Best Ohio Sportsbooks December 2024

Chris Altman Sports Betting Expert

15 minute read

Ohio sports betting is officially live! Check out bonus offers and welcome deals below! 🚨

BEST SPORTSBOOKS IN OH

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

STATE OF OHIO SPORTSBOOKS

Every month, states that allow legal betting provide updates on various aspects, including the amount of money wagered (known as handle), gross revenue, taxes collected, leading sportsbooks, and more. The Ohio Department of Gaming's is making this data available each month.

Come check out other states' sports betting handle and revenue.

TOP OHIO SPORTS BETTING APPS

21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

IS ONLINE SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN OHIO?

Yes, online sports betting is indeed legal in Ohio, and sportsbooks are offering sports betting apps statewide.

WHAT CAN I BET ON IN OHIO?

The following operators (sports betting providers) are live in Ohio:

Let's get into the details about providers that have entered the Ohio market:

BET365

New users can sign up with our link for the following offer:

bet365 is an international provider of legal sports betting that's making waves in the US market, and now they're available in Ohio! Lines on everything from NFL to cricket, esports and more are available on bet365.

Registration required.

FANATICS SPORTSBOOK

Fanatics Sportsbook is now available in Ohio. Right now, new users can get the following welcome offer:  

Click the link above to get started today!

_{Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, DC, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, OH, MI, NC, NJ, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY), (800)-327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or http://ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or 1800gambler.net (WV).}

BETMGM

BetMGM is live in Ohio! The operator offers a wide range of US and international betting markets including the major pro and college leagues.

Users signing up for their first ever BetMGM account can get a special offer in Ohio-- just use our links or code to obtain this offer:

DRAFTKINGS

Those who use DraftKings in Ohio can bet on a huge range of sports. From major North American sports to some of the more obscure international leagues, DraftKings has it all.

All your favorite sports markets feature at DraftKings, and you can enjoy an attractive welcome offer of No bonus code is needed for this offer, and bonus bets expire in seven days – therefore, you should use them before they expire.

CAESARS

Caesars Sportsbook is ubiquitous on your favorite sports channel, and Ohio bettors have the chance to be an emperor by signing up with our links!

New users can use our Caesars Sportsbook promo code INSIDER1000 to Get up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

ESPN BET

Thanks to a deal between ESPN and PENN entertainment, ESPN BET launched in Ohio on Nov. 14, 2023.

By using our ESPN BET promo code VIBONUS, you can get the following offer:

BETR

Jake Paul's micro-betting venture, Betr, is now live in Ohio! Check out a new unique way to bet on sports.

To obtain the Betr Sportsbook Ohio offer, make sure to use code VIMAX upon registration!

New customers 21+ only, must be present in OH, VA. Offer not available in Massachusetts.T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

FANDUEL

FanDuel is one of largest sports betting operators in the US.

FanDuel is already doing an impressive job where it currently offers sports wagering in states such as Vermont, New Jersey, Indiana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. It provides its customers with an excellent web platform and competitive pricing, so it is in line to be undoubtedly be one of the best Ohio sportsbooks.

HARD ROCK BET

Hard Rock Bet is offering a ton of value on its platform in other states and is sure to bring the heat now that it can go online in the Buckeye State. Users can get the full scope of available bets and some promotional deals for potential big wins!

BETFRED

Betfred is a well-known and respected online sportsbook that offers great promotions. Check them out today!

BETPARX

In partnership with the Memorial Tournament to become an Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR, betPARX has finally launched in Ohio!

MVGBET

Of course, Miami Valley Gaming also has its betting app in Ohio, MVGBet! Geared towards Ohio fans, MVGBet has a solid welcome offer and attractive odds boosts!

GROWING LIST OF OPERATORS APPROVED FOR OHIO LICENSE

Of the above providers, quite a few have already made the plunge into the burgeoning Ohio sportsbook market by applying for licensure. The pro sports teams in the state are also very much involved. This growing list will be a good picture of which sportsbooks should be available now that online betting sites have gone live in the Buckeye State:

Expected to launch soon:

• betJACK
• PlayUp (initially denied by OCCC)
• Instabet
• Out the Gate
• Gamewise
• Underdog, in partnership with the Cincinnati Reds
• Bally Bet, in partnership with the Cleveland Browns

OHIO DAILY FANTASY SPORTS (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Ohio. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more.

OHIO SPORTSBOOKS: EVENTS AND TEAMS TO BET ON

POPULAR OHIO EVENTS

The state of Ohio is home to major horse racing tracks which include Cincinnati's River Downs, Cleveland's Thistledown, and Columbus's Scioto Downs. Ohio Derby and The Cleveland Gold Cup are the two major races held, and Thistletown.

There are also several major sports facilities, such as the Cleveland Browns Stadium, Columbus Crew Stadium, Jacobs Field and the Great American Ballpark.

Some other popular sporting events include the Cleveland IndyCar Race as well as the All-American Soap Box Derby.

WHAT ARE BEST TEAMS TO BET ON?

There are many professional and college sports teams in Ohio. Major Ohio cities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati are home to a variety of professional basketball, football, baseball, soccer, and hockey teams. Some of the most popular teams Ohio natives are sure to bet on are:

• Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
• Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
• Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
• Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
• Cleveland Browns (NFL)
• Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
• Columbus Crew SC (MLS)

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES BETTING

Ohio bettors may disagree on their favorite NFL team since the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are in the same division, and there's always that Cleveland vs. Cincinnati rivalry, but pretty much everyone in the state loves the Ohio State Buckeyes (sorry, Cincinnati Bearcats).

Now that Ohio sports betting has launched on Jan. 1, 2023, Ohio natives are finally able to place wagers on the Buckeyes (although it might be too late for their Peach Bowl matchup with Georgia). Hey, there's always basketball, right?

Seriously, though, Ohio State will likely draw a ton of interest, so perhaps FanDuel, BetMGM, or Caesars will run special Ohio State promos or deals in the future.

OHIO SPORTSBOOK BET TYPES

You can expect all the usual bet types and markets from Ohio sportsbooks now that things have gotten started on January 1, 2023.

Do you want to place a moneyline bet on Ohio State over Michigan? No problem.

How about a totals or over/under bet on the Cavs game? Sure thing.

How about a spread bet on the Bengals or Browns to cover? You can do that too.

Of course, you also have prop bets, which are usually on a particular action to happen in a game, such as a player to throw for a certain amount of yards, score a certain amount of points, etc.

Ohio has banned college player prop bets as of April 2024, so if you're looking for player-specific props in the NCAA, you won't find them.

Check out the bet types that are be at your disposal now that Ohio sportsbooks have launched:

• Moneyline Bet
• Over/Under Total Bet
• Spread Bet
• Prop Bet
• Parlay - check out our parlay calculator
• Live Bet
• First Half/Second Half Bet
• Futures Bet

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON PAYMENT OPTIONS?

Following the current trends set by the operators established in the US, Ohio online sportsbook operators offer a variety of payment methods. These include the following:

• Credit/debit cards
• Online payment services such as PayPal, Skrill, Neteller
• E-wallets like PayPal
• Prepaid cards like Play+

Whenever you're using payment methods on a given Ohio sportsbook, make sure you check the terms and conditions, especially for withdrawal. Most modern sportsbooks take a few days to process withdrawals, in addition to any processing times at your bank or financial institution.

OHIO SPORTS BETTING LAW

Following in the footsteps of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, 2021 saw some major strides in the potential for Ohio to legalize sports bets. In late 2021, a new Ohio sports betting bill was handed to Senate President Matt Huffman, who signed off on the proposal. Lawmakers were able to advance and agree upon HB 29, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed at the end of 2021.

The bill provided for a sizable 25 Type A mobile licenses and 40 in-person licenses (Type B). Legal sports betting in Ohio launched on the deadline set by the law: January 1, 2023.

WHAT DOES OHIO'S SPORTS BETTING LAW INCLUDE?

There are a few additional caveats and interesting provisions of Ohio's sports betting law:

• Ohio, like Maryland, conducted disparity studies to ensure that the sports betting market is accessible and non-discriminatory.
• Regulators had set a universal start date of January 1, 2023 so that all providers have an opportunity to start earning money. (If the launch was staggered, larger operators with a bigger budget and more money for lawyers would naturally have an advantage in launching first and crowding out operators that haven't yet launched.)
• The Ohio Casino Control Commission is the regulator of legal sports betting in the state.
• Esports betting is permitted in Ohio, one of few states to explicitly legalize betting on those events.
• The tax rate is set at a relatively low 10%. Compare that with New York, which taxes sports betting revenue at a harsh 51%.
• Ohio has restricted the type of bets available: player props on college athletes is not permitted. However, betting on in-state teams and events is permitted, unlike say New Jersey.

OHIO SPORTS BETTING LICENSES: TYPE A, B, AND C

As provided by Ohio's sports betting law, there are three kinds of licenses that eligible providers can purchase:

• Type A licenses are allocated for casinos, sporting venues, and teams in Ohio. There are 25 Type A licenses available, and these licenses allow for up to two mobile "skins". For example, the Cleveland Cavaliers had partnered with Fubo Sportsbook, but will likely miss the launch date as Fubo closed its doors in October 2022.
• Type B licenses are allocated for stand-alone sportsbooks, also known as "retail" sportsbooks. These licenses allow for sportsbook lounges, usually found at casinos, and there are 40 Type B licenses available. If a casino applies for and secures a Type A license, this allows them to offer retail and online play, so the Type B licenses in addition to the 25 Type A licenses allow for at least 65 retail sportsbooks in the state.
• Type C licenses, of which 200 have already been approved, allow liquor-serving establishments to also offer sports betting at kiosks on site. Much like Keno machines found at bars and convenience stores nationwide, expect to see betting at your local establishment in Ohio. There isn't a hard cap on the number of Type C licenses that will be available in the state.

RECENT OHIO SPORTS BETTING LEGISLATION

Since launch, Ohio lawmakers have released more sports betting legislation.

After raising the sports wagering tax from 10% to 20% on July 1, 2023, Ohio legislators also introduced a sports betting ban for any person who harasses athletes.

For more, check out HB 33.

OHIO CASINOS

As mentioned previously, there are a handful of retail casinos in Ohio. Most of them have a sportsbook on-site. Unfortunately, mobile casino gaming is not available in the state. The decision was made by the legislature to limit mobile options to sportsbooks only and not add casino gaming.

However, three states bordering Ohio do offer mobile casino gaming, so there might be a time when you can utilize that option. Before you travel to Michigan, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania, where mobile gaming is legal, be sure to read our pages on casino apps real money options, the best online casino deposit bonus offers available, and which mobile casinos offer free spins for new customers. VegasInsider is your source for all things casino gaming!

OHIO ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS FAQ

Here are some of the most asked questions related to online betting in Ohio:

CAN YOU BET ON SPORTS IN OHIO?

Yes, sports betting is live and online in Ohio! Sign up with a number of providers offering bonuses using the links on this page!

WHERE CAN I BET ON SPORTS IN OHIO?

On January 1st, 2023, legal and regulated sportsbooks went go live with some awesome welcome offers for eligible bettors in Ohio, so sign up now using our links and get online with books where your money is safe and your identity is protected! You are also able to bet in-person at a ton of retail establishments, but betting online has better bonuses.

IS SPORTS BETTING LEGAL IN OHIO?

Yes! Sports betting is legal because Governor Mike DeWine signed sports betting into law in 2021. On January 1st, 2023, sportsbooks went online for legal play!

WHAT SPORTSBOOK HAS THE BEST PAYOUTS?

All of the sportsbooks listed on this page have great reputations including competitive payouts and awesome bonus offers that you can secure with our exclusive links.

CAN YOU BET IN-PERSON IN OHIO?

Yes, you can bet at retail locations at a number of area casinos and racetracks in Ohio.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON BETTING IN OHIO

As the American market opened up to the proposition of legal sportsbooks with the repeal of PASPA, online sports gambling in Ohio is quickly becoming commonplace and regulated.

Ohio seems to be in a good position as the next budding online betting market, and it's now live as of January 1st, 2023!

Chris Altman

Chris Altman is a sports betting writer and content expert with almost a decade of experience. He's covered everything, but his current focus is on reviewing sportsbooks and online casinos and keeping tabs on sports betting legislation. Chris has been with VegasInsider since 2019 and has freelanced in the sports betting content industry for years. More from Chris Altman