Ohio Sports Betting in 2023: Get Up to $10,561 in Bonus Bets Now

Ohio sports betting updates

Numerous Ohio sports betting bills have undergone minor tinkering and extreme overhauls since the state first looked to legalize sports wagering. With the Buckeye State’s Jan. 1, 2023 launch, Ohioans can finally bet with the best retail and online Ohio sportsbooks.

The following timeline summarizes the history of sports betting in Ohio:

Jan. 25, 2023: Betfred, the official sports betting partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, pays out all bets on the Bengals to win Super Bowl 57.

Jan. 18, 2023: The OCCC approves WynnBET for an Ohio online sports betting license.

Jan. 13, 2023: Fresh off a 27-16 victory in Week 18, the Cincinnati Bengals (-9.5) will look for back-to-back victories against the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday's all-AFC North Wild Card matchup.

After a successful Jan. 1 soft launch, Betr officially launches its microbetting app in Ohio. Betr now accepts statewide deposits and withdrawals.

Jan. 10, 2023: PlayUp's SPAC deal with IG Acquisition Corp. (IGAC) falls apart after the sportsbook operator fails to provide the acquisition company with its financial statements. PlayUp continues to pursue an Ohio sports betting license.

Jan. 8, 2023: Browns radio voice and former quarterback Bernie Kosar is fired for violating NFL rules related to betting on games.

Jan. 5, 2023: The OCCC issues notices of violation to three Ohio sports betting online operators — BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings. All three companies allegedly advertised "free" or "risk-free" promotions and failed to include responsible gambling messaging.

Jan. 3, 2023: Ohio lottery sports betting faces a gradual rollout at bars, restaurants, and other establishments.

Jan. 2, 2023: Caesars Sportsbook opens its Ohio retail sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Jan. 1, 2023: Ohio online sports betting goes live at 12:01 a.m. ET. Sixteen mobile sportsbooks launch in the Buckeye State.

Dec. 30, 2022: Tipico announces that Cleveland football legend Bernie Kosar will place the first legal bet on the sportsbook's platform in Ohio — a $19,000 moneyline wager on the Browns in Week 18 of the 2022 NFL season.

Dec. 29, 2022: Several agencies unveil new Ohio sports betting problem gambling campaigns ahead of the New Year's Day launch. 

Dec. 28, 2022: Ohio’s retail sports betting operators prepare for Jan. 1 opening. 

Dec. 26, 2022: Las Vegas-based SuperBook Sports announces its upcoming launch in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023.

Dec. 23, 2022: The Ohio sports betting regulator issues an email warning over advertising.

Dec. 22, 2022: The Cincinnati Reds announce the BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park will have its Grand Opening at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2023.

Dec. 21, 2022: Allegations leveled against PlayUp and its Ohio sports betting ambitions are being treated with "utmost seriousness," according to a spokesperson.

Dec. 20, 2022: Joey Levy, CEO and co-founder of Betr, announces that the sports betting platform expects to be part of the January 1 launch after receiving licensing from Ohio regulators.

Dec. 19, 2022: Legal Ohio online sports betting is less than two weeks away. Ohioans will soon be able to wager on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals, Columbus Blue Jackets, and other Ohio-based teams. 

Dec. 15, 2022: FansUnite obtains a sports gaming supplier license in Ohio. The company will provide Betr with its B2B gaming technology.

Dec. 14, 2022: Bally Bet, Betway, Out the Gate, and Underdog are approved as Ohio online sports betting operators. PlayUp's application is denied due to alleged illegal gambling activity. The OCCC has now awarded 20 mobile sports betting operator licenses. 

Dec. 13, 2022: The OCCC will meet tomorrow to discuss four mobile management services provider licenses for Bally Bet, Betway, Out the Gate, and Underdog. If licenses are awarded, these Ohio sportsbook operators could launch on Jan. 1, 2023.

Dec. 12, 2022: June Taylor, Chair of the OCCC, reveals that some Ohio sports betting operators will not be prepared for the state's Jan. 1, 2023 launch. Smaller sportsbook newcomers like BetFanatics and Betr may be among those arriving later in 2023.

Dec. 8, 2022: Kroger delays the launch of sports betting kiosks at its 42 locations until later in 2023.

Dec. 6, 2022: Tipico inks a strategic partnership with AEG Presents, becoming the exclusive sportsbook partner of AEG Presents-owned music venues like A&R Music Bar, Agora Theatre & Ballroom, KEMBA Live!, and Newport Music Hall.

Dec. 1, 2022: betPARX and MVGBet withdraw management services provider applications for retail sports betting in Ohio. 

Nov. 30, 2022: This is the final day to lock in $100 in free bets from Hard Rock Sportsbook Ohio. Starting Dec. 1, 2022, the sportsbook will offer just $50 to users who register an account in 2022.

Nov. 26, 2022: The Ohio State Buckeyes drop their first game of the season, falling to the road dog Michigan Wolverines by a score of 45-23.

Nov. 21, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission outlines Ohio's set of initial wagers and events. Betting on celebrity awards shows, coin flips, and other non-athlete performance criteria (e.g. Super Bowl Gatorade color) will not be permitted in Ohio. Notably, betting on events such as the NFL Draft and NFL Awards will be allowed.

Nov. 16, 2022: Four more sportsbook operators are conditionally approved to launch on Jan. 1 in Ohio: Jake Paul's Betr earns an Ohio license, along with betPARX, Fanatics, and MVGBet (Betly).

Nov. 15, 2022: Tipico launches its "Win Ohio" free-to-play game, giving passionate Ohio sports bettors an opportunity to win free bets and entries into Tipico’s Grand Prize Sweepstakes.

Nov. 3, 2022: FanDuel Ohio improves its pre-live offer consisting of $100 in free bets by including a free NBA League Pass three-month subscription.

Nov. 2, 2022: Ohio sports betting regulators greenlight more mobile licenses, with BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, Hard Rock Sportsbook, and Tipico, all conditionally approved for a five-year term.

Oct. 27, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook goes live in Ohio. New users can download the Caesars OH app, register, and make a deposit with the sportsbook to claim a $100 bet credit using promo code COVERSTIX.

Oct. 19, 2022: Stark Enterprises, a real estate development company, applies for Type-A and Type-B sports betting licenses in Ohio.

Oct. 18, 2022: The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their Ohio online sports betting partner due to the abrupt closure of Fubo Gaming. 

Oct. 17, 2022: Fubo shuts down its online sportsbook after a strategic review is unable to locate a suitable sports betting partner. The operator had been live in only three states — Arizona, Iowa, and New Jersey — but planned to enter the upcoming Ohio market.

Oct. 11, 2022: BetMGM and the Cincinnati Reds partner for Ohio sports betting. The multi-year agreement includes plans for a retail BetMGM sportsbook at Great American Ball Park.

Oct. 5, 2022: The OCCC approves five mobile sportsbooks. bet365, Betfred, Caesars, PointsBet, and SuperBook can all go live on Jan 1, 2023.

Oct. 1, 2022: FanDuel releases Ohio's first pre-live sign-up bonus worth $100 in free bets. New customers can register accounts and claim the bonus through Dec. 31, 2022.

Sept. 21, 2022: Regulators approve 10 Ohio sports betting proprietor licenses. The Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cleveland Guardians are among the licensees to obtain conditional approval to partner with sportsbook operators and offer sports betting in Ohio.

Sept. 7, 2022: Matt Schuler, Executive Director of the OCCC, says that 33% of Ohio sports betting applicants have omitted key information from their submitted sports betting applications. The companies are given a new Oct. 5, 2022, deadline.

Aug. 17, 2022: Ohio awards 200 Type-C sports betting licenses. 

Aug. 15, 2022: Betway, MaximBet, and Prophet Exchange apply for second skin licenses. Should the OCCC approve their applications, the three operators will be permitted to go live on Jan. 1, 2023.

Aug. 11, 2022: It is revealed that Instabet, the official online sports betting partner of Hall of Fame Village, is now known as Betr Sportsbook, a "micro-betting" (live betting) focused sportsbook backed by social media personality and professional boxer Jake Paul. 

Aug. 10, 2022: Forty-two Kroger locations are pre-approved as Type-C sports betting operators in Ohio, allowing each grocery store to feature betting kiosks in 2023. Bettors will also be able to cash winning bets at 205 Kroger stores across the state.

Aug. 3, 2022: Approximately 1,000 restaurants and bars have applied for Type-C sports betting licenses in Ohio. These locations, if approved, would feature self-service sports betting kiosks.

Ohio Casino Control Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler confirms that licensed Ohio sports betting operators will be permitted to offer legal wagering at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, 2023. 

July 19, 2022: The owner of BetRivers applies for a mobile sports betting license four days shy of the July 15, 2022, deadline. As a result, there is no certainty that BetRivers — which aims to partner with Hollywood Casino Columbus — will be approved to go live in Ohio by Jan. 1, 2023.

July 19, 2022: Matt Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, underscores the OCCC's commitment to vetting all Ohio sports betting applicants thoroughly.

July 18, 2022: With 22 Type-A applications submitted ahead of the July 15 deadline, Ohio sports bettors could see nearly two dozen online sportsbooks go live on Jan. 1, 2023.

July 13, 2022: A Cincinnati Bengals and Betfred partnership is struck, making the British bookmaker the NFL team’s official sports betting partner.

July 12, 2022: Bettors are backing Ohio State to win the College Football Playoff National Championship in a big way: The Buckeyes have garnered three times as much money as any other team over at BetMGM.

July 11, 2022: FanDuel, Fanatics, and the Cincinnati Bengals apply for licenses as the march toward legal Ohio sports betting continues. The first window for retail and online sports betting license applications closes on on July 15, 2022.

July 1, 2022: Ohio sports betting applications continue to file in as HOF Village Newco applies for Type-A and Type-B sports gaming proprietor licenses. Hall of Fame Village partnered with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) in December 2021.

June 30, 2022: Penn Sports Interactive LLC applies for a mobile management services provider license in Ohio.

June 29, 2022: Elys Gameboard Technologies applies for a Type-C license. The company will look to offer its technology to local bars and restaurants with sports betting kiosks in 2023.

June 22, 2022: DraftKings applies for a mobile management services provider license. JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino apply for Type-A and Type-B licenses.

June 20, 2022: In addition to PointsBet, sportsbook operator BetMGM also applied for its Ohio sports betting license.

June 16, 2022: PointsBet submits an application for a mobile management services provider license.

June 15, 2022: The Ohio sports betting application window opens for online and retail operators. BetMGM submits applications for mobile management services provider and management services provider licenses. The two licenses would allow BetMGM to partner with a Type-A (online) and Type-B (retail) licensee.

June 1, 2022: The OCCC announces Ohio sports betting will launch on Jan. 1, 2023; Caesars Racebook launches in Ohio and Florida.

May 23, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission anticipates receiving about 3,000 license applications for the launch of sports betting in the Buckeye State, meaning that the universal go-live date will likely be close to or on Jan. 1, 2023.

May 18, 2022: The OCCC confirms it will reveal Ohio's sports betting launch date on June 1.

May 4, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission confirms its plans to have a universal go-live date, meaning all approved operators will launch on the same day. The OCCC also reveals that operators can begin submitting applications for sports betting licenses on June 15, 2022.

April 26, 2022: Bally's Interactive and the Cleveland Browns announce a deal that will make Bally Bet the official sports betting partner of the team when legal wagering arrives. The agreement is pending licensing and regulatory approvals in Ohio.

April 5, 2022: The betJACK sports betting app goes live in Ohio. The free-to-play platform aims to give Ohioans the opportunity to get their reps in ahead of the state's upcoming online sports betting launch.

March 16, 2022: The PGA Tour and betPARX partner for a mobile sportsbook license in the state.

Feb. 28, 2022: Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co. (HOFV) inks a deal with Genesis Global. The ten-year pact makes Genesis the official mobile sports betting partner of HOFV. 

Feb. 24, 2022: Caesars and the Cleveland Cavaliers strike a partnership to open a retail sportsbook on the street level of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Feb. 18, 2022: DraftKings reports that market access has been secured in Ohio, setting the stage for the sports betting operator to launch its mobile platform once legal wagering comes to fruition.

Feb. 13, 2022: The Cincinnati Bengals fell to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi stadium in Super Bowl 56.

Feb. 8, 2022: Fubo Sportsbook and the Cleveland Cavaliers enter into a market access agreement, positioning Fubo as the official mobile sports betting partner of the Cavs.

Jan. 18, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission releases "Batch 1" of the state's sports betting rules. The 21-page document outlines general provisions, provisional licensing, certified independent testing laboratories, and certified independent integrity monitors.

Dec. 22, 2021: Gov. Mike DeWine signs HB 29 into law, guaranteeing Ohio will launch legal sports betting by Jan. 1, 2023.

Dec. 8, 2021: The Senate and the House both approve amendments made to HB 29. The legislation goes to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature. Legal online and retail sports betting is coming to Ohio.

Dec. 6, 2021: Sen. Schuring confirms that state lawmakers "have an agreement on sports gaming" that would hand out licenses no later than Jan. 1, 2023.

Dec. 1, 2021: Rep. Bill Seitz, Sen. Kirk Schuring, and Rep. Jay Edwards agree upon revisions to Ohio sports betting language in HB 29 and send the bill to the Legislative Service Commission.

Nov. 11, 2021: Details on a path to legalization remain scant. Legislation sits with a conference committee formed in October, and the typically upbeat Sen. Schuring remains confident yet cautious on a 2021 rollout. 

Oct. 25, 2021: Sen. Schuring proclaims 90% of Ohio's sports betting bill is agreed upon, citing sportsbook licenses — and where exactly sports betting will take place — as the primary issue yet to be resolved.

June 2021: The Senate passes SB 176 by a vote of 30-2. Looking to legalize Ohio sports betting before the House’s summer break, Sen. Schuring makes an amendment to HB 29. The Senate passes HB 29, but the bill won't be heard by the House until fall 2021.

May 2021: Sen. Kirk Schuring introduces SB 176 as the latest Ohio sports betting legislation. The bill calls for 20 mobile licenses and 20 standalone retail licenses.

May 2020: The Ohio House of Representatives passes HB 194, calling for the Ohio Lottery Commission to regulate all Ohio sports betting activity. The bill eventually dies in the Senate.

May 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), opening the door for states to set their own sports betting laws.

Jan. 2018: Ohio becomes the 18th state to legalize daily fantasy sports, as then-Gov. John Kasich enacts the Buckeye State’s DFS bill into law.

Best offers and bonuses in Ohio

Legal Ohio sports betting went live on Jan. 1, 2023, and OH sportsbooks are now delivering enticing sports betting welcome offers in the Buckeye State.

If you’re looking to get started with a new sportsbook, these are the best Ohio sports betting bonuses and promo codes available in 2023:

bet365 Sportsbook - Bet $1, get $200: The most beginner-friendly bonus in the Buckeye State, bet365’s welcome offer requires just a $1 wager to get started — and you don’t need to win your bet to lock in your $200 bonus.

DraftKings Sportsbook - Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets: DraftKings Ohio is offering new users $200 in bonus bets when they create an account and deposit and wager $5 on any available market. Win or lose, DraftKings OH will award the bonus.

FanDuel Sportsbook - $3,000 no sweat first bet: FanDuel Ohio offers up to $3,000 in bonus bets to new customers. If you lose your first wager, the sportsbook will refund the entire amount, up to $3,000, as bonus bets within 72 hours of bet settlement. This offer expires on Feb. 12, 2023, and you don't need a FanDuel Ohio promo code to claim it.

Caesars Sportsbook - Up to $1,500 on Caesars: Use promo code CVS1BET to secure the Caesars Ohio bonus, consisting of up to $1,500 in bet credit.

BetMGM Sportsbook - $1,000 back in bonus bets: BetMGM Ohio enters the fray with a first bet offer of up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets for new customers. Make your first wager with BetMGM, and the sportsbook will return your entire stake in bonus bets if your bet settles as a loss. 

PointsBet Sportsbook - Up to $500 in bet credits: Create a new PointsBet Ohio account to earn up to $500 in additional bet credits over your first five days of betting with the sportsbook. Use exclusive PointsBet promo code MC4X200 today.

BetRivers Sportsbook - Up to $500 second-chance bet: Ohioans can claim a "second chance bet" of up to $500 when registering with BetRivers OH. Place your first wager with BetRivers, and the operator will return the full amount as a bonus bet if you lose (up to $500). Use BetRivers promo code SPORTS to claim this offer.

Top five Ohio betting sites

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has now awarded sports wagering licenses to 22 mobile operators. We expect the following to stand out as the cream of the crop in the Buckeye State. Here are our top five Ohio sports betting sites:

1. DraftKings Ohio

Bet $5, get $200 instantly

No code required

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DraftKings tops our list of best Ohio sports betting apps. The operator boasts an industry-best mobile platform and promises to provide new Ohio gamblers with a premier online wagering experience. DraftKings covers all of the hottest markets, dishes out promos regularly, and pays out winnings in a timely manner. The DraftKings Ohio sportsbook app is a must for Buckeye State bettors.

Read our DraftKings Review to learn more.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 1-3 days

2. FanDuel Ohio

$3,000 No Sweat First Bet

No code required

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If there's a sportsbook platform that can give DraftKings a run for its money, it's FanDuel. FanDuel OH is another must-have in 2023, thanks to its intuitive layout, a plethora of betting markets, and generous region-specific bonuses and promos. 

Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review for more information.

• App store rating: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $3,000 no sweat first bet
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

3. Caesars Sportsbook Ohio

Up to $1,500 on Caesars

Code: CVS1BET

Claim Now

Ohioans can now take advantage of the most lucrative sportsbook bonus in the state with the Caesars Sportsbook mobile app and desktop website. In addition to its top-notch new-user welcome bonus — an offer valued at $1,500 — Caesars provides fantastic customer support, an excellent rewards program, and a clean, snappy user interface.

Ohio bettors can scan our Caesars Sportsbook Review for more on the Caesars betting platform.

• App store rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,500 in bet credit
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

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 $1,500; 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

4. BetMGM Ohio

Up to $1,000 back in bonus bets

No code required

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The "King of Sportsbooks" features great odds and a new-customer first bet offer of up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets. With lots of betting markets and banking options in store, BetMGM OH provides a smooth and enjoyable experience for rookie bettors and seasoned sharps in Ohio.

Get the full details on BetMGM Ohio in our BetMGM Review.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,000 back in bonus bets 
• Payout speed: 2-8 days

5. bet365 Ohio

Bet $1, get $200

No code required

Claim Now

Now legal in three states (CO, NJ, and OH), bet365 is one of the very best sports betting apps in North America. Seamless navigation and a neatly packaged menu highlight the bet365 mobile experience. Ohio bettors can receive regular odds boosts, favorable terms and conditions on bonus bets, and a laundry list of betting options with fair odds.

Refer to our bet365 Review for more expert analysis.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS), 2.5 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 0-5 days

What sportsbooks are legal in Ohio?

Ohio welcomed 16 online sportsbooks on Jan. 1, 2023, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has approved the following online operators to date:

1. bet365 - Top sportsbook
   
   
2. DraftKings - Best mobile app
   
   
3. FanDuel - Intuitive menus
   
   
4. PointsBet - Unique features
   
   
5. BetRivers - Best for new bettors
   
   
6. Caesars - Best welcome bonus
   
   
7. BetMGM - Best for banking
   
   
8. Tipico - Proprietary software
   
   
9. Betfred - Daily odds boosts
   
   
10. SuperBook - Competitive lines
    
    
11. Betway - Most secure
    
    
12. Hard Rock - Great live betting
    
    
13. Barstool - Lots of markets
    
    
14. Betr - Best for microbetting
    
    
15. MVGBet (Betly) - User-friendly
    
    
16. betJACK - Made in Ohio
    
    
17. WynnBET - Trusted brand
    
    
18. Bally Bet - Coming 2023
    
    
19. betPARX - Coming 2023
    
    
20. Fanatics Sportsbook - Coming 2023
    
    
21. Out the Gate - Coming 2023
    
    
22. Underdog - Coming 2023

Legal Ohio sportsbooks

Legal Ohio sportsbook operators struck market access deals with Type-A (online) and Type-B (retail) licensees long before the arrival of legal wagering in the Buckeye State. 

So far, 22 Ohio sports betting sites have been approved. Sixteen of these operators launched legal Ohio sports betting sites on Jan. 1, 2023, while 13 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks began accepting wagers within the first two days of legalization.

Ohio sports betting sites

* PlayUp's Ohio sports betting application was denied on Dec. 14, 2022, due to alleged illegal gambling activities. The operator plans to appeal the decision.

Land-based Ohio sportsbooks

Online sports betting: How does it work in Ohio?

We've detailed everything you need to know about the Ohio sports betting launch on Jan. 1, 2023.

Ohioans can now legally bet on sports online. Bettors may register, make account deposits, claim bonuses, and place wagers from anywhere within the state.

Ohio’s sports betting legislation calls for 25 Type-A online licenses for casinos, professional sports teams, and venues. These licensees will be awarded two online skins each.

Additionally, 40 Type-B licenses will be up for grabs in the Buckeye State. These licenses are earmarked for retail-only sportsbooks.

Type-C licenses are also available for self-service or clerk-operated kiosks located in bars and restaurants with valid liquor licenses. Hundreds of Type-C licenses have already been awarded by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Notably, retail giant Kroger will begin accepting legal wagers at 42 Ohio locations later in 2023.

Latest Ohio betting news

Who can bet on sports in Ohio?

Anyone over 21 can place a legal sports wager in Ohio in 2023. Sports betting is convenient and accessible in the Buckeye State, with retail sportsbooks located in major cities and online Ohio sportsbooks just a click or tap away.

Here's everything you'll need to know before placing your first sports bets.

The pros and cons of Ohio sports betting

Legal Ohio sports betting is underway, and the midwest market stands out as one of the more promising in the nation. 

With up to 25 online sportsbooks and 40 retail locations, Buckeye State bettors could soon have more legal betting options than residents of any other U.S. state. 

Fully mobile wagering

Claim thousands in bonus bets

In-state college sports betting permitted

Ohioans have gone years without legal options

Universal go-live date makes it more challenging to maximize bonuses

How to start betting in Ohio

Ohioans can place their first bets remotely or physically. Ohio sports betting sites accept wagers via mobile devices or desktop computers, while retail OH sportsbooks are great options for those looking to bet in person.

What you can't bet on in Ohio

Ohio bettors can wager on nearly anything, but the options will differ depending on the sportsbooks you choose. 

Still, some wagers are prohibited, such as bets on amateur athletes under the age of 18. 

Politics

Gamblers may not bet on political events in Ohio or any other U.S. state.

Entertainment award ceremonies

Betting on entertainment awards like the Oscars is not permitted in Ohio. However, you can bet on who you believe will be the NFL MVP and other sports-related awards.

NFL Draft

The Ohio Casino Control Commission permits wagering on the NFL Draft in Ohio.

esports

It is legal to bet on esports in Ohio.

What about Ohio college sports?

Ohio bettors may place wagers on in-state college teams. Many other states allow sports bettors to get in on the college sports action but limit this to out-of-state teams.

Ohio sports betting handle

Ohio sports bettors made over 11.3 million geolocation transactions with mobile sportsbooks over the Buckeye State's first two days of legal wagering, outpacing every other legal state during this stretch (Jan. 1 through Jan. 2, 2023).

Stay tuned for Ohio sports betting handle and revenue figures in 2023.

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Home team advantage: Ohio sports

It’s not always best to put your money where your mouth is when backing your favorite squad.

Sports bettors should always be careful when risking their bankroll. Do your due diligence before blindly laying action on your hometown team. Our how to bet guides are a great place to start.

NHL

Columbus Blue Jackets

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Cleveland Cavaliers

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Cleveland Browns

Cincinnati Bengals

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Cleveland Guardians

Cincinnati Reds

Get live MLB odds

Other types of gambling

Ohio is relatively new to the world of gambling. The first casino opened in 2012, and the state has yet to legalize any form of online gambling other than pari-mutuel horse race betting.

Quick facts: Ohio sports betting

The wait is over for eager Ohio sports bettors. Legal sports betting has finally arrived in 2023.

Consult the table below to keep track of all relevant information related to Ohio sports betting:

Responsible gaming in Ohio

The unfortunate reality is that problem gambling remains an issue in all states with legalized and regulated gambling. For Ohioans, multiple organizations have put numerous resources into place to support those with gambling addictions.

Gamblers may join the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program if they wish to restrict their access to gambling establishments. Ohio sportsbooks provide players with the option to set deposit, wager, and loss limits.

Visit Ohio for Responsible Gambling

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Ohio joined the following U.S. jurisdictions when it legalized sports betting on Jan. 1, 2023:

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado

Connecticut

DC

Delaware

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Mississippi

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

Tennessee

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

These are the states moving toward legal sports betting that may potentially offer the practice in the near future:

Alabama

California

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Minnesota

Missouri

Oklahoma

Ohio sports betting conclusion

Ohio sports betting launched on Jan. 1, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. ET — almost immediately following the conclusion of the 2022 Peach Bowl.

While the timing of the Buckeye State's universal go-live date may have frustrated eager bettors, great things are in store in 2023. Up to 25 online Ohio sportsbooks and 40 brick-and-mortar betting facilities will soon be accepting wagers on the biggest events on the sporting calendar.

With nearly all betting markets on the table, Ohio could soon be home to one of the largest sports betting markets in the country.