JUMP TO:
- Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
- Online sportsbooks available in Ohio
- How to sign up and place a bet in Ohio
- What you can't bet on in Ohio
- Ohio sports betting promos and bonus offers
- Responsible gambling resources in Ohio
Ohio legalized sports betting through House Bill 29, which the state legislature passed in December 2021. Legal wagering officially launched in the Buckeye State on Jan. 1, 2023.
Plenty of betting options, both retail and online, are available to Ohio residents and visitors.
Here are all the details you'll need to get started, including how to join a sportsbook, which sportsbooks are offered in Ohio and the best promos and sign-up bonuses available.
MORE: Complete guide to betting on the NFL
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes! Ohio legalized sports betting in December 2021, and it rolled out its first retail sportsbooks and online betting apps in 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates all sports betting activities.
To place sports bets in Ohio, you will need to be:
- at least 21 years old
- physically in the state (verify with GeoComply)
- able to verify your sportsbook account
Here are the notable details about Ohio House Bill 29, Ohio's approved sports betting bill:
- Legalizes both online/mobile sports betting and retail/brick-and-mortar sportsbooks
- Sports gaming operators are taxed at 10% of sports gaming gross revenue
- Tax revenue and license fees are allocated to various funds including education, local governments, problem gambling assistance and veteran's services
- Every online operator is required to partner with a casino
- Betting on all major sports markets is allowed except college player props
MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA
Online sportsbooks available in Ohio
Here are the online sportsbook options in the state of Ohio.
How to sign up and place a bet in Ohio
The process to starting your sports betting journey in the Buckeye State is quite simple. Here are the three steps:
Step 1: Choose a licensed/registered Ohio sportsbook
Choose one of the sportsbooks listed above.
Step 2: Sign up, enter a promo code (if applicable), and deposit
Follow the steps to sign up for your preferred sportsbook. The book will likely ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age, and you will need to install GeoComply to prove you're located within the state lines.
You'll also want to enter a promo code if the sportsbook offers a sign-up promo or bonus. Scroll down to see the full array of promos offered across all books in the state of Ohio.
Once you're all registered, you're set to make your first deposit. Most bettors prefer the simplicity of linking your bank account using direct deposit. Others like to use credit cards or an online payment app like Venmo or PayPal.
Step 3: Place your bets!
Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you're ready to begin your sports betting journey!
To place a bet, simply click on the sport or league, find the bet or prop you want to wager on, click it and enter your bet amount. Then click submit and get ready to root on your first bet!
MORE: How do sportsbook bonuses work?
What you can bet on in Ohio
While sports betting is legal in Ohio, there are still some restrictions on what bettors can wager on. Here's a look at what's available for sports bettors in the Buckeye State.
- Licensed online and retail sports betting are BOTH legal
- NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, golf, motorsports and other pro sports and leagues
- College sports lines, totals and futures
- Olympics
- Esports
- Horse racing
What you can't bet on in Ohio
There are some nuances as to what can be bet on in Ohio. With college sports, for example, it is legal to wager on lines, totals and futures, but you cannot wager on college player props. Here are the restrictions to keep in mind.
- Unlicensed iGaming or online casino gambling
- Prop bets on college athletes
- High school sports
- Political events
- Entertainment events (like the Oscars)
- Live greyhound dog racing
- Placing wagers at an unlicensed sportsbook
- Must physically be in Ohio to place wagers
MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books
Ohio sports betting promos and bonus offers
- DraftKings: Bet $5+ get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly + over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket!
- FanDuel: Bet $5, get $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins!
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Bet $10 get $100 in FanCash + up to $100 back in FanCash every football gameday!
- BetMGM: Get up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets if your first bet doesn't win!
- Bet365: Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets!
- Caesars Sportsbook: Bet $1, double your winnings your next 20 bets!
- Prime Sportsbook: Get a 25% deposit match up to $250!
Popular teams to bet on in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Columbus Crew (MLS)
- Cincinnati FC (MLS)
- Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)
- Ohio Bobcats (NCAA)
Responsible gambling resources in Ohio
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are several resources available for help.
- Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-589-9966
- National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
- Online directory of Ohio resources: GamblingHelpOhio.org
- Problem Gambling Network of Ohio (PGNO): 1-614-750-9899
- Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network (OGTN)
- Ohio For Responsible Gambling initiative via Ohio Lottery Commission
- Time Out Ohio voluntary exclusion program
MORE: Everything to know about odds in American sports betting