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Ohio Betting Sites: The Best OH Online Sportsbooks in December 2024

Written by: Declan Willis

Fact checked by: Martin Pramatarov

Map of USA, where state of Ohio is pinned.

Bring your game to the next level with the best sports betting sites in Ohio on this page that will give you tons of options! The top markets, odds, live wagering, and many opportunities await you to help you win big! In the following mini guide for Buckley State, you will learn the basics and know how to make your best shot at winning and having luck on your side! We have sifted through the web and found out the leading OH betting sites you can count on for a safe, rewarding, and amusing time. Have a great time exploring these options!

Best sportsbooks OhioLegal bettingImportant lawsLegal ageOur criteriaPopular betting sportsFAQ

The best sports betting sites in Ohio

Verified by: Declan Willis Author at GameZinger.com
Last updated: 17.12.2024
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We want to make your betting experience smooth and pleasant by offering the platforms that most deserve your attention. All Ohio sportsbooks you will find here are meticulously verified by our experts to ensure you the best available on the internet. They offer smooth live streaming, tons of markets, welcome deals and regular other Ohio sports betting bonuses, including bonus bets, and more.

Find the top mobile betting platforms, the most popular OH team, sports, and more. Our tips on how to spot and distinguish the leading Ohio online sportsbooks will save you many potential problems and complications. Read on to learn all this and a lot more…

Gov. Mike DeWine signed Bill HB on December 22, 2021, legalizing Ohio sports betting and lots of operators now accept bets both online and in person. On New Year’s Eve, the Ohio Casino Control Commission approved mobile wagering. That has made sports betting legal within the state borders. However, as of March 1, a recent development banned all prop bets on individual college athletes, which is now in effect.

You can bet on sports in Ohio if you’re 21 or older and physically within state lines. All Ohio sports betting sites use the latest geolocation technology to verify that fans are physically present in the state. If you are an Ohioan, you’ll be asked to provide identification to prove your age during the registration process. Always apply responsible gambling practices to stay safe and avoid potential complications.

You can use sports betting sites and various physical establishments to bet on the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, collegiate sports and eSports. Unlike other states, wagers on in-state collegiate teams are prohibited here. Bettors can rest assured knowing they will be able to try their luck on one of the biggest games of the year.

The legal sports betting platforms include BetMGM, bet365, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, Hard Rock, SPN BET, Fanatics, FanDuel, Bally Bet, BetJACK, Betr, betPARX, EMVG Bet, Prime, and Tipico. Currently, 16 OH betting sites and 14 retail sportsbooks are running in the state’s 11 casinos, professional sports stadiums and the Hall of Fame Village. Their number could grow to 25 for mobile and 22 for retail Ohio sportsbooks since new ones periodically go live.

Sports gambling in OH is regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) and Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC). The OCCC oversees mobile and in-person sports betting at casinos, stadiums, and sports venues, including Ohio’s four casinos that provide slots and table games: JACK Cleveland, Hard Rock Cincinnati, Hollywood Columbus, and Hollywood Toledo. The OLC handles the Ohio lottery, sports wagering kiosks, and the seven racinos – MGM Northfield Park, Belterra Park, Hollywood Mahoning Valley, JACK Thistledown, Hollywood Dayton, Scioto Downs, and Miami Valley Gaming.

  • Online betting

    Residents can try their luck on sports and events since December 2021, but the sixteen Ohio sports betting sites were launched no sooner than January 1, 2023. Currently, 18 legal Ohio sports betting apps accept wagers in the state. Residents are free to use online platforms for playing via mobile devices and desktops. The government granted 25 Type A licenses for mobile sports betting apps. On this page you can find the best Ohio sportsbooks available online you can rely on for an amusing and rewarding experience.

  • Daily Fantasy Sports

    In 2017 Ohio joined the rest of US states passing laws to regulate the DFS contests supervised by the Casino Control Commission, so this type of gambling is now legal. Not all states consider DFS a form of sports betting. That’s the reason why in many states daily fantasy contests are yet to be legalized.

  • Retail sports betting

    Betting at a retail sportsbook such as a casino, racetrack, and other establishments is allowed by the law since 40 Type B licenses were granted to physical bookmakers. These were distributed based on county population and tourism traffic. You can wager on your favorite sports and events at state casinos, in professional sports stadiums, and at the Hall of Fame Village. The gaming regulators approved more than 900 betting kiosks in the state, including at Kroger’s grocery stores. If you are an Ohio resident you can use over the 700 such kiosks spread at bars, restaurants, bowling alleys, and grocery stores throughout the state.

  • Mobile betting

    Wagering on mobile done via tablets and smartphones using licensed mobile sports betting apps is legal in Buckeye State. Major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bet365 are all available here. Apps are part of the Ohio sports betting market, and their number is expected to grow to 50 by the second year of legal online sports wagering in OH since HB 29 includes provisions for 25 licenses for Buckeye State’s wagering apps.

The most important Ohio sports betting law developments and changes

  • Ohio’s first gambling laws in the 18th century started with the ban on lotteries
  • 1933 – Legal horse race pari-mutuel betting and the founding of the Ohio State Racing Commission
  • 1970s the Ohio state lottery – the only allowed gambling form for the next 30 years
  • 2009 law amendments – regulated and legalized land-based casinos
  • Ohio casino gambling – permitted with minimum age requirement – 21
  • The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) was set up in 2011
  • Daily fantasy sports, overseen by the OCCC, legalized in 2018 in Buckeye State
  • HB 29 finally makes sports betting legal in 2021
  • Sports betting launched in Ohio State on New Year’s Day in 2023
  • OH’s revenue for January 2023 – $208.9 million, a single-month record for any state
  • Ohio is the sixth largest market in the USA by total betting handle in 2024
  • College player prop bets banned in 2024

The legal age for gambling in Ohio varies depending on the specific activity, and can be 16, 18, or 21. For example, 16-year-old sports bettors can play bingo. For keno, lotteries, and horse race betting, the age is 18. Players must be 21 to be able to place casino bets. Sports betting follows the 21-year-old limit.

Legal sports betting age

Betting typeLegal age at land-based establishmentLegal age onlineLegal since
Online Sports Betting2121December 22, 2021
Horse racing18182023
Retail Sports Betting2121December 22, 2021
Bingo16161976 (for charitable bingo); updates in 2003
Keno18182009
Lottery1818March 2022
Mobile Sports Betting2121January 1, 2023
Land-based casino gambling21212009

How to pick the best Ohio sportsbooks

Here is what to pay attention to when browsing and testing online sportsbooks. The following criteria will help you distinguish the leading Internet bookies from the average ones. Check out how we rate casino and sportsbook websites to learn what you should be looking for too!

Best overall sports betting platformBetMGM
Excellent reputationBorgata
The most reliable Ohio sportsbookbet365
Exceptional browser and app user interfaceFanDuel
Great mobile betting experienceBorgata
The most competitive betting oddsFanatics Sportsbook
Great platform for variety of gamesDraftKings
Excellent for live betting / live streamingbet365
Great Ohio sports betting site for regular bonusesbetMGM
Ohio betting site with robust securityFanDuel

Ohio sportsbooks’ reputation

Recognizing the best Ohio sports betting providers is easier since most of them are already operational in other states. They may have years of experience behind their backs working elsewhere. Sports enthusiasts can simply investigate the history of the companies they have chosen to be clear on their reputation and past.

Reliability and security

Once you get a clear view of the reputation of a given Ohio sportsbook, the next thing to do is see if it is to be trusted. The best online betting sites in Ohio present their odds quickly and update them promptly. Overall, these platforms deliver on their promises, which as mentioned includes odds, speedy payment of bonuses, and rapid processing of bettors’ winning wagers.

Since significant sums of money are involved in betting and gambling, it’s understandable why online security is paramount. The leading sites and apps for online sports betting in Ohio employ ultramodern security and encryption procedures to guarantee the safety of their player’s data and funds.

Ohio sportsbook usability and mobile experience

Online betting should prove to be an amusing experience. It is supposed to be entertainment, that’s what it’s made for, not just pure profit. The best Ohio betting sites know that and strive to deliver seamless experience. They have user-friendly and intuitive design and betting sites that are simple to follow with an easy to navigate interface.

Nowadays, ease of use is essential to any web page, but when it comes to Ohio sports betting sites, it is paramount. Bettors often wait until the last minute before placing their wagers to get the best odds. Any delays caused by a complex website or app could disappoint them from any given online sportsbook. The top-rated online operators provide a smooth, simple to navigate, and easy to use interface. They offer action on a variety of sports and across at least a few betting lines.

Mobile devices are prevalently used for gambling, so not ensuring a pleasant mobile experience would cost operators lots of potential losses they cannot afford. The Ohio best sportsbooks ensure top-notch mobile experience through apps and mobile browsers with all the bells and whistles available from the website’s page. Their betting platforms are mobile-friendly, and you can use them on tablets and phones. Some brands can also provide a mobile sports betting app for Android and Apple mobile devices.

Betting odds

Competitive odds are vital for the industry’s success and bettors. Gambling operators’ vig needs to be reasonable since vig that is too high can eat up your potential winnings (vig or vigorish is the fee that sportsbooks take from players’ bets as their profit). Wise bettors always compare at least several online sportsbooks to find the best odds, as they want betting sites to deliver three essential qualities. One is odds that are posted early, and the other – betting lines that are competitive with other platforms. The third aspect is the odds to be up-to-date and accurate.

Variety of games to bet on

If football is your favorite sport or the one you are most updated on and knowledgeable about, you can go anywhere to place a wager. Fans of popular sports leagues such as the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL have lots of available betting markets to choose from as well. Ohio sports betting certainly is not limited to those markets. You may wish to bet on Korean baseball or Russian table tennis, and those markets are usually offered by the best online betting sites in Ohio.

Live Betting / Live Streaming

The chance to make an in-play bet can take a second, so you can expect response time of Ohio best sportsbooks to be very rapid and in real time. Sports betting sites that offer live betting usually have a rich library of live streaming options. Live betting simply is not possible without the option to view the events unfolding. To work properly, it is tightly paired to and dependent on live streaming.

Generous and ongoing sports wagering bonuses

Every betting house seeks ways to entice players, usually by providing an attractive welcome bonus. But, before taking that bait, do not forget to check what else you can claim, especially the ongoing promos. To consider an Internet sportsbook among the top platforms for online sports betting in Ohio, we look for things like is it giving to players regular promotions such as bonus bets, reload bonuses, and refer a friend deals.

Top 3 most popular sports for betting in OH

The best Ohio betting sites offer wagers on all popular leagues and events. Several US states restrict wagers on collegiate teams who play home in-state games. The good news for sports fans and for those who plan on wagering on professional and college sports and events like the college football National Championships is that no such restrictions will be in rule here. College sports betting is expected to be legal in Ohio soon.

Ohio sportsbooks offer almost every betting market available, ranging from high-profile leagues such as the NBA and NFL to niche sports like darts, cycling, and table tennis. You can use a full-scale hockey market at any online sports betting site you prefer, and wager on the Blue Jackets, other NHL game or ice hockey leagues from around the world.

Ohio online sports betting platforms have markets across every league, including MLS, the World Cup, the Champions League, and the English Premier League. You’ll also find odds and lines available for every major golf tournament across the PGA Tour. All online sportsbooks in Ohio provide tennis markets for the ATP and WTA. You can bet on your favorite tennis players at BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and other online platforms. Let’s discuss three of the major sports at the best online betting sites in Ohio.

Football

You can wager on plenty of football with most Ohio betting sites offering bets on any NFL, college football or CFL game. The biggest sports market in the USA by far is NFL football, which owns nearly half of the Sundays out of the year and even more if you count the NFL playoffs.

You can enjoy a full range of betting markets and wager on the Bengals, Browns or Ohio State football. The Super Bowl is the best Ohio sports betting event of the year. Ohioans should look forward to the game every year. You will find the best NFL sports betting apps not somewhere else but namely in Ohio. The state is one of only seven in the USA that hosts more than one NFL team, another good reason every operator prefers to set up business here.

Basketball

Basketball has a long season and fast-moving action nature. The NBA ranks as the second-best Ohio sports betting market in the USA. Most Ohio sportsbooks include multiple NBA betting options. The Cavaliers fans can expect a large array of NBA parlays. Basketball is one of two sports you’ll find action in round robin betting games. A ton of odds and lines are available for basketball, including Cavaliers games. Since this is a global sport and one of the top ones not only in the USA but also in the rest of the world, you can find markets for international leagues apart from the NBA and NCAA.

Baseball

The pace of play of MLB games is a double-edged sword. These aren’t as action-packed and thrilling all the time as some of the others. Baseball’s relaxed tempo gives sports fans enough time to find better odds for live bets while the game moves on. Ohio enjoys the advantage of having not one but two MLB teams. So, as long as the lockout is resolved, there’ll be lots of opportunities for betting for baseball fans of all walks of life. If you’re looking to place bets on the Reds and Guardians, you’ll find plenty of markets at your favorite Ohio online sportsbook. In addition to MLB odds, you can expect odds for college baseball, NPB and the KBO.

Most famous Ohio sports teams

Ohioans show ardent attitude towards college football and their beloved NFL teams, which are strong rivals of any other successful American team. Their love for all Ohio-based sports organizations is a fact as well. Besides professional sports teams, residents can bet on college sports. You can choose to support the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, Columbus Crew, Columbus Blue Jackets, and more. Below you’ll find a list of the top five sports teams in Ohio you can give your love and support to.

Cleveland Browns logo

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns can be proud of their passionate and loyal fan base that spans generations. A survey made by CBS Sports revealed that the NFL is the most Google-searched league in Ohio, which comes as no surprise since all the NFL was born in Canton, Ohio, back in 1920. Despite that, up until the last few seasons, the Browns couldn’t boast with many victories.

Cleveland is the only NFL franchise that has never played in or been a host to the Super Bowl, which won’t change at least until 2024 as there are no playoffs for the Browns this year. Unfortunately, the Browns have never won a Super Bowl so far. The last of their four NFL championships was in 1964. The original Browns franchise has won two Super Bowls after moving to Baltimore and becoming the Ravens in 1995. After having started anew in 1999, the Cleveland Browns have made it to the playoffs only once since then.

Cincinnati Bengals logo

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals, Ohio’s premier NFL team, relishes widespread popularity not only across the state but also across the country. Superstar Joe Burrow MVP’s campaign will be underway in 2024-2025 after he returns from injury, so Cincy will remain the most famous local team. The Bengals have made it to two Super Bowls and lost them both, but they are making another attempt toward the big game and seem to have serious chance of succeeding.

Cleveland Cavaliers logo

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers are Ohio’s only franchise in the NBA that have had wild success recently thanks to superstar LeBron James. They are finally making a name for themselves even without the top NBA player. The Cav’s starting lineup is one of the greatest young cores in the NBA. The team is a force and a dark-horse candidate to win it all. LeBron James rallied the Cavs from 2003 to 2010 first, which culminated in 2007 when the team appeared in the NBA Finals. Despite that, the Cleveland Cavaliers did not secure a championship, and the star left to join the Miami Heat.

In 2014, LeBron returned to the team, leading it to four consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals from 2015 to 2018, which resulted in winning the championship in 2016. That victory was pivotal since the Cavs became the first team in NBA history that has come back from a 3-1 deficit in the Finals and defeated the Golden State Warriors, claiming the title from them.

Cincinnati Reds logo

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds are one of the most iconic franchises in Major League Baseball and one of two MLB Ohio-based teams. They had most of their successful years during the “Big Red Machine” era in the 1970s with consecutive championships in 1975 and 1976. The Reds’ play at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati and their achievements include five World Series wins. The team can be proud of Elly De La Cruz, one of the most impressive players in baseball. Lots of fans will wager on him and the Reds during their trip to BetMGM Sportsbook at the Banks.

Cleveland Guardians logo

Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians are one of the most dangerous teams in the AL Central in MLB thanks to their key player Jose Ramirez who makes the team a strong contender in the playoffs. The newly-renamed MLB team plays at Progressive Field in Cleveland. It hasn’t won the World Series since 1948 but had success in winning four AL pennants, including one in 2016.

What other types of gambling are legal in Buckeye State

Ohio laws permit wagering on horse racing, including a few satellite facilities, and using Indian casinos. The state also allows certain charitable and non-profit organizations to take part in raffles and bingo for fundraising purposes. Apart from Indian casinos, Ohio state allows casino gaming in four cities: Toledo, Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati. As mentioned, Ohio allows charitable organizations to arrange bingo and other games of chance. The body that regulates land-based and online gambling forms in the state is the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

In Buckeye State you can use the lottery and play charitable bingo games, but online bingo rooms are not allowed. Players can visit land-based casinos and poker rooms, but running and using online poker rooms is not legal yet. Sweepstakes and social casinos are allowed, unlike real money online casino gambling. Pari-mutuel betting on horse races are other permitted forms of gambling, while fixed-odds betting on horse races are not lawful.

Lottery – legal

The Ohio Lottery runs various games, including scratch-off tickets, draw games (such as Powerball and Mega Millions), and Keno. To play these you must be 18 years or older, which differs from the standard gambling age in Ohio (21+). Buckeyes can take part in nationwide lotto contests, such as Powerball and Mega Millions. Currently you cannot play online lottery. There is an official Ohio Lottery app you can use only for redeeming your winnings or scanning tickets.

Online poker – illegal

Online gaming hasn’t made it to Ohio yet, so it is not possible to play online poker for real money using any poker app or desktop. Currently, you can for free only, but you can’t wager on the Internet with, or for money.

Poker at land-based casinos – legal

The only poker options Ohio residents have available are the land-based poker rooms at the state’s four land-based casinos. Unlike online poker, land-based games of this type are totally legal.

Sweepstakes and social casinos – legal

Sweepstakes and social casinos let you play without using real money. They are allowed in OH state as a safe option for gambling for free.

Online casinos – illegal

Playing at online casinos for real money in Buckeye State is not permitted by the law yet. Players can only use other options like conventional land-based and tribal gambling, sweepstakes and social casino.

The conclusion

Since its launch on January 1, 2023, Ohio online sports betting has rapidly evolved to become a significant market. The hunger for sports gambling action is clear from the over $6.8 billion wagered and almost $848 million in sports betting revenue generated by the end of November 2023. The state has enough sports teams and major colleges that have their loyal fans.

OH sports betting is allowed by the law, allowing individuals aged 21 and older to place bets at any sports gaming site and retail sports betting location they like. New bettors can take advantage of substantial promotions and bonuses. For comprehensive reviews and insights into the best available sportsbooks, Gamezinger.com serves as a trusted resource for gamblers and sports bettors looking to explore their options in this thriving market.

Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com

The best Ohio sports betting websites FAQ

Can I bet on sports online in Ohio state?

Yes, you absolutely can, anyone who is 21 or older and within Ohio borders can place bets but may need to prove their age during the registration process and verify their location within Ohio state through the relevant app’s geolocation software.

Does Buckeye State permit mobile sports bets?

Yes, since 2021 the law allows wagering with remote registration. Online sports betting in Ohio started on New Year’s Day 2023 and has been thriving ever since.

Can I bet on college sports in Ohio?

Yes, you absolutely can, since January 1, 2023, college sports betting via regulated platforms has been legal.

Are Daily Fantasy Sports legal in Ohio?

Yes, DFS bets were allowed by the law of Ohio in 2016. Today’s estimates are that more than two million Ohioans partake in DFS.

Where can I bet on sports in Ohio?

You can use the operators on this page as we give you the best sports betting sites in Ohio available on the internet.

Do I need to be a resident of Ohio state to engage in online sports betting?

No. To place a wager at any Ohio sportsbooks you only need to be physically within state boundaries.