Ohio is one of the US states where sports betting is legal, meaning you can place wagers on licensed sportsbooks within the state. The real challenge, however, is finding trusted Ohio sports betting sites.
While searching for the best options, I discovered sportsbooks like BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and Fanatics. These sportsbooks stand out for their sizable bonuses, wide betting markets, and official licenses. This article shares my experience betting on these five sites.
Must-see sportsbook apps in Ohio
Ohio sports betting overview
Ohio legalized sports betting in January 2023, about 13 months after Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law in December 2021.
The bill legalized retail and online sports betting. Currently, around 16 online sportsbooks operate in the state, all regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Timeline of online betting in Ohio
Here are key events to note about the Ohio sports betting market:
- January 1, 2023: Day 1, DraftKings entered the Ohio betting market as soon as it went live.
- August 16, 2023: Fanatics launched both its online and retail sportsbooks in Ohio.
- October 13, 2023: FanDuel increased its betting handle by 8.6%, accumulating $115.8 million in wagers while retaining $15.8 million.
- 2023: Year 1, Despite entering the market later, Fanatics achieved 22.3% more profit per wager than competitors.
- May 15, 2025: SB 199 was introduced, proposing a 2% tax on the state’s total sports betting handle.
Licensing, tax, and oversight of Ohio online gambling sites
Ohio legalized sports betting through House Bill 29, signed in December 2021, with operations officially launching in January 2023. Like the Missouri sports betting market, brands in Ohio operate under state-issued licenses.
All sportsbooks must be licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), which offers three types of licenses:
- Type A – Mobile and online sportsbooks
- Type B – Retail bookmakers
- Type C – Kiosks, bars, and restaurants with liquor permits
Initially, the tax rate for Ohio sports betting sites was 10%, but it doubled to 20% in July 2023.
Sports and market coverage in Ohio
Similar to the Kentucky sports betting market, Ohio hosts several betting brands covering both major and niche sports. The NFL and MLB dominate, with strong support for local teams like the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Guardians, and Cincinnati Reds.
Other major leagues, including the NBA and NHL, also attract large betting volumes. College sports have a loyal following, though prop bets on college games are prohibited at Ohio online sportsbooks.
Popular betting markets include moneyline, spreads, and futures. Ohio also sees local partnerships. For instance, the Cincinnati Reds are sponsored by BetMGM, while the Cleveland Cavaliers partner with Caesars for retail branding.
Promos in Ohio
Most Ohio betting sites offer bonuses and promotions, available to bettors aged 21 or older. Common offers include welcome bonuses, boosted odds, referral rewards, and sport-specific promos.
Ohio sportsbooks often favor bonus bets, and many run loyalty or VIP programs. This is similar to what I experienced at the Illinois sports betting market. For example, Fanatics Sportsbook’s ONE program offers exclusive perks for frequent bettors.
Loyalty points from sports wagers typically count toward tier upgrades, but terms may vary. Therefore, check with customer support for confirmation. You’ll also find the best sportsbook promotions for new and existing bettors on the bookmakers listed on the banners on this page.
The future of sports betting in Ohio
Unlike states like South Carolina, where you won’t find South Carolina sports betting sites, Ohio’s betting market continues to grow rapidly. In August 2024, the combined handle for mobile, retail, and kiosk betting reached $663.17 million, up 24.5% from July’s $532.58 million, generating $72.65 million in revenue and $14.54 million in taxes.
For the 2024 fiscal year, Ohio recorded a total handle of $8.9 billion, a 15.9% increase from 2023’s $7.67 billion. Despite strong growth, further legislation is under review. Lawmakers are considering restrictions on micro-betting and discussing new tax models, including a proposed 2% levy on handle, though the earlier plan to raise the sportsbook tax to 40% was dropped.
Additionally, Bill SB 197 aims to legalize online casino gaming, which could expand the state’s gambling market significantly.
Verdict + pros and cons:
Since online sports gambling in Ohio became legal in 2023, the Buckeye State has licensed over 15 sportsbooks, with mobile betting emerging as the preferred choice. Retail sportsbooks still offer value for in-person wagering, but online options dominate thanks to convenience and variety.
However, note that some online bookies don’t offer live streaming, especially on niche sports.
Here are the pros and cons of an Ohio sports betting app:
- Wide range of sports#Pre-match and live betting
- Competitive odds
- Multiple promotions
- Some sportsbooks don’t offer live streaming
Online vs. retail betting in Ohio
Both retail and mobile sports betting are legal in Ohio, and the choice between them comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy placing wagers in person, retail sportsbooks may suit you best.
For those who prefer convenience, wagering on the best sports betting app allows you to place bets anytime from home or on the go. Many bettors favor online bookmakers because they offer greater flexibility and better bonuses.
That said, online registration and verification can take longer, especially before your first withdrawal. Retail sportsbooks, on the other hand, only require you to show up with valid identification before betting.
My research indicates that mobile betting is the preferred choice among younger bettors, whereas retail sportsbooks remain popular among Gen X gamblers.
Expert picks: Ohio’s best online sportsbooks
With over 15 sportsbooks available in Ohio, selecting the right one can be a challenge. After thorough research, I’ve picked the following five bookmakers as the best sites offering online sports betting in Ohio:
| Sportsbook | Retail partners | Welcome bonus | Popular markets | Link to review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | BetMGM Sportsbook at the Banks in Cincinnati and MGM Northfield Park | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if you don’t win | Over/under (totals), EPL relegation markets, MLS futures, and parlays | BetMGM Sportsbook review |
| Caesars | Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland and Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs, Columbus | Bet $1 and double your winnings on your next 20 wagers | Moneyline, total (over/under), player props, and spread betting | Caesars Sportsbook review |
| FanDuel | None | Bet $5 and get $300 in bonus bets if you win | NBA prop bets, futures, parlay, spread betting, and moneylines | FanDuel Sportsbook review |
| Fanatics | 401 North Front Street, outside Nationwide Arena in Columbus | Bet $10, Get $100 in FanCash Instantly or the Game Day Guarantee No Sweat Bet | Head-to-head, novelty bet, prop, moneyline, point spread, futures, round totals | Fanatics Sportsbook review |
Ohio vs. its neighbors
Here’s how the Ohio sports betting market compares to what’s available in surrounding states:
| State | Tax Rate | Operator Count | Handle | 2025 revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 9.50% | 11 | $4.6 billion | $43.7 million |
| Kentucky | 9.75% excise tax on retail sportsbooks, 14.25% excise tax on mobile bookmakers | 9 | $2.2 billion | $252.6 million |
| Pennsylvania | 36% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR) | 11 | $8.42 billion | $508.7 million |
| Michigan | 8.4% | 13 | $2.9 billion | $194.4 million |
| West Virginia | 10% | 10 | $3.02 billion | $279.0 million |
Responsible gambling in Ohio
Responsible gambling is an essential part of safe betting. Wagering should remain a form of entertainment, even when you’re on a winning streak. Top Ohio sportsbooks include tools and features that help players manage their activity responsibly.
Whether you’re using NFL betting apps or sportsbook websites, you’ll find features such as:
- Deposit limits
- Time-outs
- Reality checks
- Session limits
- Self-exclusion options
If you ever feel that gambling is becoming problematic, reach out for support. You can contact the support organizations below.
Expert verdict
Online sports betting has been legal in Ohio for more than two years, giving bettors access to over 15 licensed sportsbooks.
After comparing multiple Ohio sportsbooks, I found BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and Fanatics to be my top choices. These sportsbooks stand out for their sizable bonuses, wide betting markets, and strong regulatory compliance.
If you’re ready to start betting on your favorite sports, click the on-page banners to sign up with your preferred Ohio sportsbook today.
Get off to a great start with these betting bonuses
FAQ: Ohio sports betting
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes. Sports betting has been legal in Ohio since January 2023. At the moment, you can place sports wagers in over 15 betting sites in the Buckeye State.
What’s the best sports betting site in Ohio?
The best Ohio sports betting sites depend on your preference. BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and Fanatics are top-rated sportsbooks in the state. Pick one and start placing wagers.
Can I claim welcome bonuses at Ohio sports betting sites?
Yes. All five recommended Ohio betting sites offer sizable welcome bonuses and other sports promotions, including odd boosts.
What types of sports can you wager on at Ohio sports betting sites?
You can bet on sports like football, basketball, tennis, cricket, horse racing, golf, greyhound racing, and more. Many Ohio sportsbooks also feature niche sports like floorball, futsal, darts, and snookers.
Do all Ohio sportsbooks offer a reward program?
No. Although many online betting sites in Ohio feature loyalty programs, others don’t. However, the sites on the on-page banners offer sizable promotions and loyalty perks to boost your bankroll.
