The Buckeye State is famous for its passion for sports — and now, for sports betting too. Until early 2023, Ohioans couldn’t legally place a wager on their favorite teams. But that all changed once the market went live, and Ohio has quickly become one of the most dynamic sports-betting states in the U.S.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about betting in Ohio: what’s allowed, what’s off-limits, and which sportsbooks stand out. Let’s dive in.

Is Sports Betting Legal In Ohio?

Yes. Sports betting officially launched in Ohio in January 2023, following the passage of House Bill 29 in December 2021. It took about a year for the state to build the necessary infrastructure — and the result is one of the most competitive markets in the country.

Ohio now features 25 licensed online sportsbooks, far more than most states. That kind of variety is great for bettors, though it can feel overwhelming at first. In the next section, we’ll help you cut through the noise and find the best sportsbook for your style of play.

International Online Sportsbooks Available In Ohio

While sports betting is legal in Ohio, bettors should know that certain wagers remain off-limits at state-regulated sportsbooks. The Buckeye State offers a robust legal betting market, but some popular bet types are only available through international sportsbooks. Ohio's legal books are prohibited from offering bets on political events and may have restrictions on in-state college teams.

For those interested in these types of bets, offshore sportsbooks provide a wider array of options. These offshore sites accept wagers on political events, a full range of college sports without restrictions, and numerous specialty markets not found at legal Ohio books. By expanding your options to include these international sportsbooks, you can access a truly comprehensive range of betting markets.

While using offshore sportsbooks comes with some risks, the sites we promote have been thoroughly vetted for safety and reliability. Our team has personally used these platforms for years, ensuring prompt payouts and fair treatment of customers. We only recommend trusted operators with long track records of integrity in the online betting space.

Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Ohio

Here are some of the most popular regulated sportsbooks among Ohio bettors in 2025:

Name of BookmakerAvailable
DraftKings✅ Yes
FanDuel✅ Yes
BetMGM✅ Yes
Caesars✅ Yes
BetRivers✅ Yes
Fanatics✅ Yes
ESPN Bet✅ Yes
WynnBET❌ No
Last updated on: October 8, 2025

Ohio Online Sportsbook Comparison

Having 25 licensed sportsbooks in one state is no small feat. With that much competition, every app has to raise its game to stand out — especially when it comes to promotions. Below, we’ll highlight the sportsbooks that excel in key areas like bonuses, betting options, live wagering, and mobile experience so you can find the platform that best matches what you value most.

Best sportsbook for bonuses: BetMGM has the best deal in terms of dollar value — going up to $1500. Not a typo, it’s really that high. The deal works like this: a bettor gets a first bet completely risk-free. That’s because BetMGM will refund the loss dollar-for-dollar up until that $1500 mark. No downside and all upside when making your first bet on the platform.

Best sportsbook for betting options: Let’s get one thing out of the way: most of these sportsbooks offer near-identical betting options and odds. Variety is tough to find, however, you do find some at FanDuel. That’s because this platform is big on giving out boosted odds. Those line changes end up creating a lot of long-term value for bettors.

Best sportsbook for live betting: We’re giving DraftKings the nod here. They are very much a tech-driven platform and you see this first-hand with in-play betting. Its AI system updates lines in real-time without issue. Line changes also keep up strikingly well with live games. It all works together to create a thrilling in-play experience for bettors.

Best sportsbook for rewards: Fanatics Sportsbook has one big advantage over other platforms: they can reward merchandise. That’s because Fanatics is the number-one sports merchandise seller in the world, all of which are integrated into the sportsbook’s reward programs. It’s a nice change of pace from just offering free-play rewards like every other app out there.

Best sportsbook for user experience: Here again, FanDuel wins out for us — and millions of Ohio bettors too. This is because FanDuel has the highest percentage of the Ohio market, and the United States as a whole. That wouldn’t be the case if FanDuel wasn’t providing a killer user experience, which they are. All of FanDuel’s platforms work exceedingly well.

Ohio Quick Facts

FactOhio
Launch date:2023
Legal age:21 Years Old
Online sports betting✅ Yes
Number of licenses25
Remote registration✅ Yes
Retail sportsbooks✅ Yes
Retail casinos✅ Yes
Online casino sites❌No
Online poker❌No
Betting on college sports✅ Yes
Betting on esports❌No
State population12 million
State regulatorThe Ohio Casino Control Commission
Last verified✅ September 3
Last updated on: October 8, 2025

What You Can’t Bet On In Ohio?

As open as Ohio’s betting market is, there are still some things off-limits to the public. The following categories cannot be wagered on through state-licensed sportsbooks in 2025:

Collegiate player props: In March 2024, Ohio regulators officially banned player-specific prop bets on college athletes. These wagers were initially permitted when sports betting launched in 2023, but are now prohibited to better protect student-athletes.

Politics: Elections remain off-limits in Ohio. Political betting is classified as a “non-sports” wager, which is not allowed under any state-regulated framework.

Award shows: Markets on events such as the Oscars or Grammys are also banned. While these wagers have become popular elsewhere, Ohio does not permit betting on entertainment awards or outcomes not tied to real athletic competition.

WWE: Despite its athletic performances, professional wrestling is scripted—and therefore not treated as a true sporting event under Ohio law. As such, WWE betting is not available at legal sportsbooks.

Ohio bans betting on non-sports but so does every state. Regulators across the board are in agreement here. Only offshore sportsbooks readily take in bets on these markets. Most of these offshore sites work perfectly fine in Ohio too.

Who Can Legally Bet In Ohio?

From what’s not allowed to what is, let’s quickly cover the do’s of betting inside Ohio:

Legal age: 21 years old is the minimum sports betting age in Ohio and all states for that matter. However, lottery-style gambling is available to 18 years old and up.

Mobile betting: Most of Ohio’s betting goes through mobile apps. These apps allow bettors to bet anywhere and everywhere within state borders.

Retail sportsbooks: Physical sportsbooks are indeed a thing in Ohio. A few casinos house them. These retail sites are great for catching the game you’ve just bet on in their lounges.

Remote registration: You can sign up for Ohio betting apps straight from your phone. The entire verification process can be done online — no in-person requirements.

Taxable winnings: Winnings are taxed in all states, including Ohio. Per the IRS, profit made from betting should be reported in your year-end taxes. These winnings will be added to your income and taxes at the appropriate tax rate you qualify for.

Ohio Sportsbook & Casinos

Ohio is home to 11 casinos and racinos. There are four casinos, and seven race tracks with casino gambling also available dubbed the name Racinos. None of these casinos or racinos are tribal casinos.

CasinoCityTypePhone Number
Belterra Park CincinnatiAnderson TownshipRacino513-232-8000
Eldorado Gaming Scioto DownsColumbusRacino614-295-4700
Hard Rock Casino CincinnatiCincinnatiLand-based513-250-3150
Hollywood Casino ColumbusColumbusLand-based614-308-3333
Hollywood Casino ToledoToledoLand-based419-661-5200
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton RacewayDaytonRacino844-225-7057
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race CourseAustintownRacino877-788-3777
Jack Cleveland CasinoClevelandLand-based216-297-4777
Jack Thistledown RacinoNorth RandallRacino216-662-8600
MGM Northfield ParkNorthfieldRacino330-908-7625
Miami Valley GamingTurtlecreek TownshipRacino513-934-7070
Last updated on: October 8, 2025

Ohio Sports Betting Timeline

It took some back-and-forth to get Ohio betting across the goal line. Here’s a play-by-play breakdown of the “drive” to legalization:

2018-2020: Ohio Makes Slow Progress

Ohio’s journey toward legalized sports betting began with competing bills introduced in 2019 — one in the Senate and one in the House. Lawmakers debated key issues like tax rates and where betting could take place. Both proposals stalled in committee after months of hearings, though the groundwork was clearly being laid.

2021: Almost There!

With neighboring states embracing legalization, Ohio faced mounting pressure to act. The Senate passed its version of the sports betting bill by an overwhelming 30–2 margin. Differences between the House and Senate versions still needed to be reconciled, but momentum was finally on the Buckeye State’s side.

2022: Touchdown

By the end of 2022, the state approved sports betting licenses and finalized regulations under House Bill 29. It set the stage for a coordinated launch on January 1, 2023 — ushering in a new era for Ohio bettors.

2023-2025: Growth and refinement

Since launching, Ohio’s sports betting market has exploded. Bettors wagered over $7.6 billion in 2023, generating hundreds of millions in tax revenue for the state. The Ohio Casino Control Commission has since refined regulations — including a 2024 ban on college player prop bets and new oversight on advertising and live wagering. By 2025, Ohio is firmly established as one of the top-performing sports betting states in the U.S., with a mature ecosystem of 25 licensed sportsbooks and ongoing debate over further tightening of live prop markets.

How To Bet On Sports In Ohio?

Ohio doesn’t hide its love of sports. Not one bit. Knowing that, Ohio sportsbooks offer the full gamut of betting options for sports big and small. Here are the most popular categories in Ohio though:

How To Bet On Football In Ohio?

Football is king in Ohio. Both the pro and collegiate game draws the most betting attention by a mile. In-state sportsbooks cater to this by offering a bevy of odds on every matchup, including those that feature Ohio-based teams.

How To Bet On Basketball In Ohio?

During the LeBron James era, basketball was practically on par with football in terms of interest and betting (though all this was done offshore, not through licensed means). While it may not be at those levels right now, basketball still has a strong place at Ohio sportsbooks. March Madness, in particular, is one of the biggest periods of the whole year.

How To Bet On Baseball In Ohio?

No sport offers more opportunities to bet and make money than baseball. This is due to the MLB’s 162-game playing schedule, which dwarfs other sports. For opportunistic Ohioan bettors, baseball should be the sport you try to master most.

How To Bet On Fighting In Ohio?

Combat sports are often weekend attractions for Ohio gamblers. The UFC hosts a fight night every Saturday, and every few months, boxing will host a mega fight on a Saturday. Every major fight across MMA and boxing will be easy to find at Ohio sportsbooks.

Betting On Ohio Sports Teams

Ohio has two big-time cities — Cleveland and Cincinnati. This luxury means they have multiple sports franchises in each city. Here’s how you can get in on betting all this:

Betting On Ohio NFL Teams

Ohio is home to two NFL franchises — the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. While both teams have had their share of struggles over the decades, recent seasons have brought renewed optimism. The Bengals have emerged as consistent contenders in the AFC, while the Browns continue to build around a talented core. Sharing the same AFC North division, their two annual matchups have become high-stakes, must-bet events for Ohio football fans.

Betting On Ohio NBA Teams

The Cleveland Cavaliers remain Ohio’s lone NBA franchise — and they’ve carried that banner proudly. While the LeBron James era defined much of the team’s modern legacy, the Cavs have stayed competitive in the years since. With stars like Donovan Mitchell leading recent playoff pushes, Cleveland continues to be a strong draw for bettors and basketball fans alike, both within Ohio and nationwide.

Betting On Ohio MLB Teams

Here again, there are two in-state teams — Cincinnati Reds and the now Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians). There’s hardly a rivalry between the two because they compete in opposite divisions, however. But as we said before, MLB provides the most betting opportunities for fans of these teams.

Betting On NHL Teams

Interestingly, Ohio’s lone NHL team isn’t based in Cleveland or Cincinnati, but in Columbus. The Columbus Blue Jackets have called the state capital home since their founding in 2000. While postseason success has been limited, the Blue Jackets maintain a passionate fanbase — and their games remain a regular feature on Ohio sportsbooks, especially during heated divisional matchups.

Betting On Ohio NCAA Teams

The state’s most popular team is the Ohio State Buckeyes, no questions asked. While the rest of the state’s fandom is split due to three cities having teams, most of Ohio comes together in their love for THE Ohio State University as they like to say. The Buckeyes are almost always in the title picture, which makes them massive betting draws across the country. Its annual rivalry game with Michigan is a huge event too.

Ohio Betting Revenue Statistics

There’s no shortage of metrics showing how successful Ohio’s entry into sports betting has been. In 2023, bettors across the state wagered about $7.65 billion, generating strong tax revenues in its first year of operation.

By 2024, total handle climbed to nearly $8.9 billion, a gain of roughly 16% over the previous year. Sportsbook revenue for 2024 came in just under $900 million, reflecting a slight dip in hold percentage despite the larger volume of wagers.

The momentum has continued into 2025. January set a new state record with more than $1 billion wagered, followed by another strong showing in March with nearly $992 million in bets placed. Analysts now project that Ohio’s annual handle could surpass $10 billion by the end of 2025, firmly establishing it as one of the most active sports-betting markets in the country.

Other Types Of Betting In Ohio

Ohio offers a wide variety of legal gambling options, covering nearly every form of wagering you can think of.

Lottery: The state-run lottery features popular draw games such as Powerball and Mega Millions, along with instant-win scratch-off tickets. The minimum age to play is 18, slightly lower than the sports betting age of 21.

Casinos: Ohio is home to four commercial casinos, where players can enjoy slot machines, poker, and traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps.

Horse Racing & Racinos: Horse racing remains a local favorite. Bettors can place wagers at racetracks or one of the state’s seven racinos—hybrid venues that combine racing and casino gaming under one roof.

Online Casino Gaming: The only major omission from Ohio’s gambling landscape is online casino betting. Like most U.S. states, Ohio has yet to legalize iGaming or online poker, though the topic continues to generate debate among lawmakers.

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

Ohio isn't the only state we've written in-depth guides for. We've done it for the other 49 too. Check 'em out:

Responsible Gaming In Ohio

Gaming is great until you lose a grip on it. Playing responsibly is key. But you may be wondering, “what does playing responsibly look like?” Well, here’s a few must-follow things:

Know Your Limits: Set a budget before starting to gamble and stick to it. Never wager with money that you can’t be afford to lose, and remember that gambling should not interfere with personal or financial well-being.

Keep Your Emotions In Check: One of the most irresponsible things a bettor can do is to “chase” losses. Being so upset about a loss that you force another bet to “make up for it.” This is when you start betting with emotions, not betting logic — a tricky slope.

Seek Help If Needed: If struggling with gambling, or if someone you know is, Ohio offers resources that can help. We’ve listed a few below, plus national ones too.

The Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-589-9966, offering confidential support and guidance. More information and local support services are also available on the Ohio for Responsible Gambling website (https://ohio.gov/responsible-gambling).

Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (https://pgnohio.org/)
A statewide resource offering support, education, and advocacy for problem gambling issues.

Ohio Lottery Responible Gambling (https://www.ohiolottery.com/about/resources/play-responsibly/ohio-for-responsible-gambling)
An initiative for helping Ohioans who struggle with problem gambling.

National resources include:

Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)

A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)

The International Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems.