Ohio sports betting has been legal and live since 2023. The market quickly exploded and continues to be a hotbed of activity for bettors and sportsbooks alike. Players have their choice of 15 sports betting apps, including top shops like FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars. 

As the industry continues to grow, Ohio has proven to be a premier market for online sports betting apps and sites. In this comprehensive guide to Ohio sports betting, we'll cover the best places to play, common bonus offers, how to get started, and much more.  

Sportsbook

   FinCertified Bonus

Available States
 
Image
Bally Bet Logo
Bally Bet

Not  FinCertified

AZ CO IA IN MA MD NJ NY OH TN VA
 
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Bet365 logo
bet365
Bonus is not available in your regionAZ CO IN IA KY LA NJ NC OH PA VA
 
Image
BetMGM logo
BetMGM
$1500 First Bet OfferAZ CO DC IN IA IL KS KY LA MA MD MI NC NJ NV NY OH PA TN VA WV WY
 
Image
BetRivers Logo
BetRivers

Not  FinCertified

AZ CO CT IL IN IA LA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA VA WV
 
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Caesars Logo
Caesars Sportsbook
Up to $250 Matched First BetAZ CO DC IL IN IA KS KY LA MA MD ME MI NC NJ NV NY OH PA TN VA WV
 
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DraftKings Logo
DraftKings

Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If You Win

AZ CO CT DC IL IN IA KS KY LA MA ME MD MI NH NC NJ NY OH OR PA TN VA VT WV
 
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ESPNBet Logo
ESPN Bet

Not  FinCertified

AZ CO IL IN IA KS LA KY MA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA TN VA WV
 
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Fanatics Logo
Fanatics Sportsbook

Not  FinCertified

AZ CO CT DC IA IL IN KS KY OH MA MD MI NC NJ NY PA TN VA VT WV
 
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FanDuel Logo
FanDuel
Bet $5 Get If Your Bet Wins $100 in Bonus BetsAZ CO CT DC IL KS KY LA IN IA MA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA TN VA VT WV WY
 
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Hard Rock Logo
Hard Rock Bet
Bonus is not available in your regionAZ FL IL IN NJ OH TN VA
 
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Prime Sports
Prime Sports

Not  FinCertified

NJ OH

 

 Ohio Sportsbooks

Sportsbook
Our Experience
Bonus Offer
Ratings

#1

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

Bet $5 Get

If Your Bet Wins

$100 in Bonus Bets

iOS Rating:

4.9

/5

(1.9Million)

Google Play Rating:

4.6

/5

(383,838)

Terms and Conditions

New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $100 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH. 

#2

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

$1500

First Bet

Offer

iOS Rating:

4.8

/5

(241,328)

Google Play Rating:

4.2

/5

(37,107)

Terms and Conditions

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US)
877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)
1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR)

21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

#3

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

Play $5 Fantasy Entries

Get

$75 Bonus Fantasy Entries

iOS Rating:

4.8

/5

(215,200)

Google Play Rating:

4.6

/5

(21,044)

Terms and Conditions

Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. See assets.underdogfantasy.com/web/PlayandGetTerms_DFS_.html for details. Offer not valid in MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, and PA.  Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org; NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or Text HOPENY (467369). 

#4

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

Spend $5

Get

$50 Novig Cash

iOS Rating:

4.8

/5

(2,107)

Google Play Rating:

3.6

/5

(572)

#5

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

Bet $5

Get $300 in

Bonus Bets If You Win

iOS Rating:

4.8

/5

(855,718)

Google Play Rating:

4.6

/5

(184,830)

Terms and Conditions

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).

21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

#6

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

100% Match

to $100 +

$2000 Welcome Package

iOS Rating:

N/A

(N/A)

Google Play Rating:

N/A

(N/A)

#7

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

Use Code: ProphetOS

to Earn

20% Cash Back up to $100

iOS Rating:

4.8

/5

(1,805)

Google Play Rating:

4.8

/5

(390)

#8

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

Sign up for the US Polymarket App Waitlist

iOS Rating:

4.8

/5

(28.2k)

Google Play Rating:

3.4

/5

(5,519)

#9

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

Play $5

Get $60 in

Pick6 Credits

iOS Rating:

4.8

/5

(14,900)

Google Play Rating:

4.7

/5

(4,754)

Terms and Conditions

NEW TO DRAFTKINGS CUSTOMERS. After registration, play a $5+ entry in Pick6 to receive $60 in Bonus Picks. Max 1 redemption per customer. Bonus Picks will expire after 14 days if unused. Promo Period: 1/26/2026 –2/8/2026. Eligibility: Must be 18+ years of age or older (19+ in NE, AL) (21+ in AZ, MA, VA).
 

#10

4.5

/5

4.5

/5

Up to $250

Matched

First Bet

iOS Rating:

4.7

/5

(90,465)

Google Play Rating:

4.5

/5

(31,059)

Terms and Conditions

Eligible new Caesars Sportsbook accountholders can earn up to a $250 Bonus Bet by successfully opening a new Caesars Sportsbook account with a qualifying promo code and placing their first real money wager. This promotion begins at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and ends at 11:59am EST on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Promotion is offered by American Wagering, Inc. (“Caesars”). caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/promo-details/

#11

4

/5

4

/5

Receive $10

with code:

"sharkbonus"

iOS Rating:

4.7

/5

(11,249)

Google Play Rating:

4.7

/5

(1,340)

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH. 

Ohio Promotions & Bonuses

Terms and Conditions

New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $100 in bonus bets if your bet wins.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH. 

Terms and Conditions

Eligible new Caesars Sportsbook accountholders can earn up to a $250 Bonus Bet by successfully opening a new Caesars Sportsbook account with a qualifying promo code and placing their first real money wager. This promotion begins at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and ends at 11:59am EST on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Promotion is offered by American Wagering, Inc. (“Caesars”). caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/promo-details/

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH. 

Sports bettors in Ohio have a plethora of sportsbooks and promos to pick from. Sports betting sign-up offers are available for new players, while existing users can nab new sportsbook promos. Examples of the offers you’ll find include: 

  • Welcome Bonus: Grab new player offers like deposit matches and no sweat bets. 
  • Odds Boosts: Claim a boost for chances at even more winnings. 
  • Bonus Bets: Use credits to place wagers without laying out cash.   
  • Loyalty Programs: Earn redeemable points and climb tiers as you play.  

As you claim bonuses and promos, aim to get the best possible value by remembering the following: 

  • Read the Terms: Be sure to understand the requirements before you claim an offer.  
  • Consider Options: Grab the best deals after reviewing offers from top books.  
  • Grab Promo Codes: Access to the best offers with promo codes from trusted sources. 
  • Gameplan: Decide on the best approach to use bonuses and promos wisely.  

For more information on Ohio sports betting promos - visit our OH Promos page.

Is Sports Betting Legal In Ohio? 

After the Supreme Court ruled on PASPA in 2018 and opened the door for states to figure out sports betting legalization on their own, it took some time for the ball to get rolling in Ohio. After extensive efforts that took several years, sports betting finally went live on New Year’s Day 2023. The Ohio market is fully regulated with checks and balances in place. Find the best legal US sportsbooks here!

  • Legal Framework: After rules and regulations were hammered out in 2022, sports betting went live in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023. It’s a smash hit right out of the gate with bettors taking their pick of top online sportsbooks.   
  • Regulatory Body: The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees all forms of legal wagering in the state. The agency helped craft the rules for administering sports betting and continues to manage the legal market. 
  • Key Restrictions & Limitations: You must be 21 or older and physically present in the state to bet with Ohio sportsbooks. Wagering on college sports is allowed, including in-state teams, but no betting is permitted on prop bets for individual college athletes. 

Top Ohio Sportsbooks

The Odds Shark team knows all the ins and outs of Ohio sportsbooks. If you’re a new player on the hunt for the best places to play, we have you covered. The same applies to experienced players seeking out the best current promo offers. You can check out a comprehensive list of the most trusted and reputable sportsbooks in Ohio here. 

Are Online Casinos Legal in Ohio?

Online casinos are not legal in Ohio. However, lawmakers have introduced House Bill 298 and Senate Bill 197 to legalize and regulate real-money online casino gaming. Neither has passed, but both have been a subject of committee hearings and debate.

Each proposal would limit licenses to existing land-based casinos and racinos, impose significant fees, and set strict oversight by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. However, concerns and pushback persist, suggesting a moderate chance of change in the near future. 

Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Ohio?

Sweepstakes casinos are accessible in Ohio. You can play casino–style games while using virtual currencies. Unlike traditional casino gaming, there is no purchase necessary to play, but users do have a chance to win real prizes. 

The top platforms adhere to existing sweepstakes laws, including the offering of an alternate method of entry. The state has no official enforcement actions targeting these platforms in progress, and many of the leading brands are available to play. 

Learn More About Sweepstakes Sites

history of sports betting legislation in ohio

It was a lengthy process to get sports betting legalized in Ohio. Following the 2018 SCOTUS ruling, a steady stream of states went live over the next few years. Ohio bettors had to sit on the sidelines until 2023. Here’s how the process played out.

  • 2019-2020: Efforts to get the ball rolling begin in earnest in 2019 and continue through 2020, but no substantive progress is reached.

  • 2021: The winds shift in 2021. A sports betting bill passes through the state House and Senate, and is signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine.

  • 2022: Rules for administering sports betting are devised and finalized by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

  • 2023: The New Year rings in with real, live sports betting being offered by a whopping 16 online sportsbooks.

  • 2024: A notable change goes into effect as the state implements a prohibition on player-specific prop bets in college sports.


how to start betting in ohio

You can start betting in Ohio in a matter of minutes from either your smartphone or laptop. If you’re 21 or older, physically present in the state, and ready to roll, here’s what you need to do.

  1. choose a book

    Review the best available options here on this page. Click the links for your choice to claim the offer and get started with the easy registration process.

  2. account registration

    Follow the prompts to enter your info, verify your age and location, accept the terms, and proceed to create your account.

  3. deposit funds

    Go to the cashier section and choose a banking method. Enter the amount of your deposit and follow the instructions to process the transaction.

    Check out the best online betting deposit methods

  4. place your bet

    View the latest lines and pick your wager. Click the odds for your selection, add your stake to the betting slip, confirm, and place your bet.

  5. withdraw

    If you win and want to withdraw, head back to the cashier section. Pick your method, enter the amount, and follow the instructions to process.

Ohio Sports Betting Partnerships

If you’re into sports and love having options, Ohio is a fantastic place to be. NFL fans are covered with the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, while MLB diehards can root for the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Columbus Blue Jackets help keep NBA and NHL interest high. Meanwhile, Ohio State has one of the most passionate collegiate fanbases in the nation. Into other sports? The PGA Tour, UFC, and a host of others capture plenty of attention. 

A number of the local favorites even have partnership deals in place with top sportsbooks: 

  • bet365: Cleveland Guardians
  • BetMGM: Cincinnati Reds
  • Bally Bet: Cleveland Browns
  • Caesars: Cleveland Cavaliers
  • DraftKings: Cleveland Guardians
  • Fanatics: Columbus Blue Jackets, Cleveland Guardians
  • FanDuel: Cleveland Browns

Comparison with Other States

Sports betting has been a popular draw in Ohio, and the same applies to neighboring states that have taken the plunge. Here’s how things are shaking out for the Buckeye State compared to two other nearby markets that are also soaring. 

Market size and wagering handle

  • Ohio’s population is nearly 12 million, placing it between Michigan (10M) and Pennsylvania (13M). Betting handle for the three states in Jan. 2025 checked in at: 
  • Ohio: $1 billion
  • Michigan: $574.6 million
  • Pennsylvania: $873 million

Tax rates and market impact

  • Ohio is also in the middle of the three states with a 20% tax rate. Michigan is the lowest of the bunch at 8.4%, while Pennsylvania wins this race at 36%. For Jan. 2025, that translated into:  
  • Ohio: $16.2 million
  • Michigan: $4.3 million
  • Pennsylvania: $18.5 million

Overall implications 

  • These are three of the largest markets for sports betting in the US, and that won’t be changing anytime soon. Ohio has plenty of nearby competitors, but it’s more than holding its own as an incredibly viable marketplace.  

Future of Sports Betting in Ohio

The Ohio sports betting marketplace was incredibly competitive right at the initial launch. It remains that way today, with numerous options for bettors to choose from. As we look ahead to what could be next, here are some possible developments we’ll be watching for. 

  • Legislative changes: When sports betting was first launched, the initial tax rate was 10%. It was quickly doubled to 20%. There may be more to come as there have been rumblings about another double to 40%.  
  • Wagering changes: College player props went by the wayside in Ohio in 2024. Due to the immense popularity and revenue generated by Ohio State, college sports as a whole should be safe. But what about college team props or alternate lines and totals? 
  • Available sportsbooks: Bettors in Ohio have numerous options to consider for both online and retail sports betting. Will the number of viable books start to shrink if the tax rate climbs again? 
  • Emerging trends: As long as there are things like computers, mobile devices, and the internet, change is all but a given. The legal online sports betting industry has seen some shifts in a few short years, and more could be on the way.  
    • Speed: Online and mobile sportsbooks are fast in many aspects, but there’s still room for improvement in payout speeds and live betting. 
    • Tech: Advancements in AI are just beginning. It’ll be interesting to see how that all plays out as top sportsbooks harness the technology. 
    • Other: More live streaming capabilities and a wider variety of payment options are among the items where calls for improvement continue to grow louder.  

Responsible Gambling in Ohio

When betting on sports, adhering to responsible gambling tenets such as playing with your head and never over it helps to keep it entertaining. That’s not the case for everyone. Problem gambling is a real problem. Thankfully, there are resources to turn to when needed. 

Beyond always playing responsibly, stick to the legal and regulated websites and apps for sports betting. You can find a complete list of licensed operators on the Ohio Casino Control Commission website. 

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