Ohio Sportsbooks

12 min read

Ohio Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

Ohio has become one of the latest states to embrace legal sports betting, offering residents and visitors a wide array of options to engage with their favorite sports through wagering. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the landscape of sports betting in the Buckeye State.

Legal Ohio Sports Betting

Ohio's entry into the legal sports betting market has been highly anticipated and well-executed, providing a robust and competitive environment for both operators and bettors. The state's approach to legalization has set a strong foundation for a thriving sports betting industry.

What is Legal Sports Betting in Ohio?

Legal sports betting in Ohio refers to the state-regulated practice of wagering on sporting events through licensed operators. This includes both retail locations and online/mobile platforms, allowing bettors to place wagers on a wide variety of sports and events from anywhere within state borders.

Ohio launched both retail and online sports betting simultaneously on January 1, 2023, marking one of the largest synchronous launches in U.S. sports betting history.

Ohio Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

  • December 2019: First sports betting bill introduced in the Ohio legislature
  • December 2020: Sports betting legislation fails to pass before the end of the legislative session
  • December 8, 2021: Governor Mike DeWine signs House Bill 29 into law, legalizing sports betting in Ohio
  • June 2022: Ohio Casino Control Commission releases initial draft of sports betting rules
  • November 2022: Ohio finalizes regulations and begins licensing process
  • January 1, 2023: Ohio launches legal sports betting, including both retail and online options

New Ohio Bonuses

Welcome Bonus
21, Terms and Conditions Apply
Copied!
Click to copy code
Get bonus
Bonus Review
Rewards Program
21, Terms and Conditions Apply
Copied!
Click to copy code
Get bonus
Bonus Review
Rewards Program
21, Terms and Conditions Apply
Copied!
Click to copy code
Get bonus
Bonus Review

Best Ohio Sportsbooks

Ohio's sports betting market launched with a diverse selection of operators, providing bettors with numerous options. Some of the top sportsbooks available in Ohio include:

  1. FanDuel Sportsbook
  2. DraftKings Sportsbook
  3. BetMGM
  4. Caesars Sportsbook
  5. Barstool Sportsbook
  6. BetRivers
  7. PointsBet
  8. Bet365
  9. Superbook
  10. Hard Rock Sportsbook

These sportsbooks offer a combination of competitive odds, user-friendly interfaces, and attractive promotions for Ohio bettors.

Online Sports Betting in Ohio

Ohio's approach to online sports betting has been comprehensive and forward-thinking, allowing for a wide range of operators to enter the market. Bettors can access online sportsbooks via desktop websites or mobile apps, providing convenience and flexibility in placing wagers.

null
Ohio's online sports betting market launched with over a dozen operators, offering one of the most competitive landscapes in the United States.

How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Ohio?

To sign up for an online sportsbook in Ohio, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a licensed Ohio sportsbook from the approved operators.
  2. Visit the sportsbook's website or download their mobile app.
  3. Click on the "Sign Up" or "Register" button.
  4. Provide the required personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, and last four digits of your Social Security number.
  5. Create a username and password for your account.
  6. Agree to the terms and conditions and verify your age and identity.
  7. Set up your preferred payment method for deposits and withdrawals.
  8. Once your account is verified, you can make your first deposit and start betting.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Ohio?

Ohio offers a comprehensive range of sports betting options, covering both professional and collegiate sports. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular sports available for betting:

NFL

The National Football League is a major draw for Ohio bettors, with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals generating significant local interest. Bettors can wager on regular season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl, with options ranging from point spreads and moneylines to player props and futures bets.

NBA

Basketball fans can enjoy betting on NBA games throughout the season, including the regular season, playoffs, and Finals. The Cleveland Cavaliers are a popular team for local bettors, but wagers can be placed on any NBA team or game.

MLB

Baseball betting is available for all Major League Baseball games, from spring training through the World Series. The Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds provide local interest, but bettors can wager on any MLB team or game.

NHL

Hockey enthusiasts can bet on NHL games, including regular season matchups, playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Finals. While Ohio doesn't have an NHL team, the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL are popular among local bettors.

College Sports

Ohio allows betting on college sports, including football and basketball. This is particularly exciting given the state's rich college sports tradition, especially in football with teams like Ohio State.

NASCAR

Auto racing fans can bet on NASCAR events, including race winners, head-to-head matchups, and various prop bets related to race outcomes and driver performances.

Ohio's Sports Teams to Bet On

Ohio is home to several professional sports teams that attract significant betting interest:

  1. Cleveland Browns (NFL)
  2. Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
  3. Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
  4. Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
  5. Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
  6. Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
  7. Columbus Crew (MLS)
  8. FC Cincinnati (MLS)
null
The success of teams like the Cincinnati Bengals in recent years has boosted interest in sports betting across the state.

Ohio College Sports Teams

Ohio has a rich tradition in college sports, particularly in football. Some of the major college teams that attract betting action include:

  1. Ohio State Buckeyes
  2. Cincinnati Bearcats
  3. Xavier Musketeers
  4. Dayton Flyers
  5. Miami (OH) RedHawks
  6. Ohio Bobcats

Types of Wagers Available

Ohio sportsbooks offer a wide variety of betting options to cater to different preferences and strategies. Here are some of the most common types of wagers available:

Moneyline

A straightforward bet on which team or player will win a game or match. The odds are presented as positive or negative numbers, indicating underdogs and favorites.

Parlays

Combining multiple bets into a single wager. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out, but the potential returns are higher than individual bets.

Totals

Also known as over/under bets, these wagers are placed on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.

Point Spreads

A bet on the margin of victory in a game. The favorite gives up points (spreads), while the underdog receives points, evening out the betting field.

Futures

Long-term bets on outcomes that will be decided in the future, such as championship winners, division titles, or individual player awards.

Prop Bets

Wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game that may not directly affect the final result. These can range from player performance stats to game events.

Live Bets

Also known as in-play betting, this allows bettors to place wagers on games that are already in progress, with odds updating in real-time based on the action.

Prohibited Bets

While Ohio offers a wide range of betting options, there are some restrictions in place:

  1. No betting on high school sports
  2. Restrictions on certain types of college prop bets
  3. No betting on non-sporting events (e.g., elections, entertainment awards)
null
Always check with your chosen sportsbook for the most up-to-date information on prohibited bets, as regulations can change.

Choosing the Right Ohio Betting Site

With multiple options available in Ohio, it's crucial to select the right sportsbook for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

What Should I Look For When Deciding Which Ohio Online Sports Betting Site is Right for me?

When selecting an Ohio online sports betting site, consider the following factors:

  1. Licensing and regulation: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
  2. User experience: Look for an intuitive, easy-to-use interface on both mobile and desktop platforms.
  3. Betting markets: Choose a sportsbook that offers a wide range of sports and betting options that align with your interests.
  4. Competitive odds: Compare odds across different sportsbooks to ensure you're getting the best value.
  5. Bonuses and promotions: Look for welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and loyalty programs that can provide added value.
  6. Banking options: Ensure the sportsbook offers convenient and secure deposit and withdrawal methods.
  7. Customer support: Check for responsive and helpful customer service through multiple channels.
  8. Reputation and user reviews: Research the sportsbook's track record and read user feedback to gauge reliability and customer satisfaction.

Why Should I Have At Least 3 Ohio Sportsbook Accounts?

Having multiple sportsbook accounts in Ohio offers several advantages:

  1. Line shopping: Compare odds across different sportsbooks to find the best value for your bets.
  2. Diverse promotions: Take advantage of various bonuses and promotions offered by different operators.
  3. Expanded betting options: Access a wider range of betting markets and unique prop bets.
  4. Reduced limits: Spread your action across multiple books to avoid hitting betting limits on a single platform.
  5. Backup options: If one sportsbook experiences technical issues, you have alternatives to place your bets.

What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available?

Ohio sportsbooks typically offer a range of deposit and withdrawal options, including:

  1. ACH/e-check
  2. Credit/debit cards
  3. PayPal
  4. Play+ prepaid cards
  5. Online bank transfer
  6. Wire transfer
  7. PayNearMe (at select locations)
  8. Cash at casino cage (for sportsbooks associated with retail casinos)
null
The availability of deposit and withdrawal options may vary between sportsbooks, so check with your chosen operator for specific details.

Sports Betting in Ohio: The Big Picture

Ohio's sports betting market has quickly established itself as one of the most robust in the United States. 

With a combination of major professional sports teams, popular college programs, and a competitive landscape of operators, Ohio offers a rich betting environment for both casual and serious bettors.

Ohio Sports Betting Tax Rate

Ohio has set a competitive tax rate for sports betting revenue. Operators are subject to a 10% tax on gross gaming revenue. 

This rate allows operators to offer competitive odds and promotions to bettors while still generating significant revenue for the state.

Importance of Responsible Gaming in Ohio

Ohio takes responsible gaming seriously, implementing various measures to promote safe betting practices and provide support for those who may be experiencing gambling-related issues. Some key initiatives include:

  1. Self-exclusion programs: Bettors can voluntarily ban themselves from online betting platforms and retail sportsbooks.
  2. Deposit limits: Sportsbooks are required to offer features allowing users to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits.
  3. Time limits: Platforms must provide options for bettors to limit their betting session durations.
  4. Resources and support: Ohio provides access to problem gambling helplines and treatment programs through the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline.
  5. Educational initiatives: The state promotes awareness of responsible gaming practices and potential risks associated with gambling.

Ohio Sports Betting FAQ

Legality

Is sports betting legal in Ohio?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Ohio, with both retail and online options available since January 1, 2023.

Residency

Do I need to be an Ohio resident to bet on sports in the state?

No, you don't need to be a resident. However, you must be physically located within Ohio state borders to place online bets.

Minimum Age

What is the minimum age to bet on sports in Ohio?

The legal age for sports betting in Ohio is 21 years old.

NCAA Betting

Can I bet on college sports in Ohio?

Yes, betting on college sports is allowed in Ohio, including on in-state teams.

In-Person Registraton

Do I need to register in person for online sports betting in Ohio?

No, Ohio allows fully online registration for sports betting accounts.

Offshore Options

Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Ohio?

 No, offshore sportsbooks are not legal in Ohio. Only licensed and regulated sportsbooks within the state are permitted.

Summary of Ohio Sports Betting Options

Ohio offers a comprehensive and competitive sports betting market, featuring:

  • A wide range of licensed online and retail sportsbooks
  • Betting options on professional and collegiate sports, including popular local teams
  • Various types of wagers, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, and prop bets
  • Fully online registration and account management
  • A competitive 10% tax rate on sports betting revenue
  • Strong responsible gaming initiatives

With its robust offering and consumer-friendly regulations, Ohio has quickly established itself as a major player in the U.S. sports betting industry, providing a safe and exciting environment for sports enthusiasts to enjoy wagering on their favorite teams and events.