Legal sports betting in Kentucky may only be a glimmer in the eyes of state legislators, but the state’s neighbor to the north is gearing up for a highly anticipated launch.
Ohio sports betting goes live on Jan. 1, 2023. Kentucky dwellers who live near the border and don’t mind a short drive to the Buckeye State can get in on the action as soon as New Year’s Day. If you’re in Kentucky and eager to join in on the Ohio sports betting fun, here’s what you need to know.
FC Cincinnati Temporary Sportsbook Planned For January 1
FC Cincinnati partnered with provider SuperBook USA to offer sports betting in Ohio. It looks like that deal will take shape as a temporary sports betting location at Taft’s Ale House. The address is 1429 Race St, Cincinnati OH, 45202.
For Kentucky bettors, this is great news. Taft’s Ale House is just across the Ohio River, which functions as the border between the two states. If you live in Northern Kentucky and are willing to drive into Ohio for some sports betting, you can do so at Taft’s Ale House. Reports say the temporary sportsbook there will open on January 1.
This is just one of many options Kentuckians have for betting in Ohio.
Sports Betting at Kiosks
Ohio law also permits sports betting kiosks to be placed in retail establishments like bars, bowling alleys, golf courses, and even grocery stores, and there will be plenty of these kiosks in Cincinnati.
Ohio Online Sports Gambling
In most legal states, the large majority of sports betting takes place via mobile devices or online, and if you’d rather bet on your phone than at a retail location in Ohio, there’s an easy way for Kentuckians to do that.
Once Ohio online sports betting launches at 12:01 a.m. ET on January 1, you can travel across the border and use Ohio sportsbook apps to place bets from your mobile device.
There are a few key things to note here. First, you must be physically within the state of Ohio to place a mobile bet. This will be confirmed using your phone’s GPS. Your sportsbook of choice won’t let you place a wager until your location is confirmed. Make sure you enable location services while using a sportsbook app, so you don’t run into any issues.
Second, you’ll need to meet the Ohio sports betting requirements. Being located in Ohio at the time of placing a bet is the first one, which we’ve already covered. You also need to be 21 years old or above. Sportsbook apps in Ohio will confirm this using information you provide upon signing up.
Here’s a handy list of top Ohio sportsbooks and their sign-up offers. Again, you must be within the Ohio state borders (or in another state where sports betting is legal) to place a bet:
| Ohio Sportsbook 📱 | Why We Like It⭐️ | Ohio Bonus Offer 💰 |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Ohio | Best overall betting experience | Claim $200 in bet credit + 20% Deposit Match up to $1,000 |
| Caesars Ohio | Best for retail bettors | Claim $100 in bet credit + chance to win Cavs tickets |
| BetMGM Ohio | Best for new bettors | Claim $200 in bet credit |
| FanDuel Ohio | Best for iOS & Android app | Claim $100 in bet credit + 3 free months of NBA League Pass |
| Bet365 Ohio | Best welcome offer | Claim $100 in bet credit + bet $1 and get $200 on launch |
| PointsBet Ohio | Best for exotic bets | Claim $700 in bet credits |
| Betfred Ohio | Best for niche sports markets | Claim $20 Bonus Bet on launch day + up to $1,111 in bet credits |
What To Bet on in Ohio
Kentucky residents who travel to Ohio will have plenty of wagering options.
The NFL is in full swing, with the last few weeks of the regular season and the playoffs providing plenty of fodder. The Cincinnati Bengals have already clinched a playoff spot in the AFC alongside the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals host the Bills in Week 17 in a huge Monday night game.
The 6-9 Cleveland Browns have no more playoff hopes, unfortunately, as the squad has been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention. The Browns face the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Jan. 2.
The NBA and NHL are both in season right now, too. Ohio sportsbooks will offer multiple ways to bet some action down on the Cleveland Cavaliers and Columbus Blue Jackets.
College basketball is heating up, and the Kentucky Wildcats are again nationally-ranked. Ohio State looks to right the ship following a Sweet Sixteen outing (defeated by Villanova) in 2022.
Of course, Ohio State is in the College Football Playoff, and while the launch of sports betting in the state comes just a little too late for kickoff, should the Buckeyes beat Georgia, Ohio sportsbooks will be ready for Buckeye action in the National Championship game on January 9.
Ohio sports betting does not restrict bets on college teams, so whether you’re a fan of Kentucky or Louisville basketball, Ohio State football, or another NCAA team, you’ll be able to bet on those teams once Ohio sports betting goes live.
Shop around: Find the Ohio sportsbook that’s right for you
About the Author
