Ohio sports betting launched on January 1, 2023, and has quickly become one of the nation’s most competitive markets with 15 licensed sportsbooks now operating in the Buckeye State. From industry leaders like BetMGM and FanDuel to newer entrants like ESPN BET and Fanatics Sportsbook, Ohio bettors have access to extensive welcome bonuses, competitive odds, and comprehensive betting options.
All 15 Ohio sportsbooks are legal, regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, and available for online and mobile betting statewide. Whether you’re looking to bet on the Browns, Bengals, Cavaliers, Guardians, or Ohio State Buckeyes, our expert reviews help you find the best sportsbook for your betting style.
Below, we’ve ranked and reviewed every active Ohio sportsbook based on welcome bonuses, user experience, betting markets, and overall value to help you make the best choice for sports betting in Ohio.
Top Ohio Sports Betting Sites
Ohio Sports Betting Market Overview
Ohio’s sports betting adventure kicked off with all the excitement you’d expect on January 1, 2023, but honestly, the real drama has unfolded in the months since that midnight launch. We started with 18 sportsbooks a pretty impressive lineup but the market has since winnowed down to what appears to be a more sustainable 15 operators. Not exactly what anyone predicted, but that’s how these things go sometimes.
The numbers are pretty wild when you think about it. Ohio ranks 11th nationally in total lifetime handle with over $20.7 billion wagered since launch. That’s billion with a “B.” Meanwhile, operators have pulled in more than $2.2 billion in revenue and kicked nearly $392 million in taxes back to the state. To put this in perspective and this still seems crazy to me Ohio bettors dropped nearly $1 billion in March 2025 alone, making it the fourth-highest monthly total since we’ve been keeping trak.
Market Shake-Ups and Who Didn’t Make It
The Ohio market has been a bit of a bloodbath for smaller players, particularly the European operators who seemed confident they could waltz in and compete with the big American brands. Four major sportsbooks have thrown in the towel since launch: Tipico (June 2024), Betway (July 2024), Betfred (August 2024), and SuperBook.
Honestly, this wasn’t entirely surprising. When you’re going up against FanDuel and DraftKings—who together control over 65% of Ohio’s action you need either deep pockets or a really compelling reason for people to switch. Most of these departed operators had neither.
Betfred’s exit was particularly telling since it marked their complete retreat from the US market after what can only be described as a rough go of it. They cited “sustained financial losses,” which is corporate speak for “we got our clocks cleaned by better-funded competitors.”
| Ohio Sports Betting | Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ Legal Status | Yes (Pretty much everywhere you’d want to bet) |
| 📊 National Ranking | 11th in Total Handle |
| 🏈 Active Sportsbooks | 15 (Started with 18, reality set in) |
| 💰 Lifetime Handle | $20.7+ Billion |
| 🎰 Online Casinos | Nope (Social Casinos only, for now) |
| 🔞 Legal Age | 21+ (No exceptions) |
| 🏛️ Who’s In Charge | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
| 🎮 Kiosk Spots | Nearly 900 (Seriously, they’re everywhere) |
| 📞 Help Line | 1-800-589-9966 |
| 📝 Last Checked | August 7, 2025 |
The Usual Suspects at the Top
FanDuel recently grabbed the top spot back from DraftKings, and these two continue their endless dance for Ohio supremacy. It’s like watching two heavyweight boxers who refuse to stay down the lead changes hands pretty regularly depending on the month and what sports are in season.
What’s been interesting to watch is bet365 settling in as a solid third-place player. They’re not flashy, but they’re consistent. BetMGM usually holds down fourth place, though their position seems to fluctuate more than the others.
The real surprise story? Fanatics Sportsbook somehow muscled its way into the top five in August 2024 and has managed to stay there, often outperforming brands like Caesars that you’d think would have more staying power. Sometimes being the new kid on the block actually works in your favor.
Revenue Patterns
Ohio’s betting market seems to follow predictable seasonal swings, though May 2025 broke records with $88.8 million in revenue the highest monthly take since this whole thing started. The state’s 10.7% average hold rate ranks pretty high nationally, which suggests operators are doing just fine despite all the competition.
June was even more interesting with a 13.1% hold rate, which seems to indicate sportsbooks are getting better at staying profitable even during the typically slower summer months when football’s out of the picture.
How Ohio Actually Works
Here’s where Ohio gets a bit quirky compared to other states they split regulatory duties between two different agencies:
Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) handles:
- All 15 mobile/online sportsbooks
- 14 retail locations at casinos and sports venues
- Professional sports team partnerships
Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC) manages:
- Nearly 900 sports betting kiosks scattered around the state
- Bar and restaurant betting setups
- Smaller lottery-style sports betting
This dual approach creates what might be the most accessible sports betting setup in the country. You can bet on your phone, drive to a casino, or just walk into your local bar. It’s almost too easy, which may or may not be a good thing depending on your perspective.
What Makes Ohio Different
Unlike some states that launched with a bunch of restrictions, Ohio lets you bet on in-state college teams though they draw the line at player props, which probably makes sense. You can wager on Ohio State, Cincinnati, and other local schools, which adds a nice local flavor to the whole experience.
They also allow esports betting, putting them ahead of more conservative states that are still figuring out whether video game competitions count as “real” sports.
The partnerships with professional teams have created some unique retail experiences. The sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cavaliers/Caesars) and Progressive Field (Guardians/bet365) bring betting directly to where fans are already spending their money and emotions.
What’s Next?
As Ohio heads into year three of legal sports betting, the market seems to be finding its groove with a stable group of operators and solid revenue growth. The state can theoretically issue up to 25 total mobile licenses, which suggests there’s still room for new players, though recent departures suggest breaking into this market isn’t exactly a cakewalk.
After waiting almost two years, Ohio sports betting launch went off without a hitch. Sports bettors in the Buckeye State can now enjoy legal online sports betting in from the comfort of their own homes. Now that the dust has settled and a possible 25 different sports betting apps on the horizon, the experts here at ATS.io have reviewed each Ohio sports betting app currently available. See what betting apps made the top five Ohio betting app list:
- Bet365 – Top new user promo in Ohio
- BetMGM – Best player rewards program
- Caesars Sportsbook – Best first bet offer, Go Full Caesar
- FanDuel Sportsbook – Best single game parlay options
- BetRivers – Best overall sports betting site for new users in Ohio
Best Ohio Sports Betting Sites & Apps
Up to 25 sports betting licenses will be handed out to online sports betting sites by local authorities in Ohio. Below, we take a closer look at some of the best online sportsbooks in Ohio to this point.
1. Bet365 Ohio
Bet365 doesn’t have an established retail presence, but its partnership with the Cleveland Guardians MLB squad offers a strong idea of where it will wind up. Many pro sports teams are opening up retail sportsbooks on stadium grounds and the Guardians may look to do the same. The United Kingdom-based betting site is a heavyweight in Europe and Australia and can be enjoyed in Ohio as well.
2. BetMGM Ohio
MGM is one of the most iconic brands in North American gambling. The entertainment company owns the Bellagio and many other massive casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and owns or operates a long list of other ones across the United States.
As the owner of the MGM Northfield Park Casino, MGM was already established in Ohio. This will serve to establish a brick-and-mortar location for the BetMGM Sportsbook, the company’s online sports betting app. BetMGM has a broad selection of prop bets, sports betting markets and offers regular promotions to keep the action moving at all times.
3. Caesars Sportsbook Ohio
Caesars Entertainment is another company known for its line of casinos throughout the country, including states like Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Nevada, and it owns Eldorado Gaming Sciota Downs in Ohio. The company has entered into a partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers to establish a retail sports betting presence in the Northwest Atrium of the team’s home arena.
Below you can see what Caesars Sportsbook has to offer to new bettors. Like many other major sports betting sites, Caesars has special offers for newcomers that can help you get a strong start to your online sports betting journey. It also has a rewards program tied to its brick-and-mortar casinos that gives you special prizes for signing up and taking part in the action.
4. FanDuel Ohio Sportsbook
Racino Belterra Park will be expanding into the sports betting market. The horse tracks have given Ohio residents the chance to get some bets in for years now, but the partnership with FanDuel Sportsbook will see that branch out into stick-and-ball sports as well.
FanDuel is a familiar name for many sports fans. Alongside DraftKings, FanDuel helped to popularize the daily fantasy sports industry in the United States. Both have expanded into the realm of online sports betting apps, and the two remain rivals as a result. FanDuel has a great selection of banking options and easy sign-up, making it one of the most accessible betting apps on the market.
5. BetRivers
BetRivers partnered with Hollywood Casino to enter the Ohio betting market and is a brand that has a strong presence across the US and in many of Ohio’s neighboring states, for example, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois, among many more.
BetRivers is a completely legitimate sports betting brand and a great first betting app for new sports bettors. They offer one of the best sports betting rewards programs, daily player promos, and a second chance bet to get started.
6. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook has built a stellar reputation since its early days as a daily fantasy sports provider and now provides an all-in-one experience with betting and DFS under one roof. DraftKings is currently one of the mobile-only betting sites. While Ohio sports bettors can not bet with them at a retail sports betting site, they have partnered with Hollywood Casino Toledo to provide remote and online sports betting to anyone within the borders of Ohio.
7. Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics has a huge presence in American sports in a variety of different ways, creating merchandise ranging from apparel to trading cards to NFTs. The manufacturer is also making aggressive maneuvers into sports betting, and will be looking to make its presence felt in Ohio after opening their operations in the state in the form of Fanatics Sportsbook.
Other active sportsbooks in this state include:
- Bally Bet
- BetJack
- Betly
- BetParx
- Betr
- ESPN Bet
- Hard Rock Bet
- Prime
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?
Yes, sports betting is legal and active in Ohio as of January 1, 2023. Retail and online sports betting launched simultaneously, with up to 25 mobile licenses and 40 retail locations being greenlit in the state.
How To Bet on Sports in Ohio
Ohio sports bettors can follow the links above to get started on registering with an online sports betting site. Doing so can unlock exclusive Ohio bonuses and promotions.
After reaching the online sports betting site, begin the account registration process. This requires the use of legitimate personal information, including name and address. Do not use fake information, or it can result in the account’s deactivation. Various sportsbooks offer promotions that can be done via a referral or promo code, with some strong options appearing at the top of this page.
Once you’ve created an account, you’ll likely need to add funds. Different betting sites accept different payment methods, but online bank transactions and debit cards are accepted at all major betting sites. Users can check out our sportsbook reviews to get a feel for what payment methods are accepted.
After registering and adding funds, it’s time to get started. Fill out a bet and keep your fingers crossed. If you’re looking to make a withdrawal, different sites will offer different ways to do so. There may be extra steps to confirm your identity and to process the withdrawal.
Time needed: 5 minutes
Steps to sign up and bet on sports in Ohio
- Figure out which Ohio sportsbook you want to join from the selections above
Join as many sports betting sites as you want, each offers great bonuses for registration.
- Click on the links to obtain the offer
Visit the exclusive landing page to qualify for the new user bonus.
- Hit “join” or “register” on the site
Start the registration process.
- Create the account using a legitimate email address and personal information
Real information is needed to qualify for all bonuses & offers.
- Enter promo codes where applicable
Some online sports betting sites require a sign-up promo code or bonus code. For more details, check out the sportsbook offer table at the top of the page.
- Confirm and/or verify account creation if necessary
Verify your email and phone number as needed.
- After the account’s creation, make a deposit through the sportsbook
Each Ohio sportsbook has many safe and secure options like Paypal, Visa, and Mastercard, to name a few.
- Find the game you want to bet on, and have fun!
Sit back and enjoy!
Where To Bet on Sports in Ohio
Retail sports betting is live and operational in Ohio starting as of January 1, 2023. A number of casinos and other establishments are positioned to offer sports betting to Ohio residents right out of the gate. Here are some of the Ohio sports betting sites to go bet on sports in person
MGM Northfield Park
- Location: 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
- Retail Sportsbook: BetMGM Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, poker, table games, harness racing tracks
MGM is based out of Las Vegas but has a huge presence across the USA due to the sheer number of casinos it owns in other states. In Ohio, it’s an important figure in gaming, thanks to MGM Northfield Park and its 200,000-square-foot gaming floor.
As with other MGM institutions, MGM Northfield Park will be using its own in-house sportsbook. BetMGM Sportsbook is used in many other MGM casinos and will be available for online sports betting in Ohio.
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
- Location: 1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115
- Retail Sportsbook: Caesars Sportsbook
- Other Features: Cleveland Cavaliers basketball
The home of the Cleveland Cavaliers will have a dedicated space for sports betting. The Cavs are partnered with Las Vegas-based entertainment company and bookmaker Caesars, which will result in a betting location appearing in the stadium.
The new facility is being built mutually by the team and Caesars, with a street-level facility that will be open year-round. Though the Cavaliers will obviously be the focus, fans can look forward to much more than just one team.
Hollywood Casino Columbus
- Location: 200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
- Retail Sportsbook: ESPN Bet Sportsbook
- Other Features: Slots, poker, table games
The Hollywood Casino chain brings Las Vegas-style casino action from coast to coast. The company has multiple casinos in Ohio, with both of them set to offer retail sportsbook options since January 1, 2023.
As with other Hollywood Casino locations, Hollywood Casino Columbus will partner with ESPN Bet Sportsbook. The Columbus location boasts a 160,000-square-foot gaming floor and an assortment of table games and poker tables, with the retail sportsbook set to add another layer of fun.
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway
- Location: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414
- Retail Sportsbook: ESPN Bet Sportsbook
- Other Features: Video lottery, harness racing tracks
Alongside Hollywood Casino Columbus is Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway. The location has over 1,000 video lottery terminals but the centerpiece of its gaming offering is its live harness racing and various entertainment offerings. As with Hollywood Casino Columbus, the venue is partnered with ESPN Bet.
What Sports Can I Bet on in Ohio?
Ohio has embraced sports betting, and luckily, that will encompass basically every kind of sport fans could hope for. As part of the official legalization of sports betting in the state, collegiate athletics were made available to bettors. Esports are another tricky area for some states, but Ohio bettors will be able to enjoy esports betting. Here are some of the major markets fans can take part in:
- NFL
- NBA
- NCAA Football
- NCAA Basketball
- MLB
- NHL
- MMA
- Boxing
- Esports
- PGA
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Racing
- Darts
- Lacrosse
Type of Bets Available on Ohio Sports Betting Apps
Moneyline
Want to just bet on the outcome of a contest? Moneyline is the best option there is, offering bettors the ability to just put money down on which side will come away victorious. There aren’t any other considerations or caveats, making this the most straightforward and foolproof option for new and experienced bettors alike.
Spread
The point spread adds an extra wrinkle on top of a regular moneyline bet. This type of bet requires one team to win by a certain margin in order to hit. This is represented by a positive or negative number with a decimal point. For example, if the Cleveland Browns have a -4.5 spread, they will need to win by five points or more in order to have the bet hit. Even if they win the game but only win by five points, the bet is considered a loss.
Live Betting
You don’t have to stop betting when the opening bell rings. Many sportsbooks in Ohio offer fans betting lines on games that are currently in progress. Odds shift as the action unfolds, letting fans bet on a comeback or on the leading team’s defense.
Over/Unders
Totals, or over/unders, are bets on how many points a team will score and aren’t related to the actual outcome of the contest. For example, if an over/under line is offered on the Columbus Blue Jackets to score 2.5 goals during a game, bettors can wager whether the team will exceed or fall short of that mark. If the team scores two or fewer goals, the “under” bet scores. If the team scores three or more, the over hits.
Prop Bets
Prop bets and side markets offer bets on things unrelated to the points being scored and instead focus on specific conditions. Each sport has its own lineup of common prop bets, which can range from picking which player will score the first points in a game or what sort of penalties a team will receive.
Parlays
Parlays allow sports bettors in Ohio to elevate the risk of their bets for greater rewards. This is done by lumping together a group of bets. Parlay bets can encompass multiple contests or even be pulled from entirely different sports. This can make for some incredibly large payouts when successful, but if even one of the bets don’t land, it’s considered a complete loss.
Ohio Sports Teams to Bet on
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are arguably the most identifiable team when it comes to Ohio. The team is in the consistently competitive AFC North and has bitter rivalries with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.
Since the brand returned to the NFL in 1999 the team has only had a few seasons above .500. Though there’s still plenty of work to do, the team has looked like something resembling a contender over recent years and there is some hope for big things in the future.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are mostly known at this point for their relationship with Lebron James. Sometimes, the biggest memory is winning a championship with him in 2016. Other times, it’s the outrage surrounding his decision to leave the team for the Miami Heat in 2010.
The team cratered without him in the 2018-2019 season and was near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standing for years to come after. But they continue to play an exciting brand of basketball, proving they are more than their history with LeBron.
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Indians franchise got a rebranding after the 2021 season, with the team being rebranded as the Cleveland Guardians. While the name was all that changed for the franchise in theory, the team seemingly got a boost from the new uniforms in the 2022 season.
The squad still plays out of Progressive Field, its home since 1994. Though it has an up-and-down history, the Cleveland Guardians have been near the top of the AL Central division in recent years.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland isn’t the only city that boasts an NFL franchise. The Cincinnati Bengals are actually the more successful of the Ohio teams over recent decades, boasting five straight seasons of playoff appearances from 2011 to 2015.
Though the team fell off from there, business has picked up in a big way. Joe Burrow has the look of being the team’s new franchise QB and could help the team remain a contender for years to come.
Cincinnati Reds
The Cleveland Guardians hold it down for Ohio in the MLB’s American League, while the Cincinnati Reds hold things down for the team in the National League. The club has been a steady presence in the city since its start as the Red Stockings in the 1880s.
The team plays out of the Great American Ball Park, with an outfield snuggled against the Ohio River. Reds fans have had to deal with some rough seasons of late, but things can always turn around.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Though Cincinnati and Cleveland have a number of teams in major sports leagues, Columbus isn’t quite as lucky. It still boasts the state’s only NHL franchise though, with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets were part of the 2000 NHL expansion, with the team being added alongside the Minnesota Wild. The team struggled out of the gate but became a contender in the 2010s. In many ways, the team is still struggling to deal with the 2021 departure of head coach John Tortorella.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State is a powerhouse across multiple sports in the NCAA. Football, basketball, men’s, women’s, the Buckeyes have won championships in basically everything its competed in.
The school is a force in basically everything it competes in, but is mostly known for its football and basketball teams. The Buckeyes won the first College Football Playoff National Championship in 2014, and is a regular part of the NCAA Tournament in basketball.
Xavier Musketeers
Xavier University doesn’t compete in football, but its basketball team keeps it very relevant when it comes to Ohio sports betting. The Musketeers have a strong history in basketball, with dozens of NCAA Tournament appearances and three Elite Eight appearances.
The team hit the skids in 2018 but has been on the mend since then. Thankfully for Xavier, the team has remained strong in other sports, including soccer and baseball.
Cincinnati Bearcats
The Crosstown Shootout is an iconic rivalry in Ohio sports between the basketball teams of the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University. The Cincinnati Bearcats have historically gotten the better of that rivalry, though Xavier has been on top in recent years.
Men’s basketball isn’t the only area where the University of Cincinnati shines, though. The school has 18 varsity teams, with the team looking to make a splash in the Big 12 Conference starting in 2023.
Past Ohio State University, Xavier, and Cincinnati, Ohio has a long list of other schools competing in NCAA Division I. Here’s a full list:
- Akron Zips
- Bowling Green Falcons
- Cincinnati Bearcats
- Cleveland State Vikings
- Dayton Flyers
- Kent State Golden Flashes
- Miami RedHawks
- Ohio Bobcats
- Ohio State Buckeyes
- Toledo Rockets
- Wright State Raiders
- Xavier Musketeers
- Youngstown State Penguins
Ohio is a major sports market and that has the team boasting squads in a wide variety of leagues. It’s not just the NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, and NBA either. Here are some of Ohio’s other notable sports teams:
- Ashland Eagles
- Findlay Oilers
- Lake Erie Storm
- Notre Dame Falcons
- Ohio Dominican Panthers
- Tiffin Dragons
- Walsh Cavaliers
- Cleveland Rockers
- FC Cincinnati
- Columbus Crew
History of Sports Betting in Ohio
The removal of the nationwide sports betting ban by the United States Supreme Court was a quantum shift for the gaming industry. States suddenly had the ability to pass their own legislation regarding sports betting, with many opting to allow sports fans to put some money on the line. Below is a timeline of events for sports betting in Ohio.
November 2024
Betly is added to the list of online sportsbooks in OH.
November 14, 2023
ESPN Bet opens its digital doors in Ohio.
September 13, 2023
Prime Sportsbook opens online in Ohio.
August 30, 2023
Bally Bet begins Ohio operations.
August 16, 2023
Fanatics Sportsbook joins the fray in Ohio.
February 14, 2023
BetParx goes live in Ohio.
January 13, 2023
Betr launches in Ohio.
January 1, 2023
Online sports betting launches in OH with bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, BetJack, and Hard Rock among those to launch.
December, 2021
Online sports betting legalized in Ohio.
Disclaimer: 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Ohio Sports Betting FAQ
The Ohio Casino Control Commission licenses online sports betting apps and sportsbooks in Ohio. They have the ability to offer up to 25 online betting sites and 40 retail sportsbook licenses.
Yes, DraftKings sportsbook is available to sports bettors in Ohio.
Sports bettors can sign up now, register their accounts, receive bonus bets, and place wagers anywhere within the state’s borders.
See the list above for a full selection of sportsbooks that are operational in Ohio.
