April Sports Betting Revenue Tops $73.6M, with Funds Supporting Local Impact

COLUMBUS, OH — July 2, 2025
Ohio’s sports betting industry has matured quickly, and by April 2025, it’s no longer just about placing bets on games. It's about what those bets fund: education, mental health services, and problem gambling treatment programs. With $807.2 million wagered in April and $73.7 million in gross revenue, Ohio is not only seeing sustained growth but also reinforcing how betting can benefit communities when managed with purpose.

Three-Year Comparison: April Performance

Revenue has plateaued, but wagering volume is climbing, showing deeper engagement from Ohio bettors. The market is stabilizing, with fewer giveaways and more efficient tax generation.

A 9.13% hold rate, up from March’s 6.70%, helped Ohio sportsbooks generate nearly $15 million in tax revenue, furthering the state’s community investment mission.

Where Ohio’s Betting Taxes Go

Ohio’s 20% tax on sportsbook revenue isn’t just pocket change; it’s policy in motion. Since legalization, the state has prioritized three core areas:

1. Education Initiatives
   A portion of tax dollars supports public and charter school programs, particularly in underserved districts.
2. Problem Gambling Support
   Funding goes to the Problem Sports Gaming Fund, which finances treatment centers, awareness campaigns, and prevention research. In April alone, nearly $295,000 was allocated specifically to these services.
3. General Revenue Fund (GRF)
   The rest of the money enters the GRF to support public services like transportation, emergency response, and infrastructure development.

Ohio’s Fast-Paced Industry History

Ohio legalized sports betting through House Bill 29, signed into law in December 2021. The market launched on January 1, 2023, and quickly emerged as one of the strongest in the Midwest.

2023: The industry’s first spring saw explosive volume, with April handle exceeding $520M and sportsbooks holding an eye-popping 12.17%. However, aggressive promos inflated margins.

2024: Operators adjusted, and the ecosystem matured. April GGR hit $74M on a $673M handle with more sustainable tax revenue.

2025: This year, total wagers have steadily increased but margins have tightened. April GGR held flat year over year, but total bets surged nearly 20%.

Biggest in the U.S: 16 Sportsbooks Compete for Ohio Bettors

Much of that volume is driven by the 16 online sportsbooks licensed to operate in Ohio.

Operators currently active in Ohio:

1. Bally Bet
2. Bet365
3. BetJACK
4. Betly
5. betMGM
6. Betr
7. BetRivers
8. Caesars Sportsbook
9. DraftKings
10. ESPN BET
11. Fanatics Sportsbook
12. FanDuel
13. Hard Rock
14. MVGBet
15. Prime Sportsbook
16. Underdog

This dense operator landscape fuels intense competition, frequent innovation, and aggressive promotional rotations, all under oversight from the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which mandates responsible gambling policies and compliance standards across the board.

Beyond Just Numbers

What sets Ohio apart isn’t just the billions wagered; it’s the intentional use of that money. Where many states treat betting as pure revenue, Ohio embeds it into a broader public benefit.

This year’s April revenue may not have broken records, but it reflects a disciplined, steady growth curve that regulators envisioned. Ohio appears positioned for long-term betting sustainability with rising handle, consistent tax flows, and a competitive operator base.