Is sports betting legal in Ohio? This is perhaps one question that has been the bone of contention for a while now. This is more emphasized in the fact that other states are running successful betting enterprises yet, the state of Ohio seems to be sleeping on it. Ohio’s senate has been going on this scuffle to legalize sports betting in the state for months now. It was argued that the state was sleeping on a gold mine in taxes that other states are accruing from legalizing sports betting. At this point, you may have several questions like when will sport betting be legal in Ohio? Are there sportsbooks currently available in Ohio? If all these questions are already boggling you, then not to worry, this article will offer some clarity.
In this Ohio sports betting update, we will be covering all you are expected to know pertaining to the legalization of online betting in the state.
Disclaimer: Must be 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes, it is. On the 22nd of December 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed into law HB 29, a measure legalizing sports betting in Ohio. Online and retail Ohio sports betting went live at the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2023. The formal launch date, which was slated for August, was announced by the OCCC in June. Under Ohio sports betting Bill 29, that is the official start date for Ohio online sports betting.
Best Ohio Sports Betting Sites to Expect at Launch
The legalization of sports betting in Ohio just happened about two months ago. So, at the moment, there are yet to have any Ohio sports betting sites taking up space. Going further in this piece, we will be brushing up on those sportsbooks we have a sense will be coming to Ohio in no time.
FanDuel
This is one sportsbook that has its traces almost in all states where sports betting is legalized in the United States. As a matter of fact, FanDuel Sportsbook Promos generates the most in terms of earnings of all sportsbooks in the United States. This sportsbook has gained a cult following in the United States and is easily one of the most beloved sportsbooks. So, it comes as no surprise that they make it to this list.
FanDuel launched a brick-and-mortar retail sportsbook at the Belterra Park Racino in Cincinnati, Ohio, in conjunction with Boyd Gaming. It’s a foregone conclusion that FanDuel and Boyd will work together to open a chain of retail sportsbooks in the Buckeye State. On the same day that online sports betting in Ohio went live on January 1, 2023 FanDuel launched their sportsbook. Those who pre-register with FanDuel Ohio Sportsbook before its official launch will earn $100 in bonus bets in addition to the new-user incentive, which is accessible starting January 1, 2023.
FanDuel has its traces almost in all states where sports betting is legalized in the United States.
DraftKings
Aside from FanDuel, this is another sportsbook that comes close to the reputation that FanDuel has built so far. Draftkings is a force as far as online sportsbooks in the United States are concerned. As a testament to their authority, they are among the top five bookmakers in most states. Their impeccable sports betting service put them miles ahead of the others.
DraftKings has an agreement in place with Hollywood Casino Toledo to legally operate in this state. DraftKings complies with all laws and regulations set forth by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, as do all other legal internet sportsbooks operating within the state. Moreover, when the DraftKings Ohio sportsbook went live on January 1, 2023, anyone who signed up for an account before then will receive $200 in bonus wagers. That’s on top of the $1,050 welcome bonus that can be claimed when you sign up for DraftKings. With the DraftKings app or website, Ohio residents can wager without leaving their homes.
BetMGM
This is a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, one of the biggest casinos in the world. So you can have an idea of how big a sportsbook it is. BetMGM has been public about its plans to enter the Ohio market since it submitted its application for a sports betting license on June 20, 2022. As a result, BetMGM was one of the first two sportsbooks to apply for a license of this kind. When Ohio online sports betting became legal on January 1, 2023, BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook became one of the largest operators in the state. If you pre-registered for BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook before November 2, 2022, you would have received a $200 in bonus bets on the opening day of the sportsbook.
Disclaimer: Must be 21+. Available in OH only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Terms and Conditions Apply.
Caesars
With Caesars’ partnership with William Hill and Eldorado Resorts, they have attained heights that they never thought possible. With such momentum that they have garnered over the years, the thought of expanding to a state with so many prospects seems rather appealing.
Caesars Sportsbook Ohio, which just inked a deal to become the official sports betting partner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is one of the first sportsbooks launched in the state of Ohio. Caesars Sportsbook, which has been licensed to provide mobile betting throughout the state, will build a retail sportsbook at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where the Cleveland Cavaliers play. Also, when you make a $100 pre-live bet, you’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets to a Cleveland Cavaliers game. When online sports betting in Ohio began at 12 a.m. ET on January 1, 2023, Caesars Sportsbook Ohio was well and ready to cater to sports bettors in Ohio state.
Bonus disclaimer: 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
Bally Bet Ohio
On January 1, 2023, sports betting will become legal in the state of Ohio, and Bally Bet Ohio is preparing to become a dominant participant in this new industry. It is commonly anticipated that Ohio sports betting apps will be available upon launch on January 1, 2023. The Cleveland Browns and prestigious sports betting service Bally Bet have made no secret of their aim. Bally Bet may go live on day one of legal Ohio sports betting, since the state is aiming for a statewide launch date for all sportsbooks.
Bet365 Ohio
Bet365 stands out in what is expected to be a crowded Ohio online sports betting market due to its user-friendly sign-up process, easy access to live betting markets, live streaming video, and extensive market offering. Players in a few states like Colorado may already take advantage of its user-friendly interface, and newcomers and seasoned gamblers alike will find the bet365 mobile app to be a breeze to use. Any serious sports bettor should download the bet365 sports betting app.
Get bet365 offer>>Betway Ohio
Betway is planning to expand into Ohio. Betway signed a multi-year marketing deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021, giving the sports betting company access to various promotional opportunities with the team. Betway’s first-time customer incentive is the industry standard. Maximum refunds are set at either $250 or $1,000, depending on the state.
In either case, new customers can place a bet of at least $10 and receive a bonus bet if their initial wager loses. While bonus bet winnings must be wagered 30 times before being cashed out, refunds are non-withdrawable.
Barstool Ohio
Barstool Sportsbook Ohio is one of the first Ohio sports betting applications to open in the new year, joining the four retail sportsbooks offered by Hollywood Casino (owned by Penn National) in the Buckeye State. In late September, the Ohio Casino Control Commission met and gave Hollywood Casino the green light to establish Barstool Sportsbook in the state, a mobile betting app, and a retail sportsbook, both of which are available to customers on January 1, 2023.
When you sign up for a new Barstool account using the stipulated promo code, you’ll receive a $10 no-deposit bonus and a $1,000 bet credit depending on the first wager.
Betfred Ohio
Betfred is already established in other legal states, and it is possible that next year it could expand into Ohio. There has been some speculation about which sportsbooks would open in Ohio after the legalization of sports betting on January 1, 2023. One of them is Betfred’s sportsbook because of its affiliation with the Cincinnati Bengals. Betfred Ohio offers new customers up to $1,111 in bonus bets (called “Fred Bets”) just for signing up.
BetPARX Ohio
Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, is the genesis of the betPARX online sportsbook. Following the lead of neighboring states like New Jersey and Michigan, Parx Casino began offering online sports betting and gaming in Pennsylvania in 2019.
The first betPARX Sportsbook location in Ohio could open as early as January 2023. New online sportsbook customers are eligible for a $750 bet credit on their first wager. After forming a partnership with the Muirfield Village Golf Course, home of the Memorial Tournament on the PGA Tour, betPARX was granted a sports betting license in Ohio.
Betr Ohio
CEO Joey Levy stated that state permits were received on December 16th, allowing Betr to launch operations on January 1st at 12:01 a.m. ET to provide sports betting in Ohio. Betr, an online betting platform featuring social media star Jake Paul, has taken a major stride forward with the help of its investor, Levy. Up to a set maximum, the sportsbook will match your first deposit. If your first wager with the sportsbook is a loss, you will receive a refund in the form of bonus bets or site credit. For this reason, if you wager $100 on your first bet and it comes up short, you may be eligible to get the same amount in bonus bets.
BetRivers Ohio
After some initial hesitation, the BetRivers Ohio sportsbook became one of as many as 20 operators accepting wagers on January 1. BetRivers Ohio has been granted permission to operate a retail sportsbook in Hall of Fame Village in Canton by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Through a collaboration with Hollywood Gaming at Daytona International Speedway, a mobile betting app will be made available. If you’re a new customer, you can get a $500 bonus when you make your first deposit at the BetRivers sportsbook. You will also be enrolled in BetRivers’ iRush Rewards program immediately.
SIGN UP USING THE BETRIVERS PROMO CODE>Fanatics Ohio
By early 2023, Fanatics may introduce its first online sportsbook to residents of Ohio. The company’s trademark application for the term “BetFanatics” suggests that it will launch an online sportsbook. What exactly the BetFanatics OH promotion entails remains unknown at this time. Nonetheless, one might hold out hope for originality given the fact that Fanatics has partnerships in place with every major US sports league. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Fanatics, an Ohio-based online bookmaker, have an existing connection. The Columbus Blue Jackets are Ohio’s sole National Hockey League franchise. As a result of working together, it’s possible to launch joint advertising and publicity efforts.
Hard Rock Ohio
Sports betting at this location is legal thanks to a partnership with the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Hard Rock is an authorized sportsbook in this state, so residents of that state who are at least 21 years old can place wagers with real money and take advantage of promotions. The $100 bonus bet that new customers at Hard Rock Sportsbook Ohio can get as a welcome offer is a safe bet to make. Some of the more impressive time-sensitive deals we’ve come across have been worth up to $5,000.
MVGbet Ohio
The Ohio Casino Control Commission approved Miami Valley Gaming’s MVGbet sports betting app on November 16. Miami Valley Gaming’s retail and online sportsbook plans are finalized in anticipation of the January 1, 2023, launch of Ohio sports betting. For its sports betting app in Ohio, the firm teamed up with Gamewise. Delaware North’s Betly online sportsbook app is powered by Gamewise technology. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that MVGbet will function similarly to the Betly apps used in Arkansas, West Virginia, and Tennessee.
Out the Gate Ohio
Out the Gate received authorization to conduct sports wagering operations in both online and brick-and-mortar locations from the Ohio Casino Control Commission on December 15th. The Geneva, Ohio-based SPIRE Institute, a high school and sports research facility, has collaborated with the online gaming corporation on both licenses. Consequently, Out of the Gate can operate the SPIRE campus’ retail sportsbook and start its online sportsbook in Ohio. On January 1, 2023, SPIRE and Out the Gate join the rest of the sports betting sector in Ohio. We’re waiting to hear back from Out The Gate Sportsbook Ohio about their plans for a welcome bonus and whether or not they’ll require a code.
PointsBet Ohio
Once considered a “feisty startup,” PointsBet Sportsbook has made it to the top. The PointsBet Ohio Sportsbook will be one of the best mobile sports betting apps in the state when it launches, thanks to the presence of well-known celebrities like former NFL quarterback Drew Brees.
PointsBet’s outstanding $2,000 new-user promo in second-chance bets is arguably its best feature, since it far outstrips the promotional offerings of its rivals. PointsBet’s fantastic $500 pre-launch bonus plus $200 in wager credits is currently available live through December 31, 2022, so legal Ohio sports gamblers don’t have to wait until January 1, 2023, to get started.
Superbook Ohio
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has issued a license for this online sportsbook. Therefore, so long as the company follows Ohio law, it can provide legal Ohio sports betting. The professional soccer club FC Cincinnati is a partner of SuperBook Sportsbook. This authorizes the company to provide sports betting via the Internet in this state. Additionally, a retail sportsbook is planned for a location within close proximity to TQL Stadium. New customers at SuperBook can expect a deposit bonus of $1,000 if their very first wager wins.
Tipico Ohio
Through its partnership with Columbus Crew FC, Tipico Sportsbook has ensured that it will be prepared to launch in Ohio as soon as sports betting there is legalized. The first day of 2023 saw the introduction of Tipico in this state. Pre-registration bonuses for new customers at Tipico Ohio Sportsbook include $150 in bonus bets, $250 in parlay bonuses, or $150 in deposit bonuses.
Underdog Ohio
The launch of Underdog Sportsbook Ohio is a major event for the sports betting industry in the Buckeye State. The Ohio Casino Control Commission held a meeting in late September 2022 and conditionally certified Underdog Sportsbook Ohio to operate a sports betting app on January 1, 2023. Due to the lack of a comparable product in other states, the debut of Underdog Ohio Sportsbook is an exciting development in the sports betting industry. Underdog has a lot of smart people and cash backing their endeavor, so they have no excuse not to become one of the best sportsbooks in this state.
Latest Ohio Sports Betting Update
As of February 17, 2022, it was in the news that Ohio lost a chunk of sports betting taxes to offshore operators and the four border states with authorized sports betting platforms.
When will sports betting be legal in Ohio?
Now that sports betting is legal according to the Ohio sports betting bill, residents and visitors alike eagerly await the debut of the state’s first online sportsbooks and brick-and-mortar betting establishments. The launch window was projected to extend well into the offseason of the NFL in May 2022, per the relevant authorities. The state then set January 1, 2023, as the official release date for sports betting in Ohio.
On June 15, the Ohio Casino Control Commission launched its new license platform, initiating the first of two 30-day application periods that will run through mid-August. There are three distinct categories of sports betting permits.
Online sports betting sites require a Type A license. The OCCC has the authority to issue up to 25 such licenses, of which the 11 casinos and racinos in Ohio and the 10 sports franchises in the state can each obtain one. Casinos, racinos, and sports teams in such jurisdictions may seek a second online license, which would bring the potential number of online sportsbooks to 46.
Up to forty retail sportsbook licenses (Type B) will be issued. Finally, businesses with a Type C license (such as bars and restaurants) will be permitted to provide a restricted selection of sports betting through lottery kiosks. A statewide cap does not exist on the number of Type C licenses that can be issued. Over 1,300 firms obtained initial approval from the Ohio Lottery to operate sports betting kiosks, and the OCCC had fully certified over 800 of them by early October. There needs to be a collaboration between a business and a kiosk operator for the latter to offer kiosks.
Where to Bet on Sports in Ohio?
As of the time of writing this review, there are no options as regards sites for online betting in Ohio that residents can take advantage of. Also, though there are numerous casinos in the state, none of them have sealed a partnership with a sportsbook yet to offer a live location for sports betting. This sort of puts Ohio residents who are sports betting enthusiasts at some disadvantage. There is not so much to be done than to wait till these Ohio online sportsbooks start becoming a thing.
Online Betting Sites that could come to Ohio
As we have already highlighted so far, there is a very good chance we will be seeing an influx of Ohio sports betting apps this year. Here are some of the sites that we should anticipate their entry in Ohio.
Betting Markets that could be explored on Those Sites
Now that we have relatively covered some of the expected sportsbooks that could be coming to Ohio. In anticipation for these sportsbooks to start operating, let’s look at some of the widely popular betting markets on those sportsbooks.
Money line
This is the simplest betting market on sports that you would find among all the aforementioned sportsbooks. It comes as no surprise that it is widely explored by bettors, given its simplicity. For Money line wagers, the bet is practically about who will win the game. As it is common with money line odds, one of the teams is represented as an underdog while the other is represented as a favorite. The team that has the (+) sign attached to the odds is the underdog, while the team that has the (-) sign attached to the odds is the favorite.
Points Spread
This is another betting market that is widely harnessed on the betting sites that we have discussed above. For the points spread, as the name implies, you are betting on which team wins by a certain point margin. The range of the point spread varies with different sports offered on these sportsbooks.
Futures
This is a type of bet that can’t be determined from the outcome of one game, as opposed to the other betting markets that we have talked about. Like the name implies, with a future bet, you are betting on the outcome for a future occurrence in a competition. For example, you could bet on the team that wins the NBA. The futures bet relatively have higher odds than other bets, because of how uncertain they can be.
Totals
This is another option that seems to get a lot of rep on major sportsbooks. For total bets, you are either betting on the total number of points in the game or the total number of goals that are recorded in the game. The way the Total odds are represented for a wide range of sports is different. For sports like Soccer, for instance, the maximum total option attainable is Over 7.5. However, for sports like Basketball, you could bet on total options as high as Over 111.5.
Props Bets
These are very unique kinds of bets. It is no surprise that they are also called special bets. These bets cover rare outcomes. For example, a prop bet for an MMA event could be something like who wins the fight in the first 10 minutes. There is a wide range of props bet that are provided on these sites. These types of bets have grown in popularity because of how juicy their odds can be.
Parlays
This is basically an accumulation of multiple outcomes on a bet slip. Parlays are usually favored by bettors because they can be quite effective. With Parlays, the higher the number of options in the bet slip, the higher the risk, and invariably, the higher the reward.
History of Ohio Sports Betting
The history of sports betting in Ohio can be traced back to 1933 when the Ohio State Racing Commission was formed. This was an arm put in place to serve as a watchful eye of horse race betting operations in the state at the time. For decades horse racing became a big deal in the states so did betting on it. So, it comes as no surprise that seven out of the eleven casinos in Ohio were racinos.
Now, back to 2018, that’s the closest Ohio came to legalizing sports betting in the state. However, at that time, fantasy sports betting was the only form allowed in the states. This saw the entry of some of the big names in the sports betting world into Ohio to offer odds on these games. Some of the popular sportsbooks that came at that time to offer fantasy sports odds are Draftkings, FanDuel, Yahoo, and Fantasy Draft. It was a surprise seeing Ohio legalize fantasy sports betting, considering the restraint that’s been met over the years to legalize sports betting.
The slow advance of Online betting in Ohio
In 2020, there was much more progress about giving sports betting a trial when the House of Finance Committee advanced on the Ohio sports betting bill.
In 2021, there were new legislators and Senators like Sen. Kirk Schuring championed the process of passing the OH sports betting bill. This battle took several months before some win was recorded in late December when DeWine signed the basic shape of SB 176.
On January 1, 2023, various bookmakers launched their product in Ohio as sports betting became legal.
FAQs
Yes. Sports betting became legal in Ohio last December and so far, efforts are being made to see the introduction of a number of sportsbooks in the state.
It is projected that sports betting in Ohio could generate as high as $1 billion a year. Most of this amount is planned to go into funding public education in the state.
Yes. We are expecting to see a lot happen in the sports betting space in Ohio, with a lot of sportsbooks coming to the fore.
No. As we have already stressed enough in this piece, the legalization of sports betting in Ohio is still in its infant stage. As such, there hasn’t been any sportsbooks available. Ideally, for there to be physical locations for sports betting in a state, there needs to be a partnership between a sportsbook and that location. So far, there is no such partnership existing in Ohio. However, given the planning in the works, there is a good chance that in the coming bets, betting on sports at physical locations will be possible in Ohio.