can nab new sportsbook promos. Examples of the offers you’ll find include:
- Welcome Bonus: Grab new player offers like deposit matches and no sweat bets.
- Odds Boosts: Claim a boost for chances at even more winnings.
- Bonus Bets: Use credits to place wagers without laying out cash.
- Loyalty Programs: Earn redeemable points and climb tiers as you play.
As you claim bonuses and promos, aim to get the best possible value by remembering the following:
- Read the Terms: Be sure to understand the requirements before you claim an offer.
- Consider Options: Grab the best deals after reviewing offers from top books.
- Grab Promo Codes: Access to the best offers with promo codes from trusted sources.
- Gameplan: Decide on the best approach to use bonuses and promos wisely.
For more information on Ohio sports betting promos - visit our OH Promos page.
Top Ohio Sportsbooks
The Odds Shark team knows all the ins and outs of Ohio sportsbooks. We’ve been on top of the market since the doors opened and have conducted thorough reviews of all of the top shops. The result is a comprehensive list of the most trusted and reputable sportsbooks in Ohio.
If you’re a new player on the hunt for the best places to play, we have you covered. The same applies for experienced players seeking out the best current promo offers. Our reviews are unbiased and cut to the chase, giving you the info you need to make informed choices.
Down below are detailed summaries of the best Ohio sportsbooks that made the cut. You can also check out our extensive reviews of industry leaders like FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars, all of which continue to hit the right notes for sports bettors.
FanDuel
FanDuel is one of the top sportsbooks in Ohio and elsewhere across the nation. The overall usability of the platform is a massive hit 👊 with bettors. The same holds true for a deep menu of markets to choose from, including a wide variety of player props and SGPs.
This is a sportsbook that does a lot of things right. The odds are competitive, the platform is more than fast enough for live betting, there’s a great selection of banking methods, and customer service is typically on point.
FanDuel also isn’t shy about ongoing promos like odds boosts 📈. Add it all up, and it’s not tough to see why this book is the preferred option for many bettors. You can get in the game with FanDuel today and quickly find out why.
- Same-Game Parlays
- Generous Bet Boosts
- Streaming Content
- Reliable & Intuitive App
- Fast Deposit & Withdrawal
- Customer Support
- Competitive Odds
- Limited Bad Beat Refunds
FanDuel User Experience
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Hard Rock Bet
When bettors enter the door at Hard Rock Bet, they’re greeted by a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to get in on the action. You can click on the boosts and promos tabs to get to the good stuff, or scroll 📜 through trending bets to see what’s hot.
The live betting tab lets you dive right into ongoing games, while the “starts soon” button helps to make sure you don’t miss a beat. If you’re into parlays and SGPs, use the “build your own” tab to craft out multi-leg wagers in a flash.
Hard Rock Bet also does a solid job with promos, and takes care of its players with rewards and a bonus bet club 🥳 that’s easy to qualify for. If you’re looking for an awesome book to add to your list of destinations, Hard Rock Bet is a fantastic choice.
- Great User Interface
- Excellent Live-Betting Set-Up
- Generous Bet Boosts & Promotions
- Comprehensive Loyalty Program
- Somewhat Limited Sports Selection
- Not Available While Traveling Through Nearby States
Hard Rock User Experience
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Caesars Sportsbook
When folks are looking for a good time, heading to one of the many Caesars destinations across the US is a great call. Sports bettors don’t have to go that far to enjoy a sportsbook that delivers a great experience for both mobile and desktop users.
You shouldn’t have to jump through hoops ⭕️ to place your bets. Caesars makes sure that you don’t have to with a clean menu and an awesome search feature. For example, type in “Cavaliers’ and instantly see every available market.
Caesars is also on point with live betting and features a dedicated “FireBets” 🔥 section that lets you jump into in-play wagers instantly. Add in one of the best rewards programs in the industry and plenty of boosts and promos, and Caesars is clearly a top choice in Ohio.
- Live streaming of NFL Games with "Watch & Bet" feature
- Frequent Promos & Generous Offers
- Daily "Bonus Bets"
- Enhanced Live Betting
- Live Chat Feature
- Slow verification
Caesars User Experience
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BetMGM
BetMGM talks a good game in its constant stream of commercials, but they back it up and deliver. This book is a solid place to wager no matter what you’re into, from the top games and events down to niche options that are an afterthought elsewhere 👏.
The BetMGM menu runs deep, including an abundance of player props and alternate lines. You can earn rewards as you play, jump 🔼 on recurring promo offers, enjoy a smooth live betting experience, and take your pick of lines that are regularly competitive.
When it comes to sports betting, options are almost always a good thing. You certainly won’t be lacking for them here. BetMGM has the bases covered and brings a quality site and mobile app to the table for Ohio sports bettors.
- Lucrative Promos and Oddsboosts
- Early Cash Outs
- MGM Loyalty Rewards
- Live Streaming (including MLB)
- Responsible Gambling Policy
- Limited Sports in Certain Regions
- Competitive Odds
BetMGM User Experience
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bet365
Bet365 is a powerhouse 🔋 in international markets and quickly becoming a big deal in Ohio and other legal sports betting states. The simple layout is a little deceptive, as the platform is absolutely full of markets and competitive lines.
If you’re into props, you can easily get lost down the rabbit hole 🐰. There’s an extensive list of options for virtually all of the top games and events. Boosts and other promos are also common occurrences, giving you regular chances at more bang for the buck.
Bet365 also keeps things interesting with unique promos like the early payout. If your team gets a lead of a designated amount, you can book an instant moneyline win and not sweat a comeback. Ohio bettors can find a lot to love at bet365.
- Generous Boosts and Super Boost
- Early Payouts
- Parlay Boost Initiative
- Fast Deposit/Withdrawal Options
- Great Customer Service
- Great Platform Design
- Competitive Odds
- Location Issues
- Props Hidden in Menu
bet365 User Experience
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how to start betting in ohio
You can start betting in Ohio in a matter of minutes from either your smartphone or laptop. If you’re 21 or older, physically present in the state, and ready to roll, here’s what you need to do.
choose a book
Review the best available options here on this page. Click the links for your choice to claim the offer and get started with the easy registration process.
account registration
Follow the prompts to enter your info, verify your age and location, accept the terms, and proceed to create your account.
deposit funds
Go to the cashier section and choose a banking method. Enter the amount of your deposit and follow the instructions to process the transaction.
place your bet
View the latest lines and pick your wager. Click the odds for your selection, add your stake to the betting slip, confirm, and place your bet.
withdraw
If you win and want to withdraw, head back to the cashier section. Pick your method, enter the amount, and follow the instructions to process.
popular sports teams for betting in ohio
If you’re into sports and love having options, Ohio is a fantastic place to be. NFL fans are covered with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, while MLB diehards can root for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Columbus Blue Jackets help keep NBA and NHL interest high. Meanwhile, Ohio State has one of the most passionate collegiate fanbases in the nation. Into other sports? The PGA Tour, UFC, and a host of others capture plenty of attention.
A number of the local favorites even have partnership deals in place with top sportsbooks:
Ohio Legal Status and Regulations
After the Supreme Court ruled on PASPA in 2018 and opened the door for states to figure out sports betting legalization on their own, it took some time for the ball to get rolling in Ohio. After extensive efforts that took several years, sports betting finally went live on New Year’s Day 2023. The Ohio market is fully regulated with checks and balances in place.
- Legal Framework: After rules and regulations were hammered out in 2022, sports betting goes live in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023. It’s a smash hit right out of the gate with bettors taking their pick of top online sportsbooks.
- Regulatory Body: The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees all forms of legal wagering in the state. The agency helped craft the rules for administering sports betting, and continues to manage the legal market.
- Key Restrictions & Limitations: You must be 21 or older and physically present in the state to bet with Ohio sportsbooks. Wagering on college sports is allowed, including in-state teams, but no betting is permitted on prop bets for individual college athletes.
history of sports betting legislation in ohio
It was a lengthy process to get sports betting legalized in Ohio. Following the 2018 SCOTUS ruling, a steady stream of states went live over the next few years. Ohio bettors had to sit on the sidelines until 2023. Here’s how the process played out.
2019-2020:
Efforts to get the ball rolling begin in earnest in 2019 and continue through 2020, but no substantive progress is reached.
2021:
The winds shift in 2021. A sports betting bill passes through the state House and Senate, and is signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine.
2022:
Rules for administering sports betting are devised and finalized by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
2023:
The New Year rings in with real, live sports betting being offered by a whopping 16 online sportsbooks.
2024:
A notable change goes into effect as the state implements a prohibition on player-specific prop bets in college sports.
How Ohio Compares with Other States
Sports betting has been a popular draw in Ohio, and the same applies to neighboring states that have taken the plunge. Here’s how things are shaking out for the Buckeye State compared to two other nearby markets that are also soaring.
- Market size and wagering handle: Ohio’s population is nearly 12 million, placing it between Michigan (10M) and Pennsylvania (13M). Betting handle for the three states in Jan. 2025 checked in at:
- Ohio: $1 billion
- Michigan: $574.6 million
- Pennsylvania: $873 million
- Tax rates and market impact: Ohio is also in the middle of the three states with a 20% tax rate. Michigan is the lowest of the bunch at 8.4%, while Pennsylvania wins this race at 36%. For Jan. 2025, that translated into:
- Ohio: $16.2 million
- Michigan: $4.3 million
- Pennsylvania: $18.5 million
- Overall implications: These are three of the largest markets for sports betting in the US, and that won’t be changing anytime soon. Ohio has plenty of nearby competitors, but it’s more than holding its own as an incredibly viable marketplace.
Future of Sports Betting in Ohio
The Ohio sports betting marketplace was incredibly competitive right at the initial launch. It remains that way today, with numerous options for bettors to choose from. As we look ahead to what could be next, here are some possible developments we’ll be watching for.
- Legislative changes: When sports betting was first launched, the initial tax rate was 10%. It was quickly doubled to 20%. There may be more to come as there have been rumblings about another double to 40%.
- Wagering changes: College player props went by the wayside in Ohio in 2024. Due to the immense popularity and revenue generated by Ohio State, college sports as a whole should be safe. But what about college team props or alternate lines and totals?
- Available sportsbooks: Bettors in Ohio have numerous options to consider for both online and retail sports betting. Will the number of viable books start to shrink if the tax rate climbs again?
- Emerging trends: As long as there are things like computers, mobile devices, and the internet, change is all but a given. The legal online sports betting industry has seen some shifts in a few short years, and more could be on the way.
- Speed: Online and mobile sportsbooks are fast in many aspects, but there’s still room for improvement in payout speeds and live betting.
- Tech: Advancements in AI are just beginning. It’ll be interesting to see how that all plays out as top sportsbooks harness the technology.
- Other: More live streaming capabilities and a wider variety of payment options are among the items where calls for improvement continue to grow louder.
Responsible Gambling in Ohio
When betting on sports, adhering to responsible gambling tenets such as playing with your head and never over it helps to keep it entertaining. That’s not the case for everyone. Problem gambling is a real problem. Thankfully, there are resources to turn to when needed.
- Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline - 1-800-589-9966
- Ohio for Responsible Gambling website
- Gambling Help Ohio website
Beyond always playing responsibly, stick to the legal and regulated websites and apps for sports betting. You can find a complete list of licensed operators on the Ohio Casino Control Commission website.
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