Best Sportsbooks in Ohio

Do you live in Ohio? Great! 

Best betting sites in Ohio

These are the sportsbooks we recommend for local bettors: 

To bet in Ohio, you must be at least 21 years old. Betting is open to anyone physically present within the state, including visitors. Online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to confirm your location before processing wagers.

There could be as many as 40 retail sportsbooks in Ohio, but the state has yet to reach that number. While this leaves room for growth, don’t expect every potential license to be filled. 

Here are the current physical locations where you can place a bet in Ohio:

The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees sports betting in the state, ensuring compliance with regulations. The sportsbooks in Ohio offer betting on all major sports, including in-state college teams like Ohio State.

Initially, Ohio set a 10% tax on sports betting revenue, but that has since doubled to 20%—a move that has faced criticism from operators and could impact market competition.

Sports to bet on in Ohio

One of the reasons Ohio’s sports betting market took off so quickly is the presence of several major sports franchises. Markets with local teams tend to generate more interest, and Ohio is no exception.

NFL betting dominates in Ohio, thanks to the popularity of the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. Football is king when it comes to betting action, with these teams driving a significant portion of wagers.

Basketball is another favorite, especially for fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers. While the franchise reached its peak during the LeBron James era, it continues to draw betting interest.

Ohio also has a team in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets, though hockey betting isn't as prominent as football or basketball.

The Ohio sports betting law allows bets on in-state college teams, meaning fans can legally bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes and other local programs.

Tips for first-time bettors in Ohio

If you’re new to sports betting, we recommend takeing a moment to get familiar with the terminology and different bet types. 

Before betting - whether online or at a casino - have a plan for bankroll management—decide how much you're willing to spend on gambling and set a consistent bet size.

Try different betting options to find what works best for you. Spreads, moneylines, totals, and prop bets each offer unique advantages, and experimenting will help you develop a strategy.

Read these articles:

• How moneyline works
• What spreads are
• Over/under betting

Consider following expert picks and predictions on IG or TikTok. Even if you trust your instincts, getting an outside perspective can improve your chances.

Lastly, patience is key—not every bet will be a winner, and learning from losses is just as important as celebrating wins.

How betting became legal in Ohio

When sports betting launched in Ohio back in 2023 the states saw record-breaking betting numbers, with the first month seeing over $1 billion in bets. It may have slowed down a bit since then but Ohio remains a strong sports betting hub.

The road to legalization wasn’t smooth, to say the least. Sports betting discussions began in 2019, but competing bills from the House and Senate slowed progress. By 2020, negotiations gained traction, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted momentum.

It is reported that this frustration grew as lawmakers struggled to finalize the bill. By 2021, the industry finally moved forward with House Bill 29, which was passed and signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine in December of that year.

Despite approval, Ohio didn’t launch sports betting in 2022, delaying the market for an entire year. Finally, on January 1, 2023, both online and retail sportsbooks went live.

What might be next for Ohio sports betting

Ohio’s sports betting industry is still evolving (as is the case in other states), with ongoing debates about tax rates and potential new operators entering the market. The increase from 10% to 20% in tax has raised concerns, and some operators may reconsider their presence in the state.

Additionally, there is still room for growth in retail sportsbooks, as the market has yet to reach its full potential. While it’s unlikely that all 40 possible licenses will be used, expect more locations to open over time.