Ohio legal sports betting has been up and running since January 1, 2023, when 16 online sportsbooks launched on the same day. Today, there are 19 legal sports betting apps in the state, and that number is expected to eventually grow to 25. The competition in The Buckeye State is great if you’re thinking about sports betting because you have more choices than most other states where sports betting is legal.
Few states can compete with Ohio’s sportsbook options as the state offers 19 unique sportsbooks to choose from. With so many options, I want you to be as informed as possible. I will provide you with details on your best sportsbook options in Ohio and explain how to get started with sports betting. I’ll also detail the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which Ohio teams to wager on and responsible gambling resources.
Top Sportsbooks In Ohio
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Is sports betting legal in ohio?
Yes, sports betting is finally legal in Ohio thanks to Governor Mike DeWine signing House Bill 29 into law in December of 2021. The Buckeye State took its sweet time getting sports betting up and running and launched 16 different sports betting apps on New Year’s Day in 2023. Thus far, 22 different locations throughout the state have been approved for in-person betting including FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns.
Ohio Quick Facts
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Timeline of betting legislation & Latest News
Ohio did legalize sports betting eventually, but it was a bit late to the party as other neighboring states beat them to the punch. After HB 29 passed in both the house and senate in 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed the bill into law two weeks later. It took another full year for sports betting to go live on January 1, 2023, but when it did, it brought a tidal wave of 16 different sports betting apps to the party.
Feb. 3, 2021
HB 29, a bill to legalize sports betting in Ohio by the end of 2022, was introduced by lawmakers Scott Wiggam and Adam C. Miller
dec. 8, 2021
HB 29, passed in the house and senate
dec. 22, 2021
Governor Mike DeWine signs HB 29 into law, officially allowing online and retail betting in Ohio
jan. 1, 2023
16 online sportsbooks launch on New Year’s Day
jan. 31, 2024
NCAA sends letter to Ohio Casino Control Commission requesting they prohibit player-specific prop bets on intercollegiate athletics competitions, citing match fixing and the possibility of insider information being utilized for betting purpose
feb. 23, 2024
Gov. DeWine approves NCAAs request to ban college player props, citing the importance of protecting the integrity of gaming
july 4, 2024
The Ohio Casino Control Commission discusses how to implement new advertising rules pertaining to sports betting
How to start betting in the state
Getting started betting in Ohio is easy since the state allows for remote registration, meaning you can register for a sportsbook and deposit money into an account from the comfort of your own home. If you’re over 21-years-old and in Ohio, you can download your favorite sports betting app on a smartphone, deposit money, verify your identity, and start betting now.
Select a sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
create account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
Ohio is home to six different professional sports teams across the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. While these six pro teams have combined to win only one championship since 1990, they still receive plenty of support from loyal fans state-wide.
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USA Betting News
Ohio for Responsible Gaming (ORG) prides itself on promoting responsible gambling for those in Ohio. The organization’s website features literature and initiatives to proactively prevent bad gambling habits from forming as well as resources for those who are already aware of problematic behavior. The website also houses a link to Ohio’s voluntary exclusion program which is a useful tool for those who need assistance setting boundaries with gambling behavior.
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