Ohio Sports Betting
Legalized retail and online sports betting began in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023. Since then, Ohio sports betting has become a strong revenue earner for the state, with sportsbooks offering tempting sports betting promos and bonuses, with the Ohio Casino Control Commission supervising all Buckeye State participants. Be sure and bookmark this page to discover the best Ohio online sportsbooks, the several welcome bonuses on offer, and Ohio sportsbook promos.
The Best Ohio Sports Betting Sites
Here is a list of the best Ohio sports betting sites.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Sign up with BetMGM, make a $10 deposit, and place your first wager on any game. If that bet loses, you’ll get your original stake paid back in Bonus Bets, up to $1,500!
Promo Code: OCMAX1500
Caesars Sportsbook
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars promo: If you lose your first cash bet up to $1,000, you will get it back as a Bonus Bet.
Promo Code: OC1000
FanDuel Sportsbook
Bet $5, Get $200 guaranteed when your first bet settles, win or lose.
No Code Needed
DraftKings Sportsbook
Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets instantly.
No code needed.
bet365 Sportsbook
Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets once the initial $5 wager is settled.
Code: CHECK
Fanatics Sportsbook
Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Across Your First 11 Days.
No code needed.
Best Sportsbook Betting Sites in Ohio
It can be difficult to find the best Ohio sportsbooks, so oddschecker has done the work for you. Oddschecker has thoroughly studied every legal Ohio sportsbook to find the top OH online sportsbook. We’ve based a study on each Ohio welcome bonus, promotion, ease of registration, app functionality as well as the speed of their financial transactions. Here are some of the best Ohio online sportsbook betting sites and apps located within the Buckeye State.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio is an internationally recognized online sportsbook operating in the Buckeye State. It offers awesome customer service alongside their MGM Rewards program that extends to all its US-based MGM Resorts properties. BetMGM boasts one of the best welcome bonuses in the state. BetMGM offers an easy-to-use app where they will find an extraordinary sports betting catalog along with an appealing number of futures betting markets.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Ohio offers a wide variety of live betting and same-game parlay options. The app and desktop versions have a simple design and function well.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel entered Ohio as a Daily Fantasy Sports platform that has seamlessly transitioned into the sports betting world. It has teamed up with Belterra Park to bring Ohioans a well-known brand with an easy-to-use mobile and desktop version with numerous parlays and betting markets, making FanDuel Ohio a top destination for online Ohio sports betting.
bet365 Sportsbook
bet365 Sportsbook Ohio is one of the very best online sports betting apps that the Buckeye State has to offer. Ohio sports bettors will find an easy-to-navigate app and desktop version where OH online sports bettors can accept regular odds boosts, favorable terms and conditions on bonus bets, and a mountain of betting options.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook Ohio has a strong international reputation and equally strong partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Customers enjoy an easy-to-use and highly functional app and knowledgeable customer service along with a solid welcome bonus and promotions alongside one of the best Rewards programs in the USA.
BetRivers Sportsbook Ohio
BetRivers Sportsbook Ohio offers some of the most competitive betting odds in the Buckeye State. The app is visually appealing, with a robust number of betting markets including same game parlays, teasers, and futures markets. BetRivers also offers a tremendous 2nd Chance Bet promotion and a first-rate iRush Rewards program.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Ohio. Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 29 into law in December 2021. Both retail and online sports betting launched on Jan. 1, 2023, and are overseen by the OCCC.
Legal Sportsbooks in Ohio
The state of Ohio boasts 18 online sportsbooks legally accepting sports betting wagers in the great state of Ohio. A partial list includes:
- FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio
- DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio
- Caesars Sportsbook Ohio
- BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio
- bet365 Sportsbook Ohio
- ESPN Bet Ohio
- Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio
- BetRivers Sportsbook Ohio
What Are the Legal Requirements for Sports Betting in Ohio?
Ohio requires sports bettors and casino gamblers to be at least 21 years of age to legally place a sports bet at a retail or an online OH sportsbook. Here are some other laws that Ohio sports bettors need to know before placing a wager at an OH online or retail sportsbook.
Age Requirements
Ohio sports betting law requires OH sports bettors to be at least 21 years of age and prove it with either a valid state-issued ID, driver's license, government military ID, or a valid passport. This applies to both retail and online sports betting as well as at the various Ohio racinos.
Remote Registration
Ohio law mandates that residents be allowed to register for and finance their betting accounts online without having to physically enter a casino or OH sportsbook. Valid identification is required to sign up for a new Ohio online sports betting account, which also includes a valid Social Security card.
Betting Allowed at Ohio Lottery Run Kiosks
Ohio sports betting law also allows for sports betting at one of over 300 Ohio Lottery-sponsored sports betting kiosks. Ohio sports bettors present a valid state-issued ID card or driver's license. Kiosk users are limited to only $700 worth of wagers per seven days.
Within Ohio Borders
Ohio sports betting law mandates sports bettors must be located within Ohio borders at the time the online bet is placed. Furthermore, Ohio sports betting law also states an OH online sports bettor must be within Ohio state borders to fund or withdraw any winnings.
College Sports Betting on Instate teams and Esports is Permitted
Ohio law permits its residents and guests within state borders to wager on in-state college sporting events involving OH-based college teams. That means Ohioans can wager all games involving their beloved Ohio State Buckeyes or any other Ohio-based college sporting events.
How to Bet in Ohio
1). Choose an Ohio Sportsbook
Please visit our oddschecker page to find the best online Ohio betting sites and apps. Several factors must be considered, including ease of financial transactions, OH sportsbook bonuses, and Ohio sports betting markets available.
2). Register Your Ohio Betting Account
Now that you’ve chosen the best Ohio sportsbook or app, you must register your OH sports betting account. This can be done in minutes if you have a valid state-issued ID or driver's license and your Social Security card at the time you register.
3). Claim a Bonus or Promotion
Once you’ve successfully registered your Ohio sports betting account, you are now able to claim an OH sports betting bonus or promotion. Ohio sportsbooks and online betting apps usually offer a prompt when making your initial deposit, and you’ll want to be sure to enter any OH sports betting promo codes or “opt-in” prompts to initiate any type of OH online sports betting bonus.
4). Place a Wager
Once you’ve registered your OH sports betting account and the bonus is selected, you are ready to make a wager. Ohio sports bettors usually lean toward betting on point spreads, moneylines, prop bets on OH professional teams like the Cleveland Guardians, same-game parlays, and Over/Under or totals markets.
Ohio sports bettors should thoroughly investigate any individual player and team statistics, injury information, and trends before placing real-money bets at an OH online sportsbook or app.
5). Collect Your Winnings
The final step in the OH online sports betting process is to collect any winnings you may have earned! Be sure to fully understand the terms and conditions of all OH sports betting bonuses, as individual OH sportsbook policies determine the length of time required before withdrawing your profits from your best online Ohio sportsbook.
What Can I Bet on in Ohio?
Ohio sports betting law mandates what eligible Ohio residents and guests can and cannot place a wager on. Here is a list of allowed sporting and other types of events:
- Australian Rules Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Boxing
- Cricket
- Cycling
- Esports
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Motorsports
- Olympics
- Rugby Union
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling (NCAA)
What Can’t I Bet on Ohio?
Ohio sports betting prohibits wagering on the following events:
- Any proposition or "prop" bet on an individual athlete's performance or statistics participating in a sporting event governed by the NCAA
- The statistical actions of coaches, officials, or referees
- Injuries and player ejections
- halftime performances, cheerleading activities, band performances, etc
- Coin flips or other random determinations
- Events which are pre-recorded or in which the outcome has been otherwise previously determined
- Events for primary or secondary school students, whether conducted or sponsored by a primary or secondary school or by another person, or the individual performance statistics of athletes or participants in such an event
- Events in which more than 50% of the participating athletes are under the age of 18
- ITF Tennis events except for Grand Slams, Olympics, and Davis or Federation Cup matches
Ohio State Sports Teams
Ohio has a long and storied history with all major league sports, and Ohioans are amongst the most passionate US sports fans. Alongside numerous successful college sports programs, Ohio boasts the following major league sports teams.
The Cincinnati Reds are the most successful professional sports team to hail from Ohio, with the MLB team winning five World Series titles and nine National League pennants. The franchise has been in a lean spell recently, with the last of its World Series titles coming in 1990.
The Reds’ in-state rival, the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians, also have a storied history. However, the franchise hasn’t won a World Series since 1948 and only has two championships overall. Ball games are played at the beautiful Progressive Field, considered one of the best ballparks in MLB.
Columbus Crew is one of the founding members of Major League Soccer, and they have won the MLS Cup twice, in 2008 and 2020.
FC Cincinnati is an expansion franchise of Major League Soccer, participating in its first season in 2019. Games are played at downtown Cincinnati’s brand new, purpose-built TQL Stadium.
The Cleveland Cavaliers joined the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1970. But, recent Cavs history has been dominated by one man – Lebron James. James was drafted in 2003 and took the Cavs to 5 conference titles during his two spells there. After a successful move to the Miami Heat, James came back to Cleveland and, in 2016, delivered Cleveland’s first major sports title since 1964.
The Cincinnati Bengals joined the American Football Conference of the NFL in 1970 and have shown spells of brilliance mixed with long, lean periods. The future looks bright for the Bengals, with its first Super Bowl appearance for 33 years in 2021 and a roster full of talent.
The Cleveland Browns are one of the oldest and most revered football franchises. The Cleveland Browns have found success a struggle since rejoining the NFL in 1999, with no winning season during the 2010s.
The Blue Jackets joined the NHL as an expansion franchise in 2000 and have achieved some success, making one Stanley Cup appearance and several playoff appearances. However, no Blue Jackets team has managed to bring the Stanley Cup back to Ohio.
Even with two NFL teams in Ohio, there is a huge support for college football at Ohio University. The school has around 18,000 students, and the capacity at Peden Stadium is 25,000, which is regularly sold out. In addition to its college football team, the school’s Marching 110 marching band has earned acclaim for performing at popular events, including President Bill Clinton’s inauguration.
Only seven schools have won NCAA Division I national championships in football, basketball, and baseball, including the Buckeyes. The Buckeyes won the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament in 1960 and picked up a national title for baseball in 1964. However, the football program has been massively successful, with eight claimed national championships.
Some of the greatest sportspeople ever have graduated from Ohio State, including Olympic sprinter Jesse Owens and Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Paul Brown.
Baseball is the most popular sport at the University of Cincinnati, with its UC Baseball Stadium voted the best in the Big East Conference. In addition, the school has helped produce MLB players like Hall of Famers Miller Huggins and Sandy Koufax.
While baseball may be very popular, the school’s most successful program is basketball, with two back-to-back national championships in the 1960s.The women’s dance team has won five national championships outside of NCAA events.
The most successful program at the University of Akron is its soccer team, which won the NCAA Division I national championship in 2010. In addition, it has a heated college football rivalry with the Kent State Golden Flashes. The teams regularly compete in the “Wagon Wheel” game, with Akron leading the all-time series.
The Bowling Green State football team has been very successful, winning the second most MAC conferences of any program in history. In addition, the school also boasts a women’s basketball team, which has claimed 13 MAC titles, and a men’s team, which has won ten. The ice hockey team claimed the national championship in 1984, defeating the University of Minnesota-Dulath Bulldogs in the final.
The sports programs at Kent State are very competitive, even if the school has never won a national championship. The baseball team has regularly made it to the NCAA Tournament and made College World Series in 2012. The men’s and women’s basketball teams have both made it to March Madness several times.
Its football program has seen success, winning the Frisco Bowl in 2019 by beating the Utah State Aggies. The team has also produced NFL stars, including wide receiver Julian Edelman.
The Miami RedHawks have a number of successful programs, including its football team, which reached the Bahamas Bowl in 2022. The school also used to have the No.1 ranked ice hockey team before this was disbanded in 2013. The team only made it as far as the Frozen Four throughout its history.
The Toledo Rockets play in the MAC and fiercely rival nearby Bowling Green State. The schools are just 20 miles away from each other, along the I-75, which is why the matchups between these teams are called the “Battle for the I-75”. The most famous game in this rivalry is the annual college football game to compete for the Peace Pipe.
Xavier University has the unique honor of having Jim Bunning as one of its alum. Bunning is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame after his efforts for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also became an elected Senator in Kentucky in 1999, making him the only MLB player to reach the Hall of Fame and the Senate.
The University of Dayton got its nickname from local brothers Wilbur and Orville Wight, who invented the first airplane. Along with this unique title, the Flyers also produced the first ever Mr. Irrelevant draft pick when Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kelvin Kirk in the 1976 Draft. The basketball program draws huge support and was declared the 23 most valuable basketball program in the US in 2014.
FAQs
Yes, sports betting is now legal in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine signed HB29, and sports betting officially launched on January 1, 2023.
Yes, you can bet on college football in Ohio. There are no restrictions on betting on in-state teams, wagering on prop bets, or the types of bets you can make.
Of course, you can! Daily Fantasy Sports were legalized in 2016 when Governor John Kasich signed HB132. You can access DFS games for major league sports like the NFL and NBA across the Buckeye State.
Absolutely! You can visit one of the seven racinos or a variety of off-track betting locations to place pari-mutuel wagers on horse racing. In the future, horse racing may become easier with sportsbooks offering online horse race betting.
No, there are no legal online casinos available in Ohio. However, there are several land-based casinos you can visit to play your favorite casino games. Alternatively, you can use a social casino to play these games for free without risking your bankroll.
You can place bets on sports from anywhere within the borders of Ohio. You must be over the legal gambling age and allow your geolocation services. You can also visit retail sportsbooks and place bets there.
Both DraftKings Sportsbooks and Daily Fantasy Sports are available for players in Ohio. You have been able to play its DFS service since 2016, and place bets on its sportsbook since 2023.
Yes, you can use FanDuel for sports bets and for Daily Fantasy Sports. Its DFS service has been available since 2016 and its sportsbook launched in January 2023.
You can use BetMGM Sportsbook after its launch on January 1, 2023. The sportsbook’s operator applied for a Type A license on the first day it was able to and partnered with its parent company’s owned-and-operated property MGM Northfield Park.