A total of 18 of the best sportsbooks are now participating in legal Ohio sports betting.
Bettors can claim the top Ohio sports betting bonuses worth over $4,800 that sports betting apps are offering new users.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) was at the forefront of making sure everything was set for the launch so Ohio bettors could wager on popular sporting events like the Super Bowl and March Madness.
Here is all the latest news and information you need to know now that Ohio sportsbooks have launched, including reviews of the top sportsbook apps and how to take advantage of all the Ohio sports betting promo codes listed below.
GET $365
Get $40
Best Ohio Sportsbook Apps Now Live in 2023
Ohio Sportsbook 📱 | Why We Like It⭐️ | Ohio Bonus Offer 💰 |
---|---|---|
bet365 Ohio | Best welcome offer | Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets Use Code GTODAYOH |
Caesars Ohio | Best for retail bettors | Get a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars Use Code TODAY1000 |
BetMGM Ohio | Best for new bettors | Claim up to $1,500 first bet offer Use Code TODAY OR bet $10 to get $200 in Bonus Bets with code GETTODAY |
Betfred Ohio | Best for niche sports markets | Claim up to $1,111 in Fred Bets |
Betway Ohio | Best for international events | Bet $20, Get a $40 Bonus Bet Offer |
BetRivers Ohio | Best sports betting app | Claim a Second Chance Bet up to $100 Use Code TODAYRIV |
21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Ohio. A total of 18 sportsbooks are currently live and offering bonuses including Caesars and FanDuel.
Retail and online sports betting launched in Ohio in January 2023 after a lengthy wait. Ohio residents can now place wagers on collegiate and professional games, as well as the Olympics, horse racing, race car events, and esports all under the terms of the legislation. The legal age to bet is set at 21.
Ohio Sports Betting – Quick Overview
ℹ️ Ohio Sports Betting | ✔ Available |
💰Types of Sports Betting | 📲 Online 🏙 Retail 🏧 Kiosks |
📱Apps Now Live | 18 |
💻 Online Registration | ✔ Available |
🏫 College Sports Betting | ✔ Available |
🎮 Esports Betting | ⚠ Limited availability |
🎰 Online Casinos | 🚫 Not available |
♦️Online Poker | 🚫 Not available |
🏇🏻Online Horse Racing | ✔ Available |
💲Tax Rate | 20% |
Best Ohio Sportsbook Bonuses & Launch Promotions
Ohio sports betting is now live and all the Ohio sportsbooks are offering sign-up bonuses for new users. Requiring little to no financial commitment, new users can claim over $4,800 in Ohio sports betting bonuses. Claim the offers below to get started.
Best Welcome Offer

21+ and present in OH. Terms and Conditions Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
Best Welcome Offer
bet365 Ohio
21+ and present in OH. Terms and Conditions Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
Welcome Offer
Bet $1, Get $365 in Bonus Bets
Bet365 Bonus Code
GTODAYOH
Owned By
Denise Coates
New users of the bet365 Sportsbook app receive an impressive welcome offer. Bet $1 on the platform, and you get $365 in bonus bets at bet365 using code GTODAYOH. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits, and exclusions apply. Unlike some competitors, users will receive this bonus whether their wager wins or loses, which is a very generous promotion.
OH: Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Terms and Conditions & 21+
Best loyalty program

OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum bet credit $1,000; must be used within 14 days of receipt. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Best loyalty program
Caesars Sportsbook Ohio
OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum bet credit $1,000; must be used within 14 days of receipt. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Welcome Offer:
$1,000
Promo Code
TODAY1000
Owned By
Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Sportsbook is one of the top-rated betting apps in America. This isn’t surprising considering Caesars Entertainment backs it. Users will also want to take advantage of its loyalty program and one of the most polished apps on the market.
New bettors can get a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars. Additional terms and conditions apply. CLAIM NOW
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best for New Bettors

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Best for New Bettors
BetMGM Ohio
21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
First Bet Offer
Up to $1,500
Or Bet $10
Get $200
Bonus Code
TODAY
Owned By
MGM Resorts International
The BetMGM Sportsbook app is as good as it gets, and the market depth includes a huge selection of sports and some of the most competitive odds. The BetMGM Lines are highly competitive, and you can often find the best odds on events.
New users in Ohio can get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 in bonus bets with code TODAY. Additional terms and conditions apply.
BETMGM NFL Promo - Bet $10 on any NFL game and Win $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly! (Not Available in DC, NY, MS or NV. Please note the $1,500 Bonus Bet offer mentioned elsewhere in this review cannot be combined with this offer) - To claim Click This Link and use Bonus Code GETTODAYTerms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best for Niche Sports Markets

OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
Best for Niche Sports Markets
Betfred Ohio
OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
Bet $50, Get
Up to $111
Additional Offer
Up to $1,000
Betfred Ohio Bonus Code
GTODAY
Local Parnter
Cincinnati Bengals
Betfred is not available in nearly as many states as other sports betting apps like DraftKings; however, it’s a great app that bettors in Ohio will want to download. Betfred Ohio will offer great niche sports markets as well.
The Betfred Ohio offer allows new users to claim up to $111 in Fred Bets. When users bet $50 they will get $111 in Fred Bets and could receive up to an additional $1,000 in Fred Bets (get 50% back on weekly losses up to $200 for 5 weeks).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY & 21+
Best For International Events

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Best For International Events
Betway Ohio
21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Promo Offer:
Bet $20, Get a $40 Bonus Bet
Local Partner
Cleveland Cavaliers
Licensed By
Ohio Casino Control Commission
Betway Sportsbook isn’t as well-known in the US as some of the other popular Ohio sportsbooks, but it offers competitive odds, a great selection of betting markets, and a wide variety of leagues to wager on.
Right now, you can Bet $20 and Get a $40 Bonus Bet on your first wager. CLAIM NOW
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best Sports Betting App

Must be 21+. Available in OH only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Sports gaming is provided in partnership with Dayton Real Estate Ventures, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
Best Sports Betting App
BetRivers Ohio
Must be 21+. Available in OH only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Sports gaming is provided in partnership with Dayton Real Estate Ventures, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
2nd Chance Bet
Up to $100
Bonus Code
TODAYRIV
One sportsbook that has received traction over the last year is BetRivers. This platform has expanded across much of the United States and is looking to break into Canada. It’s a tremendous option for sports betting in Maryland as it does not require a playthrough or specific odds minimum. New users in Ohio can claim a Second Chance Bet up to $100 paid back in bet credits with code TODAYRIV.
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Ohio Sports Betting News
-
July 10, 2023:
After Gov. Mike DeWine raised the Ohio sports betting tax rate to 20%, Ohio House Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz criticized the move as “shortsighted”, Cleveland.com reports. “I didn’t think we liked to raise taxes as Republicans in Ohio,” Bill Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, said. “I don’t agree with it. I think its shortsighted.” DeWine spokesman Dan Tierney said the governor proposed the change in February in response to aggressive ad campaigns from sports betting companies pushing boundaries.
-
July 1, 2023:
The tax rate on sports betting operators in Ohio will double after state lawmakers passed a $86.1 billion state budget that would raise the tax rate from 10% to 20% starting in July. The change in the sports gaming tax rate is expected to boost Ohio’s sports betting tax revenue by $100 million to $135 million annually,
-
June 30, 2023:
The Ohio Gaming Control Commission reported that Ohio sportsbooks handled $446.2 million in combined handle for May 2023. Of the total, $430.7 million in handle came from online sports betting in Ohio.
-
June 27, 2023:
Betr, which counts Ohio native Jake Paul among its co-founders, announced it has secured $35 million in new funding at a $300 million pre-money valuation. Betr is licensed and operational in Ohio and Massachusetts, is licensed in Virginia with plans to launch soon, and holds market access in Indiana and other jurisdictions that will be announced soon.
-
June 21, 2023:
BetMGM, in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds, officially announced the relocation of the BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park to The Banks in downtown Cincinnati. The sportsbook will feature the city’s fourth Nation Kitchen & Bar, a full-service restaurant. The BetMGM Sportsbook will be located at the corner of Second Street and Joe Nuxhall Way in the area formerly occupied by Galla Park.
-
June 7, 2023:
Matt Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, blasted the decision by Kentucky regulators for legalizing sports betting in the Bluegrass State for those 18 and older, ABC 9 WCPO reports. Ohio casinos and sportsbooks are prohibited from taking bets from anyone under the age of 21. “The age group that is most at risk of developing a gambling problem are males 18 to 35,” Schuler said.
-
June 6, 2023:
The Ohio Gaming Control Commission reported that Ohio sportsbooks handled $520.6 million in combined handle for April 2023, down from $737.2 million in bets recorded for March 2023. Of the total, $505.6 million in handle came from online sports betting in Ohio.
-
May 17, 2023:
The Ohio Casino Control Commission approved a permanent license for Phantom Fireworks to run a sports betting facility in downtown Youngstown, WKBN 27 reports. The plan is to run the sports book at the Covelli Centre where a section will be added on.
-
May 1, 2023:
The Ohio Gaming Control Commission reported that Ohio sportsbooks handled $737.2 million in bets combined in March 2023, an increase over February’s tally of $638.8 million. Of the March handle, $715.3 million was bet online or via mobile devices.
-
April 28, 2023:
Fanatics Sportsbook plans to launch its first two online sports betting apps in Tennessee and Ohio on May 1, a spokesperson confirmed to Gaming Today. All residents of Ohio and Tennessee will be able to download the Fanatics sports betting app on Monday through Android and IOS app markets. But everyone will need an access code to wager.
-
March 31, 2023:
The Ohio Gaming Control Commission reported that Ohio sportsbooks handled $638.8 million in bets combined in February 2023. Of the February handle, $621.1 million was bet online or via mobile devices. The total handle is down from the more than $1 billion sportsbooks handled in January, the first month sports betting went live in Ohio.
-
February 14, 2023:
betPARX announced its launch of mobile sports betting in Ohio. betPARX, one of the nation’s leading mobile sportsbook operators, was named an official betting operator of the PGA TOUR and becomes the 18th online sporstbook to go live in Ohio.
-
February 12, 2023:
Ohio stepped straight into GeoComply’s top five states, ranked by geolocation transactions over the Super Bowl weekend. Ohio, which went went live with sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023, was second only to New York with 12.6 million GeoComply geolocation checks over Super Bowl 57 weekend. Ohio was also No. 1 by total unique accounts with 1.1 million for the Super Bowl.
-
January 11, 2023:
On the heels of its sports betting launch in Ohio, bet365 announced a multi-year partnership with the Cleveland Guardians to become the team’s exclusive mobile sports betting partner. bet365 launched in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023. With sites live in New Jersey and Colorado, the Buckeye State became the third US sportsbook for bet365.
-
January 3, 2023:
Ohio’s sports betting launch on New Year’s Day pushed it straight to the top of the US market. GeoComply, a leader in geolocation and anti-fraud solutions for the US iGaming industry, recorded 11.3 million geolocation transactions in Ohio over the course of New Year’s weekend. The start vaulted Ohio to the top of the list of states with the most geolocation volumes recorded by GeoComply over the New Year’s weekend, even surpassing New York.
-
January 1, 2023:
Mobile and retail sports betting launches in Ohio.

bet365 Ohio
Best for New Bettors
- Bonus Offer: Bet $1 on the platform, and you get $365 in bonus bets at bet365 with code GTODAYOH. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. OH: Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
- Bet365 Is Best For:New bettors who want to earn a great welcome offer that allows you to build a bankroll without making a large deposit.

Caesars Ohio
Best Loyalty Program
- Caesars Welcome Offer: New users can get a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars with promo code TODAY1000. OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum bet credit $1,000; must be used within 14 days of receipt. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Caesars Is Best For: The first sportsbook to open a physical, retail location in a sports venue, it’s no surprise Caesars Sportsbook is atop the game. Caesars Sportsbook presents one of the most widely available mobile betting apps in the US market.

BetMGM Ohio
Best for New Bettors
- BetMGM Bonus Offer: New users in Ohio can get a First Bet Offer up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets with code TODAY. Additional terms and conditions apply. BETMGM NFL Promo - Bet $10 on any NFL game and Win $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly! (Not Available in DC, NY, MS or NV. Please note the $1,500 Bonus Bet offer mentioned elsewhere in this review cannot be combined with this offer) - To claim Click This Link and use Bonus Code GETTODAY 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- BetMGM Is Best For: Bettors who want to earn MGM points while having the ability to deposit and withdraw at sportsbooks across the country.

Betfred Ohio
Best for Bonus Bets
- Betfred Promo: New users in Ohio can claim up to $111 in Fred Bets. When users bet $50 they will get $111 in Fred Bets and could receive up to an additional $1,000 in Fred Bets (get 50% back on weekly losses up to $200 for 5 weeks). OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
- Betfred is Best For: Its bonuses and promotions; besides this welcome bonus, which is one of the best in the industry, Betfred offers several promotions for existing players, such as Parlay Insurance and Odds Boosts.

Betway Ohio
Best For International Events
- Betway Promo Offer: New Betway users in Ohio can Bet $20 and Get a $40 Bonus Bet on your first wager. CLAIM NOW 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Betway is Best For: This sportsbook offers a very diverse set of sports betting options, including a wide variety of international leagues and types of wagers.

BetRivers Ohio Sportsbook
Best for Deposit Bonus
- BetRivers Ohio Bonus: Receive a 2nd Chance Bet Up to $100 with affiliate code TODAYRIV. Must be 21+. Available in OH only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Sports gaming is provided in partnership with Dayton Real Estate Ventures, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
- BetRivers Is Best For: Newer bettors that want a simplified sports betting format with consistent parlay boosts and approachable bonuses. It’s simple to place wagers on their desktop website and view select sports to stream, including the NHL.
What Sports Betting Apps Work In Ohio?
A total of 13 retail sportsbooks and 18 online sportsbooks are fully licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission to accept bets in the state.
📱Sportsbook | 🤝 Local Partner | ✅ Now Live |
---|---|---|
📱Bet365 Ohio | 🤝 Cleveland Guardians | ✅ Mobile |
📱Caesars Ohio | 🤝 Cleveland Cavaliers and Scioto Downs | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
📱BetMGM Ohio | 🤝 Cincinnati Reds and MGM Northfield Park | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
📱Betfred Ohio | 🤝 Cincinnati Bengals | ✅ Mobile |
📱Betway | 🤝 Belterra Park | ✅ Mobile |
📱BetRivers Ohio | 🤝 Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway | ✅ Mobile |
📱Barstool Ohio | 🤝 Hollywood Casino Columbus | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
📱PointsBet Ohio | 🤝 Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley | ✅ Mobile |
📱betJACK Ohio | 🤝JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
📱FanDuel Ohio | 🤝 Belterra Park | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
📱Betr | 🤝 Pro Football Hall of Fame Village | ✅ Mobile |
📱Tipico | 🤝 Columbus Crew | ✅ Mobile |
📱Gamewise/MVGBet | 🤝 Miami Valley Gaming and Racing | ✅ Mobile |
📱Hard Rock Digital | 🤝 Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
📱SuperBook | 🤝 FC Cincinnati | ✅ Mobile and Retail |
📱betParx | 🤝 Muirfield Village Golf Course | ✅ Mobile |
📱Fanatics | 🤝 Columbus Blue Jackets | ✅ Mobile |
📱DraftKings Ohio | 🤝 Hollywood Casino Toledo | ✅ Mobile |
Which Sports Can I Bet On In Ohio?
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has an approved a sports wagering catalog, establishing what customers can and cannot bet on with online sports betting now live in the state. Ohio bettors can wager on a wide range of sports and entertainment options.
✅ Approved Wagering Events | 🚫Unapproved Wagering Events |
---|---|
✅ Major Sports Leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NFL) | 🚫 Halftime performances |
✅ College Sports | 🚫 Coin Flips |
✅ Olympics (Summer and Winter) | 🚫 High School or Youth Sports |
✅ Boxing and MMA | 🚫 Events which are pre-recorded |
✅ Golf (LIV, PGA Tour, et al) and Tennis (ATP, WTA) | 🚫 Events in which more than 50% of the participating athletes are under age 18 |
Where Can I Bet On Sports In Ohio?
Now that Ohio sports betting is legal and has launched, residents can also walk into a retail sports betting location and place a bet in person. Find out what cities have already been approved for an Ohio retail sportsbook and which ones are open now.
Caesars Sportsbook: Rocket Mortgage Field House
- Caesars Sportsbook was among the sportsbooks that opened its doors on New Year’s Day 2023 —starting at 9 a.m. Caesars Sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is Caesars Entertainment’s third sportsbook at a U.S. professional sports facility, adding to the industry’s first in-arena sportsbook – Caesars Sportsbook at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., and Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field in Arizona, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The space is open near year-round on both event and non-event days.
BetMGM Sportsbook: The Banks (Coming Soon)
- On June 21, 2023, BetMGM and the Cincinnati Reds announced the relocation of the BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park to The Banks in downtown Cincinnati. The BetMGM Sportsbook will be located at the corner of Second Street and Joe Nuxhall Way in the area formerly occupied by Galla Park. The new sportsbook will feature a restaurant open to all ages, along with a sportsbook open to patrons 21 and older.
- The existing BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park will remain open throughout Fall 2023.
BetMGM Sportsbook: MGM Northfield Park
- A second BetMGM retail sportsbook location opened at MGM Northfield Park on New Year’s Day. The sportsbook has 2,200 square ft of space and offers has 14 total kiosks within the gaming floor and 16 odds boards.
FanDuel Sportsbook: Belterra Park
- FanDuel Sportsbook opened its retail location at Belterra Park on Jan. 5. The sportsbook is a 2,800-square-foot location and offers sports betting with 4 self-service betting kiosks, 12 television screens, and a large video wall with a sports ticker. FanDuel offers spreads, single bets, parlays, and more, for all major U.S. sports including professional soccer, football, golf, boxing, motorsports, and collegiate football and basketball.
Approved Retail Ohio Sportsbooks
🏦Approved Ohio Retail Sportsbooks | 📍Address | 🏦Approved Ohio Retail Sportsbooks | 📍Address |
---|---|---|---|
🏦SPIRE Institute | 📍5201 Spire Cir, Geneva, OH 44041 | 🏦Progressive Field | 📍2401 Ontario St, Cleveland, OH 44115 |
🏦Hollywood Casino Toledo | 📍1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH 43605 | 🏦Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati | 📍1000 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
🏦Hollywood Casino Columbus | 📍200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228 | 🏦Belterra Park Cincinnati | 📍6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230 |
🏦Scioto Downs | 📍6000 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207 | 🏦Paul Brown Stadium | 📍1 Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
🏦Muirfield Village Golf Club | 📍5750 Memorial Dr, Dublin, OH 43017 | 🏦TQL Stadium | 📍1501 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45214 |
🏦Nationwide Arena | 📍200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215 | 🏦Great American Ball Park | 📍100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
🏦JACK Cleveland Casino | 📍100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113 | 🏦MGM Northfield Park | 📍10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067 |
🏦Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse | 📍1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115 | 🏦Pro Football Hall of Fame | 📍2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708 |
🏦JACK Thistledown Racino | 📍21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 44128 | 🏦Miami Valley Gaming | 📍6000 OH-63, Lebanon, OH 45036 |
🏦FirstEnergy Stadium | 📍100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, OH 44114 | 🏦Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course | 📍655 N Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515 |
🏦Historic Crew Stadium | 📍One Black and Gold Blvd, Columbus, OH 43211 | 🏦Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | 📍777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414 |
How to Bet at Ohio Sportsbooks
There are two major ways in which sports bettors are able to place wagers: online or in-person registration. Read below to find out how to bet as a new sports betting app user.
Download a Legal Ohio Sports Betting App
BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, PointsBet, Betfred, and BetRivers are all great options when it comes to finding the best betting app on the market. They are all available to both iOS and Android users, too. iPhone users will be able to download their favorite sportsbooks right from the App Store. The Google Play Store approves gambling apps on a case-by-case basis, so Android users can check the Google Play store platform or go directly to the website of their sportsbook of choice.
After downloading the app, the installation will begin automatically regardless of the platform used. The apps will also likely install geolocation software as a requirement of sports betting legislation. All other states require geolocation software to be installed, which will prevent sports bettors from placing wagers outside Ohio state lines.
Create Account
Next, players will be required to register for their choice sportsbook by providing some pieces of personal information. This may include details like their Social Security number, physical address, and date of birth. All of this can be used to verify their identity and make sure they are actually Ohio residents.
Fund the Account
After downloading and registering for a sportsbook, players will be able to fund their sports betting accounts using a variety of methods. The best deposit methods are PayPal and online bank transfer. Credit card deposits usually get rejected. If they go through, the transaction is usually considered a cash advance, which comes with fees. Most Ohio sports betting apps will offer step-by-step directions on how to do this.
Ohio mobile sportsbooks will likely offer the option to deposit and withdraw in cash at the partnering brick-and-mortar casino locations as well.
Place Bets
After funding their accounts, players will be able to place wagers as they please. It’s also a good idea to check for any opening bonuses that may apply in your case depending on the sportsbook you choose to download.
Just be sure to check the terms and conditions, as most opening bonuses have a least a few. For example, you may need to claim your bonus within a week of opening your account.
Ohio Sports Betting Partners
These new Ohio sportsbooks already have a strong presence based on their partnerships with the state’s top sports teams. Many of the sportsbooks have already announced cross-promotional bonuses with their perspective teams.
- Cincinnati Reds: The Reds announced that BetMGM will serve as a sports betting partner for the team and has opened a retail BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park.
- Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals and Betfred announced a multi-year partnership to make Betfred the team’s official sports betting partner.
- Cleveland Browns: The Browns have partnered with Bally Bet as the team’s official sports betting partner.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Caesars Sportsbook has partnered with the team’s official sports betting partner.
- Cleveland Guardians: The Guardians have partnered with bet365 Sportsbook
- Columbus Blue Jackets: Fanatics Sportsbook has plans for a retail sportsbook with the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena
- Columbus Crew: The Columbus Crew announced a partnership with Tipico as their official sports betting partner.
- FC Cincinnati: Cincinnati has partnered with SuperBook as their official sports betting partner for mobile and a retail sportsbook
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Village: Not a specific professional sports team, but honoring many of the Ohio NFL teams, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has partnered with Betr Ohio for their retail sports betting partner.
Betting On Ohio Sports Teams
The launch of sports betting in Ohio taps into a massive market for the industry. Although other states have more professional sports franchises to boast about, Ohio has multiple professional sports teams with dedicated fans.
Lucky for all the football fanatics, the launch of sports betting coming to residents in January has allowed for there to still be room to bet on college and NFL games. Looking ahead across all the Ohio professional teams there will be no shortage of teams to wager on.
Ohio’s most famous professional leagues are the NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, and NHL. The famous teams to speak of are:
🏆 Ohio Sports Team | League |
---|---|
🏈 Cincinnati Bengals | NFL |
🏈 Cleveland Browns | NFL |
🏀 Cleveland Cavaliers | NBA |
⚾️ Cincinnati Reds | MLB |
⚾️ Cleveland Guardians | MLB |
🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL |
⚽️ Columbus Crew | MLS |
⚽️ FC Cincinnati | MLS |
Cincinnati Bengals
Betting on the Cincinnati Bengals is more popular than ever. The Bengals enjoyed another strong 2022-23 season, clinching a playoff berth for a second straight year thanks to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defeat of the New York Jets on Dec. 22, 2022. Cincinnati nearly earned a Super Bowl berth for a second straight year but fell 23-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
The Bengals should be poised for more success and a popular NFL betting option with quarterback Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, at the helm of the offense. Burrow is a native of Athens, Ohio, in the southeast part of the state, roughly 2.5 hours from Cincinnati.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns, named after original coach and co-founder Paul Brown, compete in the NFL as a member club of the AFC North division. Since resuming operations in 1999, the Browns have struggled to find success, especially during the 2010s when they did not post one winning season throughout that decade. They are one of four teams to have never appeared in a Super Bowl, along with the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
If you are interested in how to bet on the Cleveland Browns, you can read our primer, including upcoming odds, at the link.
Cincinnati Reds
The Ohio fan base is spoiled with two professional teams to bet on in the MLB. The Cincinnati Reds have won five World Series championships, nine NL pennants, one AA pennant, and ten division titles. The team’s last World Series title came in 1990 when the Reds swept the heavily favored Oakland Athletics in four straight. The Cincinnati Reds finished the 2022 season 62-100, tied for fourth in the NL Central. It was their first 100-loss season since 1982 and their second in franchise history.
BetMGM, the Official Sports Betting Partner of the Cincinnati Reds, has a retail BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park.
Cleveland Guardians
On December 18, 2020, the team confirmed that the Indian’s name would be dropped after the 2021 season and that their new name will be the Cleveland Guardians. Since their establishment as a Major League franchise in 1901, the Guardians have won 10 Central division titles, six American League pennants, and two World Series championships in 1920 and 1948. The team’s World Series championship drought since 1948 is the longest active among all 30 current Major League teams.
In 2022, the Cleveland Guardians won the American League Central title for the first time since 2018 and defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card Series. Cleveland ultimately fell to the New York Yankees in the Division Series in five games. The Guardians have partnered with bet365 Sportsbook. With sites live in New Jersey and Colorado, the Buckeye State became the third US sportsbook for bet365.
Columbus Crew (MLS)
The Columbus Crew is one of Ohio’s Major League Soccer (MLS) teams. The Crew was part of the inaugural year of MLS in 1996. The Columbus-based team calls Lower.com Field home as do the 20,000 fans that come out to games. The Crew ended the 2022 season in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, holding a 10-16-8 record. There is an uncertain future ahead for the Crew as the decision was made to fire Head Coach Caleb Porter after the conclusion of this disappointing season. The decision of the new manager of the team has not been announced.
FC Cincinnati (MLS)
FC Cincinnati is the second and newest MLS club in Ohio. The club started out in the United Soccer League Championship (USLC) in 2016 and left to join MLS in 2019. Cincinnati plays at TQL Stadium and has turned the team around since making its MLS debut. Finishing in last place almost every season, this year the club finished in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a 12-13-9 record.
Therefore, Ohio is one of the few states that has all four major sports leagues represented by their own home teams. These teams compete every year in major tournaments and competitions. Each of the above teams also has a small army of dedicated fans that would provide instantaneous sports betting revenue to the state government when Ohio sports betting is finally legalized.
Columbus Blue Jackets
For those in the Buckeye State who want to bet on the NHL, the Blue Jackets have been an exciting option since joining the league as an expansion team in 2000. Columbus advanced to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 2009 and won its first playoff series in the 2019 playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Blue Jackets finished an injury-ravaged 2022-23 season with a record of 25-48-9, 31st overall in the NHL. The Blue Jackets subsequently relieved Brad Larsen of his duties as head coach and also announced that the contract of goaltending coach Manny Legace will not be renewed.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have a solid fan base and are a popular with those who bet in the NBA. In 2016 with superstar and Ohio native LeBron James back on the roster, the Cavaliers won their first NBA Championship, marking Cleveland’s first major sports title since 1964. The 2016 NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors marked the first time in Finals history a team had come back to win the series after trailing three games to one.
More: NBA Betting Promotions
The 2022-23 season saw the Cavs notch 51-wins, but they ran into a more physical, more experienced team in the postseason. The New York Knicks defeated Cleveland in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, cementing the series with a 106-95 win in Game 5 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Can I Bet on College Sports in Ohio?
Yes, betting on college sports in Ohio is legal with no restrictions. With sports betting launching in Ohio in January 2023, state residents were able to bet on the 2023 March Madness tournament for the first time.
While Ohio State men’s basketball team missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017, Ohio was still well represented during March Madness. The Xavier men’s basketball team earned the No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Region.
The Musketeers saw their run end in the Sweet 16 when they lost 83-71 to No. 2 seeded Texas in the NCAA Regional Semifinals at the T-Mobile Center. Xavier ends its season with a 27-10 overall record.
The Kent State Golden Flashes men’s basketball team was selected as the No. 13 seed in the NCAA Tournament but lost to the No. 4 seeded Indiana Hoosiers 71-60 win in the first round in Albany, New York.
Ohio’s loyalty to its professional teams spills over to its collegiate sports, most notably when it comes to betting on Ohio State football.
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team are recognized by the university and NCAA as having won eight national championships with their last title coming in 2014. On the strength of an 11-1 season in 2022, Ohio State was seeded No. 4 and but fell to top-seeded and defending national champion Georgia in the semifinals at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Dec. 31.
Men’s and women’s basketball are also popular at Ohio State. The Ohio State women’s basketball team got off to a record-breaking 19-0 start this season before suffering their first defeat to Iowa on Jan. 23.
Many states that have legalized sports betting have also implemented restrictions on collegiate bets for their home teams. For example, New Jersey doesn’t allow any collegiate sports bets whatsoever if the games take place within the state or if their team is playing.
While Ohio State has urged legislators to limit betting on collegiate sports, bettors will be able to gamble on college sports the way things currently stand in the state’s sports betting market. Unlike some other locations, Ohioans can place wagers on local teams and player prop bets.
Can I Bet Horse Racing in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio has seven horse racing tracks that host live racing. Four of those tracks host live harness racing and three host live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing
- Mahoning Valley Race Course: 655 N. Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, Ohio 44515 (Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Racing)
- Belterra Park: 6301 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45230 (Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Racing)
- JACK Thistledown: 21501 Emery Rd., North Randall, Ohio 44128 (Thoroughbred Racing)
- Miami Valley Gaming & Racing: 6000 SR 63, Lebanon, Ohio 45036 (Standardbred Racing)
- Northfield Park: 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, Ohio 44067 (Standardbred Racing)
- Dayton Raceway: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, Ohio 45414 (Standardbred Racing)
- Scioto Downs: 6000 S. High St., PO Box 7823, Columbus, Ohio 43207 (Standardbred Racing)
BetMGM Ohio also launched a horse racing app that is legal for residents to use and bet on horse racing. The app launched a year ago and allows users within the state of Ohio to bet on over 200 races around the world. While fans wait for sports betting to become available, they can get a head start getting to know BetMGM through their legal horse racing app.
How Did Ohio Sports Betting Become Legal?
Ohio sports betting became legalized when both chambers overwhelmingly approved the activity after long-stalled and sought-after legislation. The amended version of House Bill 29 was first passed by the Senate 31-1, and later by the House, 72-12. Legal sports betting then launched in the state on January 1, 2023 after many months of planning by the Ohio Casino Control Commission to establish sports betting guidelines in the state, awarded sports betting licenses, and approve final business plans.
Sportsbook apps, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, and Ohio sports betting kiosks in bars all became eligible on launch day.
The sports gaming bill, HB 29, was the result of the work of the Conference Committee of Representatives Jay Edwards, Bill Seitz, Adam Miller, and Senators Kirk Schuring, Nathan Manning, and Cecil Thomas. The bill permits Ohio online gambling, under the regulatory authority of the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery.
With 11 casinos and 9 professional teams in Ohio, there are numerous operators in the state once the market settles. Betting on college sports is also allowed in the Buckeye State with no regulations.
WFMJ-TV cited an industry study that suggested Ohio could be among the top sports betting markets in the US when it reaches it’s full maturity.
The study also estimated that Ohio online and retail operators will generate between $9 billion and $12 billion in bets each year by their third year of operation, producing state tax revenue between $70 million and $90 million annually. If these projections prove to be a reality, Ohio will count itself among the most profitable states in the nation when it comes to tax revenue based on legal sports betting.
Ohio Sports Betting Market
Now that the newest sports betting market has launched, there are many opportunities for sports bettors to be creative in the new gambling space. Ohio residents should stick to legal betting methods but can choose between multiple sports betting apps and retail sportsbook locations.
Who Regulates Sports Betting in Ohio?
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has the responsibility to ensure the integrity of casino gaming, sports gaming, skill-based amusement machines and fantasy contests by licensing, regulating, investigating and enforcing state laws.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is a bipartisan regulatory body made up of seven Commissioners, an Executive Director and supporting staff that provides oversight of the casino gaming industry in Ohio. The Commission was created in 2011 following the passage of the Casino Control Law (Revised Code Section 3772).
Any person operating, conducting, or assisting in operating or conducting sports gaming in Ohio must first obtain the appropriate license from the Commission. In so doing, these persons must meet the relevant standards in the state’s sports gaming control law and the rules adopted thereunder.
Ohio Sports Betting Laws, Tax Rates, and License Fees
- Ohio’s sports wagering legislation provides for mobile and land-based within the state’s borders with at least 25 mobile sports betting platforms licensed as permitted platforms.
- The tax rate for sports betting in Ohio was originally set at 10% but will double to 20% after Ohio state lawmakers passed a $86.1 billion state budget on June 30, 2023 that included the rate hike
- The licensing fees for Type A are dependent on the type of license, whether 1 or more mobile provider partnership are involved and the type of organization involved.
- For Type A licenses, initial license fees range from $500,000 to $2,500,000 and renewal fees range from $125,000 to $625,000.
- The initial fee for a Type B licensee that also includes a Type A licensee is $100,000 with a $10,000 renewal fee. For a Type B licensee that is not also a Type A licensee, the initial license fee is $50,000 with a $10,000 renewal fee.
- For a Type C license, the initial license is $100,000 with a $25,000 renewal fee.
Source: American Gaming Association
Ohio Sports Betting Licenses
When planning the launch of Ohio sports betting, the application that each sportsbook or establishment filled would determine which license it would be awarded. These licenses also determine what sports betting experience bettors will have.
- Type A: Mobile and online sports betting apps, such as DraftKings and FanDuel;
- Type B: Retail sports betting establishments such as casinos;
- Type C: Sports betting kiosks available to select bars and restaurants.
Ohio Sports Betting Revenue
Since legal sports betting in Ohio launched, the state has already established itself among the top markets in the country.
Ohio sportsbooks combined to handle $446.2 million in handle for May 2023, down from the $520.6 million between retail and online for the month of April 2023. That total represents the lowest monthly figure since sports betting launched in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023.
February’s revenue total came in at $638.8 million in handle. In January, more than $1 billion was wagered with Ohio sportsbooks, a figure few legal sports betting states have ever hit.
FanDuel once again was the leading Ohio sportsbook, taking in $158.5 million in online handle for May. DraftKings handled more than $137 million in online wagers followed by bet365 with $32.1 million in handle.
🗓 May 2023 | 🗓April 2023 | 🗓 March 2023 | 🗓 February 2023 | 🗓 January 2023 |
---|---|---|---|---|
📱Total Online: $430,671,358 | 📱Total Online: $505,643,097 | 📱Total Online: $715,298,011 | 📱Total Online: $621,111,544 | 📱Total Online: $1,090,347,193 |
🏦 Total Retail: $15,570,018 | 🏦 Total Retail: $14,933,354 | 🏦 Total Retail: $21,928,874 | 🏦 Total Retail: $17,710,580 | 🏦 Total Retail: $22,986,191 |
💰Total Handle: $446,241,376 | 💰Total Handle: $520,576,451 | 💰Total Handle: $737,226,885 | 💰Total Handle: $638,822,124 | 💰Total Handle: $1,113,333,384 |
Since the beginning of legal sports betting in the state, Ohio has surpassed $3 billion in sports bets placed since January and recorded $507,111,611 million in taxable revenue at the 10% rate. The state’s Legislative Budget Office (LBO) estimates the sports gaming market to be approximately $3.35 billion, after several years of operation.
It’s clear that Ohio’s sports betting industry has the potential to provide the state government with a lot of funding power should it continue to grow.
Responsible Gaming Measures in Ohio
Four state agencies in Ohio have come together to form the Ohio for Responsible Gaming initiative. The four agencies include the Ohio Lottery Commission, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Ohio State Racing Commission, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).
OhioMHAS serves as the resource partner for the initiative and the lead agency responsible for prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
The Ohio Casino Control and the Ohio Lottery Commissions have partnered to administer the Time Out Ohio program, which offers individuals the ability to ban themselves from Ohio’s casinos, Ohio racinos and Ohio sports gaming for one year, five years or their lifetime. Once the request is validated, you are not permitted access to any Ohio casino, racino properties and to participate in Ohio sports gaming during the length of the self-imposed ban. This ban may include affiliated properties outside of Ohio.
The OCCC also has a list of resources for problem gamblers.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Ohio Sports Betting FAQs
Yes. Ohio is now a legal sports betting state after the passage of HB 29. Online and in-person sports betting is now available for Ohio residents as of Jan. 1, 2023.
Legal sports betting in Ohio launched on New Year’s Day 2023 at 12:01 a.m. ET. Residents across the state can now place wagers on sports in Ohio.
Top apps like Caesars and DraftKings are among the sportsbooks to offer some of the best Ohio sportsbook bonuses now that the industry is live in the state. Find a full list of Ohio sports betting promo codes here.
No, you do not need to be an Ohio resident to bet online in Ohio. With legal online sportsbooks launched in Ohio, the requirement is only you’re at least 21 years old and physically located within state lines.
You need to be 21 years of age or older. It’s also how old you need to be to visit any of Ohio’s retail casinos.
Now that Ohio sports betting is live, you will be able to bet on all professional-level domestic and international team sports, individual sports, and college sports.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates the active casinos in the state and sports betting.
Yes, it is legal to bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes and any other college team desired. Unlike some other locations, there are no restrictions on betting in-state teams.