Ohio sports betting first launched on New Year’s Day 2023, and some of the top US sportsbooks are now live in the Buckeye State. And there’s more good news, as I’ve found plenty of top promotions to share with you.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the legal ins and outs of online and in-person sports betting in Ohio. Additionally, I’ll introduce you to the top sportsbooks and focus on what they have to offer us as basketball fans. Of course, no Ohio-focused
betting guide
would be complete without mentioning The Cleveland Cavaliers, would it?
Ohio sports betting – At a glance
- The official launch was on 01/01/2023
- Currently there are 20 live Ohio sportsbooks
- 25 licenses are available in total
- The legal betting age is 21+
- Exclusive welcome offers covered in this article
Ohio betting timeline and updates:
Since the official launch of legal sports betting in Ohio on January 1, 2023, there have been a few minor changes and updates. I have put together a brief timeline below and will add any new changes that you need to know about as and when they happen.
That’s why I strongly recommend that you bookmark my Ohio betting guide and revisit this page from time to time for updates.
- December 2021:
The Ohio House and Senate passed the manded sports betting bill and the official 01/01/2023 launch date is approved.
- October 2022:
Bet365, Betfred, Caesars, PointsBet and SuperBook are all approved for the launch date
- 1 January 2023:
Sports betting in Ohio officially goes live at midnight on New Year’s Day.
- 2 January 2023:
The first in-person retail Caesars Sportsbook opens at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
- 12 February 2023:
Governor Mike DeWine proposes a bill to double the sports betting tax from 10% to 20%.
- 5 July 2023:
The aforementioned bill is passed, officially raising the tax to 20%.
- 13 September 2023:
Prime Sportsbooks becomes the 20th online betting platform in the state
- 1 February 2024:
The betting revenue for December 2023 is announced as $829.9 million – the highest in eight months.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
The short answer is yes, sports betting is legal in Ohio for persons aged 21 and older who are physically located in the state. As you can see in the timeline above, the bill was officially passed in December 2021.
However, it was over a year later before online and retail sports betting went live in the Buckeye State in January 2023. As of now, in December 2024, there are 20
legal sports betting sites
in Ohio with 25 licenses in total available from the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Top OH sportsbooks
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
The 5 best Ohio online sports betting bonuses for 2024
When looking for a new sportsbook, the first thing that most of us look for is a good welcome offer, am I right? Fortunately, when it comes to betting on the Cavaliers and other Ohio sports teams, I’ve found some great bonuses.
Below, you can take a look at my picks for the
best sportsbook promotions
in the Buckeye State for basketball betting fans in 2024:
BetMGM Sportsbook – Bet $5, get $158 in bonus bets:
If you sign up to the BetMGM Sportsbook in Ohio right now and wager $5 as a single stake, you will get $158 in bonus bets instantly. Your qualifying wager must be placed at odds of -500 or greater and you will get the bonuses regardless of the initial bet’s outcome.
DraftKings Sportsbook – Up to $1,000 deposit match
At DraftKings, you can get up to $1,000 DK dollars when you deposit $5 or more at the first time of asking. Your DK dollars are non-cashable but can be used for any bet type in the DK Ohio Sportsbook.
FanDuel Sportsbook – No sweat first bet up to $1,000
As one of the top Ohio sportsbooks, FanDuel will give you your stake back as a bonus if your initial bet loses up to a maximum of $1,000. This is available on your first real money wager only and you need to deposit and bet at least $10.
Bet365 Sportsbook – $150 welcome offer or Up to $2000 first bet safety net
Bet365 has taken a slightly different approach from most other Ohio sportsbooks, as you have the choice between two welcome offers. You can either take the bet $5, get $150 in bonuses welcome offer. Alternatively, you can get a first-bet safety net of up to $2,000, which is a similar offer to the No Sweat first bat at FanDuel.
Caesars Sportsbook – Get your first bet back up to $1,000
In the same vein as FanDuel and Bet365, you can get your first bet at Caesars back as a bonus if it loses. To claim the offer, you need to deposit and place your first real money wager within 30 days of creating your new account.
Top 5 Ohio betting sites
There are now 20 live Ohio sports betting sites licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. I have tested out all of these sportsbooks and there are five that stand out above the rest, especially for us basketball fans.
I’ve provided you with a summary and insight into each of the top five here:
BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio – The best for NBA betting lines
BetMGM Pros & Cons
- Great welcome offer
- Best NBA betting lines
- Slick betting app
- Multiple bonuses for existing players
As a fellow basketball fan, I can tell you that BetMGM is the best sportsbook in Ohio overall. In my experience, they consistently release their NBA betting lines faster and earlier than most other betting sites.
Additionally, the odds are competitive and there are plenty of bonuses to enhance your betting value and overall experience. On top of that, it has one of the slickest apps available to both iOS and Android users.
- Welcome offer:
Bet $5, get $158
- App Store Rating:
4.8 ⭐
- Google Play Rating:
4.1 ⭐
- Withdrawal time:
3 -5 days
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
DraftKings Ohio Sportsbook – The best for NBA props
DraftKings Pros & Cons
- Massive deposit match bonus
- Official NBA betting partner
- Web and mobile platforms
- Trusted DFS and sportsbook brand
- Slightly high bonus turnover
This brand almost needs no introduction, as many of us have enjoyed DK Fantasy long before the sportsbook app officially launched in the Buckeye State. The DraftKings Sportsbooks is slick and has an interface that is packed with markets, stats, and information.
The fantasy sports background makes it ideal for NBA props betting and more. Additionally, as one of two official Ohio sports betting partners for the NBA, live streaming options are available.
- Welcome offer:
Deposit match up to $1,000
- App Store Rating:
4.7 ⭐
- Google Play Rating:
4.6 ⭐
- Withdrawal time:
1 -5 days
Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins
FanDuel OH Sportsbook – Ideal for beginner bettors
FanDuel Pros and Cons
- No sweat bonus up to $1,000
- Beginner-friendly interface
- Most betting markets in OH
- Great parlay builder
- No sportsbook rewards program
Also recognized for its DFS products, FanDuel is the second of the two Ohio sportsbooks that has an official partnership with the NBA. As a result, you can expect live streaming, high odds, and great in-play and pre-game betting.
Where FanDuel is better than DraftKings is in the simplicity of its layout and navigation. While DK has a lot of stats and tools to aid experienced bettors, FanDuel has an easy-to-use platform that is ideal for beginners.
- Welcome offer:
No sweat bet up to $1,000
- App Store Rating:
4.8 ⭐
- Google Play Rating:
4.7 ⭐
- Withdrawal time:
1 hour -5 days
$65 value with just a $10+ deposit
Bet365 Sportsbook Ohio – The best for bonuses
Bet365 Pros and Cons
- Choice of two welcome offers
- Internationally trusted brand
- Great for non-US sports leagues
- Promotions for existing customers
- Dated design
- Most betting markets in OH
As I told you already, Bet365 is the only Ohio sports betting site that offers you the choice of two welcome offers. To add to that, there are plenty of promotions for existing players which have resulted in it earning my top rating for bonuses overall.
The pro-American sports betting markets and odds at Bet365 are great. However, as a UK-based company originally, this is the ideal platform if you want to bet on international sports, including EPL soccer and European basketball leagues.
- Welcome offer:
Bet $5 get $150 or Up to $2,000 first bet safety net
- App Store Rating:
4.8 ⭐
- Google Play Rating:
4.5 ⭐
- Withdrawal time:
1-3 days
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
Caesars Sportsbook OH – Official betting partner of the Cavs
Caesars Pros and Cons
- No sweat bonus up to $1,000
- Officials CAvs betting partner
- NBA and Cavs promos
- Good value overall
- Not great for smaller sports leagues
- Not great for smaller sports leagues
One of the main reasons why Caesars is initially appealing to us as basketball fans is that it is the official betting partner of the Cavaliers. As a result, you will regularly find promotions for Cavs and other NBA games, starting with the no sweat welcome offer of up to $1,000.
As well as being among the initial five Ohio sportsbooks to go live on the 1 January 2023 launch date, Caesars was also the first brand to open an in-person retail unit in OH. On the whole, I found the web platform and app to be user-friendly and easy on the eye.
- Welcome offer:
First bet back up to $1,000
- App Store Rating:
4.6 ⭐
- Google Play Rating:
4.2 ⭐
- Withdrawal time:
1-72 hours
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
What Ohio sportsbooks are legal?
Right now, there are 20 online legal sportsbooks in OH, most of which have in-person retail units as well. According to the law, a total of 25 licenses can be given out by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Here is a list of all Ohio sports betting sites that are live in 2024:
- BetMGM
– Best sportsbooks overall
- DraftKings
– Official NBA betting partner
- FanDuel
– Beginner-friendly app
- Bet365
– Best welcome offers
- Caesars
– Official betting partner of the Cleveland Cavaliers
- BetRivers
– A user-friendly interface
- Tipico
– Low rollover requirements
- Betfred
– Daily enhanced odds
- SuperBook
– Competitive betting lines
- Betway
– International betting brand in OH
- Hard Rock
– Excellent live betting features
- ESPN Bet
– The most innovative and fresh platform
- Bally Bet
– Exclusive mobile promos
- Betr
– The only micro-betting app in Ohio
- MVGBet
– Great rewards store
- betJACK
– An Ohio-exclusive sportsbook
- betPARX
– Fast and responsive customer service
- Fanatics Sportsbook
– Personalizable Ohio sports betting
- Underdog
– Fantasy turned sports betting
- Prime Sportsbook
– Very transparent betting limits
Legal Ohio sportsbooks – Online and in-person
On top of the 20 online betting sites, there are also 13 retail sportsbooks in Ohio where you can place wagers in person. In the two tables below, you can see everything that is currently available to you, online and offline, in The Buckeye State:
Ohio sports betting sites:
| Sportsbook | Launch date | Official partner |
| BetMGM | 01/01/2023 | MGM Northfield Park |
| DraftKings | 01/01/2023 | Hollywood Casino Toledo |
| FanDuel | 01/01/2023 | Belterra Park Cincinnati |
| Bet365 | 01/01/2023 | Cleveland Guardians |
| Caesars | 01/01/2023 | Scioto Downs |
| Tipico | 01/01/2023 | Columbus Crew |
| SuperBook | 01/01/2023 | FC Cincinnati |
| Betfred | 01/01/2023 | Cincinnati Bengals |
| BetRivers | 01/01/2023 | Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway |
| Betway | 01/01/2023 | Belterra Park |
| Hard Rock | 01/01/2023 | Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati |
| ESPN Bet | 11/13/2023 | Hollywood Casino Columbus |
| Bally Bet | 08/30/2023 | Cleveland Browns |
| Betr | 01/01/2023 | Hall of Fame Village |
| MVGBet | 01/01/2023 | Miami Valley Gaming and Racing |
| betJACK | 01/01/2023 | JACK Cleveland Casino |
| betPARX | 02/14/2023 | Muirfield Village Golf Club |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 02/05/2023 | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| Underdog | TBA | Cincinnati Reds |
| Prime Sportsbook | 11/13/2023 | Geneva Sports |
In-person retail Ohio Sportsbooks
| Sportsbook brand | Venue address |
| betJACK Sportsbook | JACK Cleveland Casino, 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113 |
| betJACK Sportsbook | JACK Thistledown Racino, 21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 44128 |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | MGM Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067 |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115* |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Scioto Downs, 6000 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Arena District, 401 N. Front St, Columbus, OH 43215 |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Belterra Park Cincinnati, 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230 |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, 1000 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
| Prime Sportsbook | Geneva-on-the-Lake Restaurant, Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio 44041 |
| SuperBook Sportsbook | Taft’s Ale House, 1429 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
Online sports betting Ohio: How does it work?
There are two ways that you can bet on sports in Ohio. You can either register with an online/mobile sportsbook or place an in-person at one of the retail units in the table above.
However, one thing I’ve found that makes Ohio sports betting unique is the three-tier licensing system, which I’ve explained for you here:
- Type A licenses
– There are 25 of these in total which casinos, sports teams, and other venues can apply for to offer online sports betting.
- Type B licenses
– A maximum of 40 of these can be given out to venues that wish to offer in-person-only retail sports betting.
- Type C Licensees
– Bars, restaurants, and other venues with a valid liquor license can apply for this license to offer in-person sportsbook kiosks. Unlike the other two license types, there is no cap on the number of licenses that can be given out.
Who can take part in betting in Ohio?
To be able to place an online or offline sports wager in the Buckeye State, you need to be aged at least 21. Before you get started, here’s some essential information that you should know:
- Legal age:
Sports betting in Ohio is legal for persons aged 21+ (online and retail).
- State borders:
You need to enable your device location to prove that you are within OH state borders to place a mobile wager.
- Mobile betting:
Up to 25 mobile sportsbooks can be licensed in Ohio, currently there are 20.
- Remote registration:
You can register, deposit, and bet with online sportsbooks remotely from anywhere inside the state.
- Retail sportsbooks:
In-person wagering is available at retail sportsbooks in various casinos and sports venues around the state. 40 retail venues can be licensed in total, but as of December 2024 there are 13.
- Taxable winnings:
All sports betting winnings are subject to state at federal tax in Ohio. The federal tax on your SSN is 25-28%, meanwhile you also have to pay 4% Ohio state tax.
The pros and cons of Ohio sports betting
To bring together all of the information that I have provided you with so far, here is a summary of the main pros and cons of OH sports betting:
Pros and cons of Ohio sports betting
- Legal esports betting
- Massive selection of welcome offers
- In and out-of-state college sports betting
- Legal esports betting
- Large selection of online and retail sportsbooks
- State and federal tax on winnings
- No politics or entertainment betting
Online Betting Ohio – How to get started
While you can place in-person sports wagering in Ohio at land-based retail units, remote online betting is by far the most popular option. If we can do something on our phones, that’s always going to be the most preferable option – am I right or am I right?
If you’re looking to get started today, just have your phone or laptop handy and follow my guide:
First of all, you’ll need to choose your ideal sportsbook from the 20 that are available. To help with this, I recommend checking out the top five Ohio sportsbooks that I’ve highlighted in this article first.
Once you’ve chosen your sportsbook, you need to head to the website or download the app and complete the registration process. This will include a verification process, which can usually be completed with your SSN, but may require you to upload a photo ID.
In some cases, you will need to opt in or enter a bonus code to activate the welcome offer on your chosen betting sites. You can find more information about the best
Ohio sportsbook promos
right here by exploring the banners on this page.
With a fully verified and open account, you can now make your first deposit. Most sportsbooks offer a decent range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, online bank transfers, and more.
One of my favorite things about Ohio sportsbooks is that they are not heavily restricted when it comes to the types of bets they can offer. Everything from money lines and spreads to player props and parlays are available on most apps.
After you have skimmed the available markets and bet types you can place your first wager. If you want my advice, it’s best to start with something simple, such as a moneyline bet, if this is your first time.
If you win some money at the end of the day, you can withdraw the funds, usually to the same account as you used for your deposit. Depending on the payment method you use, you can expect to receive your funds in 1 – 5 business days.
How to read the odds
As is the case in the rest of the US, Ohio sportsbooks use American odds as the default format. There are two types of numbers to be aware of to understand how to read these odds – positive and negative.
Here’s how each one works:
- Positive odds
show you how much profit you would win with a $100 stake. E.g the Cavs to win at +200 would see you get a $200 profit with a $100 stake.
- Negative odds
show you how much you would need to stake to win a $100 profit. Eg. Cavs to win at -150 means that you would need to stake $150 to win a $100 profit.
What you can and can’t bet on in Ohio
Here’s a quick summary of the things that are allowed and prohibited when it comes to Ohio sports betting:
Permitted:
- Professional sports ✅
- College sports (including in-state) ✅
- Drafts (NFL, NBA, etc.) ✅
- Esports ✅
Prohibited:
- Politics ❌
- Entertainment and awards ❌
Betting on Ohio sports teams
Here in Ohio, we are blessed when it comes to professional sports teams. Of course, most of us are big basketball fans, which is why the Cavs will naturally be the focal point for many of you.
To get the bigger picture though, here is a list of all the pro sports teams in the Buckeye State that you can bet on:
- NBA
– The Cleveland Cavaliers
- NHL
– Columbus Blue Jackets
- NFL
– Cleveland Browns & Cincinnati Bengals
- MLB
– Cleveland Guardians & Cincinnati Reds
Ohio sports betting – Quick facts
Don’t worry, I’m aware that I’ve given you a lot of information to digest, and I understand that it might be a little bit overwhelming. To help make it easier to swallow I’ve condensed the most important facts into this table:
| Launch date: | 01/01/2023 |
| Legal age: | 21+ |
| Online sports betting: | ✅ |
| Retail sports betting: | ✅ |
| Max number of licenses (online): | 25 |
| Max number of licenses (retail): | 40 |
| No. of live betting sites: | 20 |
| College sports betting: | ✅ |
| Esports betting: | ✅ |
| Online casino: | ❌ |
| Online poker: | ❌ |
| Land-based casinos: | ✅ |
| Regulator: | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
| State population: | 11.76 million |
| Sports betting tax on winnings (state): | 4% |
| Sports betting tax on winnings (federal): | 25-28% |
| Tax on Ohio sports betting revenue: | 10% |
Ohio’s responsible gaming initiatives
Problem gambling is the elephant in the room that may affect some of us and so needs to be addressed. All sportsbooks in the Buckeye State legally have to provide tools for you to limit your deposit, wagering, and loss limits.
Additionally, if you feel that you are developing a gambling problem, you can join the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program.
Online betting in Ohio – Conclusion
We’ve just about reached the end of my Ohio guide to sports betting, but before I go here is a roundup of the key points. Online and offline sports betting is legal for Ohioans aged 21 and older.
To be able to bet online, you need to be physically located in the state and will need to verify your account with a government-issued photo ID. However, you do not need to be an OH resident to register and wager – visitors to the state can bet online.
Finally, there are plenty of great bonuses available when you register as a new player. I recommend that you take a look at my full reviews of the top Buckeye State sportsbooks to find your ideal platform and bonus today.
Top bonus offers for Ohio bettors
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Ohio Sports Betting FAQ
😉 Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes, online and retail sports betting have been legal in Ohio since 1 January 2023. The law permits a total of 25 online sportsbook licenses and 40 retail licenses to be given out, but the full quota has not yet been filled. For an up-to-date list of all OH sportsbooks, head to Dunkorthree.com.
🤔 What is the best betting site in Ohio?
On the whole, BetMGM is the best overall betting site in the Buckeye State. That being said, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Caesars all deserve a special mention. To choose your ideal site, check out my reviews here at Dunkorthree.com.
💥 Does DraftKings work in Ohio?
Yes, DraftKings was one of five online sportsbooks to go live on the launch date (01/01/2023). If you are 21+ and in Ohio, you can download the app or register on the DK website and place a bet legally.
