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Best Ohio Gambling Sites

The Ohio legislature has been trying to pass legal online sports betting since the federal ban was lifted in 2018. Finally, January 1st, 2023, marked the beginning of legal online betting in the OH state.

Until late last year, legal sports betting business had been flowing out of the state, with four of the five states bordering Ohio having already legalized sports betting.

A top ten state in terms of population, with more than 11 million people, the Buckeye state finally got its wish in December of 2022 when the House passed Ohio sports betting bill HB 29, legalizing retail, online, and mobile sports betting. Collegiate sports betting included.

Joining more than half the country in legalizing sports betting, the Ohio sports betting bill allows for the operation of at least 25 sports betting licenses in Ohio. With mobile horse racing and daily fantasy sports already legal in the state, Ohio should have an easy time expanding into online sports betting.

With well-established online sportsbooks and mobile apps refining their processes, legal online sports betting state by state, and competing for customers, there has never been a better time to be a sports bettor. Now, Ohio is in on the action.

Ohio State University and Cincinnati Bengals fans will be happy to hear the state went live on the first of 2023, giving sports bettors plenty of time to clean up during the football postseason. The launch date was also in the middle of the NBA season and well before NCAA March Madness.

Below we cover the best Ohio sports betting sites based on sports offered, ways to wager, welcome bonuses, and overall online sports betting experience. Legal online sports betting has arrived on Ohio, let’s get started.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

Ohio had multiple failed attempts at passing sports betting legislation before Governor Mike DeWine signed an amended version of HB 29 into law last year.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which oversees the daily fantasy sports of sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, Fantasy Draft, and Yahoo!, will supervise all things Ohio sports betting.

The decision to give the Ohio Casino Control Commission was the source of some negotiation, as many in the legislature wanted the Lottery Commission to regulate the sports betting industry, but the consensus is having the Ohio Casino Control Commission regulate sports betting is better for bettors in the state because it will ensure a more open and competitive marketplace.

Ohio professional sports teams have already begun partnering with online sports betting sites, including the MLS’s Columbus Crew (Tipico), MLB’s Cincinnati Reds (WynnBET), NFL’s Cleveland Browns (Bally Bet), and NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers (Betway, Caesars, FanDuel, and Fubo). The Cleveland Cavaliers being the first.

One significant difference in the Ohio sports betting bill, compared to other states, is the addition of thousands of sports betting kiosks coming to local establishments, similar to what FanDuel and the Phoenix Suns have going.

Ohio sports betting legislation timeline:

  • March 2019 – Senate Bill 111 is introduced.
  • December 2020 – Senate couldn’t come to an agreement. SB 111 dies in committee.
  • May 2021 – SB 176 is introduced. The sports betting bill requires retail sportsbooks to be stand-alone operations, thus excluding casinos and horse race tracks from taking part.
  • June 2021 – Ohio State Senate passes SB 176 by a vote of 31-2 on Jun. 16. The sports betting bill was amended shortly after to include casinos and racinos (31-0). The House fails to bring a vote before sessions end.
  • August 2021 – House Bill 29 makes its way to the House.
  • December 2021 – HB 29 passes by a vote of 103-13 on Dec. 8. HB 29 was officially signed into law on Dec. 22.
  • January 2023 – The Ohio betting market goes live!

Highest-Rated OH Sports Betting Apps

2005 ratings
Review
Up To $1,000 Deposit Bonus
  • Accepts deposits as low as $5
  • Hefty welcome and referral bonuses
  • Available in 22 US States
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369)(NY). Call 1-800-522-4700 (NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV). Offer for new customers 21+ (18+ KY/NH/WY), present in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, NJ, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY only. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.
1148 ratings
Review
Bet $5, Get $150 In Bonus Bets
  • Massive Choice of Sports
  • Daily Odds Boosts
  • Convenient Banking
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. Gamblinghelplinema.org or call (800)-327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ and present in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (permitted parishes only), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY.
Promocode: GAMBLEUSA
1445 ratings
Review
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
  • Superb range of sports
  • Enticing rewards program
  • Extensive catalogs of betting markets
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in the US). Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800- 981-0023 (PR). First bet offer for new customers only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for terms. US $1500 promotional offer not available in New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Promocode: GUSA1000
1265 ratings
Review
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars
  • Great Mobile App
  • Brilliant Welcome Bonus
  • Range Of Bet Types
21+. New users only. Offer valid and must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, IL, MD, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. 1-877-8-HOPENY (467369) or Text HOPENY (467369). Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
245 ratings
Review
Bet $50 Get a $200 Bonus Bet
  • Trusted sports betting company since 2006
  • Easy-to-navigate website and mobile app
  • Boosted odds on select games
Gambling Problem? Call/text 1-800-GAMBLER. Customers must be 21+ and present in AZ, CO, IA, IN, LA, NJ, OH, PA, or VA to wager. Promo issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Visit Betway for full T&Cs.
6594 ratings
Review
Bet $5, Get $150 In Bonus Bets
  • Great Welcome Bonus
  • 20+ Sports to bet on
  • Been operating since 2000
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IN/LA/NC/NJ/OH/VA) 21), (KY) 18+. New Customer Offer Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

Not all sportsbooks are created equal, and because of their early adoption around the country, DraftKings and FanDuel can offer better odds, more bets, and more ways to wager on them.

Thanks to their daily fantasy sports dominance in Ohio, new bettors may already be familiar with the two sports betting behemoths. Novice bettors and seasoned vets alike will be amazed at the number of options.

After that, it goes BetMGM, Caesars, and then everyone else. With already established retail sportsbook and casino properties around the globe, the pair of sports betting sites have had the easiest time making up ground on DraftKings and FanDuel and separating itself from the rest of the competition, primarily by offering clean layouts, competitive odds, ongoing promotions, and a decent amount of same-game parlays similar to DraftKings and FanDuel.

Mobile users will find that the sportsbook apps mirror the browser edition for the most part. Some features may be tucked away, but everything should be just a few clicks away.

Welcome bonuses help mitigate much of the possibility of losing, giving new Ohio bettors peace of mind while finding their forever sportsbook. It’s not uncommon for bettors to have a few online sports betting accounts in hopes of getting better odds on one of them. Ongoing promos, including profit boosts, will keep bettors well-stocked with bonus bets.

All the best Ohio sports betting sites feature a cash-out early option (at adjusted odds), but using this option will disqualify bettors from receiving the deposit bonus.

#1. DraftKings

DraftKings also has a longstanding DFS presence in Ohio, and new bettors can find the same reliable experience with the online sportsbook. DraftKings Sportsbook offers more than two dozen sports, various ways to wager on events, and plenty of profit boosts.

Along with an extensive list of sports betting options, DraftKings Ohio features a helpful event information section with everything a prospective bettor may want to see before placing a wager, including stats, write-ups, sports betting trends, and the success of specific prop bets. All without having to leave the browser or app.

The nifty prop bets section can be broken down in various ways to zoom in or out, with options including the last five or ten contests, the entire season, head-to-head, or after a win or loss.

DraftKings gives new users 20 percent back on their first deposit up to $1,000. Bettors must deposit a minimum of $10. Rollover requirements are high, with the online sportsbook releasing $1 for every $25 wagered. Be on the lookout for ongoing promos involving odds boosts on high-profile players and events.

2005 ratings
Review
Up To $1,000 Deposit Bonus
  • Accepts deposits as low as $5
  • Hefty welcome and referral bonuses
  • Available in 22 US States

#2. FanDuel

Already operating in Ohio as a horse racing (TVG) and daily fantasy sports provider, FanDuel Sportsbook hopes to convert its massive user base into bettors. FanDuel is the highest-rated Ohio sports betting app, beating out  DraftKings by 0.1, for a few reasons.

With just 17 sports to pick from, the online sportsbook offers less choice than DraftKings, allowing them to focus on a sleek look and more ways to bet on the same game. Pioneers of the same-game parlay, FanDuel, forced the competition’s hand after seeing how successful the sportsbook has been. Same-game parlays allow bettors to combine multiple prop bets from the same event to raise the odds and liability substantially.

To welcome new bettors, FanDuel Ohio offers a no sweat first bet up to $1,000 to anyone who deposits at least $10. If a wager strikes out, the bet will be refunded in the form of bonus bet credits within three days. Bonus bets don’t have to be used in one lump sum, but will expire in seven days unless otherwise specified.

Keep an eye out for ongoing bet insurance opportunities, usually in the form of multi-leg parlays with specific betting odds requirements. For folks looking to bet the ponies, new TVG horse racing users can use a promo code to secure a first bet insurance up to $200 on their first deposit. The site can be accessed directly from FanDuel by selecting horse racing in the sidebar or choosing Facebook from the options at the top.

1148 ratings
Review
Bet $5, Get $150 In Bonus Bets
  • Massive Choice of Sports
  • Daily Odds Boosts
  • Convenient Banking

#3. BetMGM

One of the largest casino conglomerates in the world, and operator of a resort and casino in Northfield Park, Ohio, MGM is making waves in the sports betting game. BetMGM was the first, along with PointsBet, to apply for sports betting licenses in Ohio.

The BetMGM sportsbook is a bit busy but highly intuitive and gives bettors 23 sports to choose from. Well-defined lines and boxes offset the white space that plagues many online sportsbook layouts. Thanks to icons, sports betting options stand out even further than other sportsbooks. Navigation is made easy with the addition of the most popular sports and account links posted across the top. BetMGM Ohio also has an excellent choice of sports markets to choose from. You can wager on major events like the Super Bowl or discover niche sports such as Gaelic Football.

To bring Ohio bettors their way, BetMGM is giving new users up to $1,000 in bet credits. Be sure to use promo code GAMBLEUSA when creating an account to lock in the bet insurance. Losing wagers will be credited as bonus bet credits within 24 hours. Users will have seven days to use their bonus bets.

Promocode: GAMBLEUSA
1445 ratings
Review
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
  • Superb range of sports
  • Enticing rewards program
  • Extensive catalogs of betting markets

#4. Caesars

Through its mergers with Eldorado Resorts and William Hill, Caesars Sportsbook has become a massive casino company in recent years. Because of the deal, Caesars owns Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs in Franklin County, Ohio.

Caesars has closed the gap in a hurry with a selection of 18 sports, a favorite section for sports you frequent, profit boosts, and all the bells and whistles, albeit limited, a sports bettor could ask for. Despite a bland browser layout, Caesars is able to attract and retain bettors with the help of competitive odds, especially on combat sports.

The operator offers new customers a first bet on Caesars up to $1,500, plus an awesome rewards offer of 1,000 Reward Credits® & 1,000 Tier Credits. New users must register their Caesars account using promo code GUSAFULL to receive the welcome bonus. Any bonus bet credits will expire in 14 days. With a world famous brand name multiple exciting features, the Caesars sportsbook Ohio will be one of the most popular platforms for residents to place a sports bet.

Promocode: GUSA1000
1265 ratings
Review
$1,000 First Bet on Caesars
  • Great Mobile App
  • Brilliant Welcome Bonus
  • Range Of Bet Types

Hot to choose the best Ohio Sportsbook App

Choosing the best Ohio betting app to suit your needs could be a slightly daunting task. The good news is, our team has made this much more simple by highlighting the important factors to consider when choosing the best sports betting app in Ohio.

Bonuses and Promotions

Each Ohio betting app will offer some form of welcome bonus to attract new customers to their site. Whether it is a second chance bet, free bet credit or a straightforward deposit bonus, these bonuses can provide an instant boost to your bankroll. Check out our list of the best apps in Ohio to claim your welcome bonus today.

Range of Bet Types

The best sports bet apps in Ohio will offer exotic bet types in addition to the standard wagers such as point spreads, moneylines and over/unders (totals). Look out for player props and live betting options to add more excitement to your betting experience.

User Experience

If the user experience on app is poor, you are not going to hang around for long as it can be incredibly frustrating. All modern sports betting apps must have fast load times and intuitive menus. You don’t want the app crashing just as you are about to place your bet so an app that allows you to locate your match and then wager quickly is a must.

Security

All the apps listed on this page are licensed to operate in Ohio and have undertaken stringent testing to ensure all players’ personal and financial information is secure at all times. There is no need to worry when adding funds with any betting apps listed on this site.

Payment Options

The best Ohio sports betting apps should provide the most efficient online banking methods, including e-wallets,  credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards. Look for apps that have the most choice of payment options as you are more likely to find the one you prefer. This is also important for the payout speed, Play+ and PayPal have the fastest transaction times so if you want an app with fast payouts, look out for those two banking options.

Customer Service

If you encounter any issues when gambling online, it is reassuring to know that the operator has 24/7 support available via live chat, email or phone.

Legally Betting on Sports in Ohio

More than half the country has paved the way for legal sports betting in the Buckeye State going smoothly. Especially considering daily fantasy sports and horse racing are already legal in Ohio.

Getting started with any of the top sportsbooks in Ohio is a breeze.

Qualifying Players

Qualifying players must be 21 years of age and located within the borders of the state of Ohio. A geolocation check will be performed to verify you are where you say you are.

Registration

After successfully installing the app, you’ll need to create an account by providing some standard personal information, including your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and the first four of your social security number. The process should only take a few minutes to complete.

Download the App

All the top Ohio online sports betting sites have mobile versions for iOS and Android, which can be found in their respective app stores. To download a mobile sportsbook, search the online sports betting app of your choice and follow the installation instructions. Some operators may even choose to go mobile-app only in OH.

Account Verification

Additional account verification may be required, including the ability to provide back and front photos of your ID, a selfie, or email confirmation.

First Deposit

A sports bettor’s first deposit is an opportunity to maximize profits and minimize losses. The sports betting industry has settled on a few standard ways to welcome new users, including a deposit bonus or a first bet insurance, resulting in bonus bet credits.

Bonuses for new players

Deposit bonuses are usually the most bang for your buck as they require a small deposit and possibly a nominal first wager to unlock a hundred dollars or more in bet credits. Bet credits act as bet insurance if the wager goes south. If the wager loses, money will be refunded within a few days through bonus bet credits.

Be sure to read the terms and conditions before making any moves. Some bonuses have specific requirements, and bonus bets often have an expiration date. Credit may be handed out in installments depending on the bet’s size. Bonus bets will not be included in the payout.

Are Winnings from Betting Apps Taxable in Ohio?

Winning Buckeye State bettors must report all gambling winnings to the IRS regardless of the amount. The state has set a tax rate of 10 percent. It’s often misreported that you don’t owe taxes on winnings less than $600. In actuality, the payer must report all winnings to the IRS when someone has won more than $600 or more than 300 times their initial stake.

Potential Tax Revenue for Ohio

At the pace sports betting is growing, previous estimates of revenue generated can be thrown out the window. Ohio has a similar population to its legal sports betting neighbor Pennsylvania, which did $84 million in November of 2021. Their most considerable one-month sports betting revenue in over three years of legalized sports betting.

Recent one-month tax revenue for Ohio’s neighboring states:

Features of Ohio Betting Apps

The top Ohio sports betting sites have similar features, welcome bonuses, ongoing promos, intuitive layouts, and banking options. Bettors in Ohio can’t go wrong when choosing one of the sportsbooks listed above.

Banking Methods

Sports betting apps in Ohio feature various instant deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and PayPal. Other banking methods include eCheck, PayNearMe, and Play+. Some sports betting sites have even started accepting Apple Pay and Venmo.

Withdrawal options won’t be as plentiful and may take anywhere from a day to two week. If you plan to use multiple Ohio sports betting apps, something we recommend, PayPal will become your best friend. It seems to have been most widely adopted as a way to get bettors their bankrolls.

Sportsbook Bonuses

Besides sportsbook welcome bonuses, sports betting sites feature ongoing promos to keep bettors engaged, including parlay bet insurance and profit boosts. Parlay insurance is similar to bet credits, but usually has specific requirements which must be met. These criteria include the number of legs combined and the odds needed. Profit boosts can be provided by the sportsbook on high-profile players and events or by your own creation.

Sports Betting Options

The majority of legal sports betting sites offer anywhere from a handful of sports to more than two dozen, with many professional sports leagues within those options and various ways to wager on players and outcomes. Sports betting falls into a few categories: moneylines, point spreads, under/overs for most contests, hundreds of prop bets, futures, live betting, and more.

  • Moneyline – The most simple wager to make. Bettors are wagering on the outright winner. A minus sign next to the number will indicate the favorite and a plus sign will signify the underdog. The number represents the payout on a $100 wager.
  • Point Spread – The number posted is the perceived margin of victory. For a bet on a favorite to cash, the outcome must go over the number. The inverse is true when betting on underdogs.
  • Over/Under – Along with team and game point totals, most prop bets will be in the form of (o) overs and (u) unders. Bettors are wagering on whether the number goes over or under what is posted.
  • Prop Bets – The number of ways to wager on an event are growing by the day. Prop bets allow bettors to wager on player and team statistical outcomes within the contest.
  • Futures – Available during the season and prior, futures bets are wagers which can be made on things like the league champion, team win totals, and season award winners.
  • Live Betting – In-play wagering is a great way to keep up with the action and can be to the bettor’s advantage if they see something before the oddsmakers do. Bets will be limited compared to pregame, and the odds are constantly changing. Be sure to act fast as wagers lock/unlock regularly.

Market Coverage

Ohio sportsbook apps provide action on professional and college sports teams and leagues, including the MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, PGA, and UFC.

The Buckeye State is home to nine professional sports teams and 12 D-I Universities, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ohio State University. All of which are available to wager on.

Safety & Support

Legal online sportsbooks in the US use industry-standard encryption technology to protect sensitive personal information and ensure secure transactions. For those seeking support, start with the FAQ. Live chats can resolve minor issues, and email for more complicated problems.

Understanding responsible gaming is of the utmost importance, and in online sportsbooks’ best interest, the majority provides easy-to-find contact information for those looking to get help. Taking a proactive approach, many of the best Ohio sports betting sites also allow users to set time limits, deposit limits, and lockout periods.

Know When To Stop Before You Start.® 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Ohio Sports Betting vs Other States

With the Ohio sports betting law allowing for a large number of licenses, mobile sports betting, kiosks, and zero limitations on college sports, there is nothing in HB 29 holding back Ohio from having a successful sports betting year.

In the next evolution of online sports betting, kiosk locations will include restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, golf courses, hotels, convenience stores, truck stops, and supermarkets. Created for the casual bettor, these stations will be limited to moneylines, spreads, over/unders, and simple parlays. Individual Ohio sports bettors can wager up to $700 a week across all sports betting kiosks.

FAQs

Is online sports betting legal in Ohio?

Sports betting is legal in Ohio, thanks to sports betting legislation HB 29 passing at the end of 2021. Options for sports wagering for pretty much all popular markets from the NFL to UFC betting went live on the first of 2023. Big brands such as FanDuel sportsbook Ohio and DraftKings sportsbook Ohio are now live and accepting bets in the state.

Is legal sports betting in Ohio safe?

Legal sports betting is safe and reliable. All Ohio sports betting operators are licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and work with internal and independent auditors to ensure a fair process. All the sportsbooks mentioned above are rated highly.

Are there any sports betting bonuses or promotions?

To keep bettors engaged and bankrolls afloat, Ohio sports betting sites offer welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions, resulting in bonus bet credits. Requirements may vary. Bonus bets often have an expiration date.
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets