Ohio Sports
Betting Guide
Your complete, independent guide to legal sports betting in the Buckeye State. Compare all 15+ licensed sportsbooks, claim the best bonuses, and start betting responsibly.
Best Ohio Sportsbooks
All 15+ licensed online sportsbooks operating in Ohio, independently reviewed and ranked. Each operator is regulated by the OH Casino Control Commission and fully legal for anyone 21+ within state lines.
DraftKings
Overall Experience- Deep live betting markets
- Best app experience
- Daily odds boosts
FanDuel
Mobile Betting- Most-used sportsbook in the US
- Top-rated mobile app
- Retail at Belterra Park
BetMGM
Highest Bonus- Biggest welcome bonus
- MGM Rewards integration
- Retail at Great American Ball Park
bet365
Live Betting- Sharpest odds globally
- Cleveland Guardians partner
- Excellent live streaming
Caesars Sportsbook
Loyalty Rewards- Best rewards program
- Cleveland Cavaliers partner
- Retail at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Fanatics Sportsbook
Merch Rewards- FanCash for merch rewards
- Retail at Progressive Field
- Growing rapidly
Hard Rock Bet
Parlay Betting- Strong parlay options
- Clean modern interface
- Rock-solid mobile app
theScore Bet
News Integration- Integrated sports news
- PENN Entertainment backed
- Clean interface
Welcome Bonus Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of every welcome offer available to new Ohio bettors.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Condition | Min Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets | If your bet wins | $5 |
| FanDuel | Up to $300 Back Every Day for 10 Days | Bet Reset Tokens — no-sweat bets | $5 |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets | If your first bet loses + $50 Reward Points | $10 |
| bet365 | $1,000 First Bet Safety Net | Or Bet $5, Get $150 guaranteed | $10 |
| Caesars Sportsbook | First Bet Match up to $250 | Win or lose — bonus bet | $10 |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash | Earn FanCash on every bet | $5 |
| Hard Rock Bet | Check site for latest offer | Hard Rock brand experience | $10 |
| theScore Bet | Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets | If your bet wins | $10 |
How to Start Betting in Ohio
From choosing a sportsbook to placing your first wager, here\'s exactly how to get started with legal sports betting in the Buckeye State.
Choose a Sportsbook
Pick a licensed Ohio sportsbook from our reviewed list above. Each operator is regulated by the OH Casino Control Commission.
Create Your Account
Provide your name, email, address, phone number, and last four digits of your SSN. Geolocation confirms you're in Ohio.
Claim Your Bonus
Enter any promo code during registration or on your first deposit. Each sportsbook has unique welcome offers — compare before committing.
Fund & Start Betting
Make your first deposit via bank transfer, debit card, PayPal, or other accepted methods. Most sportsbooks have $5-$10 minimums.
What Can You Bet On?
Ohio sportsbooks cover all major professional and college sports.
NFL
Browns, Bengals, NFL odds, Super Bowl futures, player props, live in-game betting
MLB
Guardians, Reds, run lines, player props, World Series futures
NBA
Cavaliers, full NBA slate, player props, spreads, totals, MVP futures
NHL
Blue Jackets, puck lines, goalie props, Stanley Cup futures
College Sports
Ohio State Buckeyes, Cincinnati Bearcats. Note: college player props banned in Feb 2026
Soccer / MLS
Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati, Premier League, Champions League, World Cup 2026
Golf
PGA Tour, LIV Golf, The Masters, head-to-head matchups, outright winners
Esports
Ohio is one of few states allowing esports betting — League of Legends, Overwatch, and more
Ohio Sports Betting Laws
📜 House Bill 29
Ohio legalized sports betting through House Bill 29, signed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2021. Online betting launched on January 1, 2023. The OH Casino Control Commission oversees all operations.
💰 Tax Structure
Operators pay 10% on Revenue. Revenue supports state programs including responsible gambling initiatives and education.
📋 Licensing
Ohio allows up to 25 online sportsbook licenses. Currently 15+ operators are live and accepting wagers.
🎓 College Betting
College player prop bets were banned in February 2026 following an NCAA request. Team markets, spreads, and futures remain available.
📍 Retail Sportsbooks
Ohio has four casinos and seven racinos offering retail sportsbooks. Professional sports teams can also partner with operators for in-venue betting.
🔒 Age & Location
You must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Ohio to place legal sports bets. Residency is not required. Geolocation technology verifies your location.
Key Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio legalized sports betting through House Bill 29, signed by Governor DeWine in December 2021. Online and retail betting launched on January 1, 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates the industry.
How old do I have to be to bet in Ohio?
You must be at least 21 years old to place sports bets in Ohio, whether online or at a retail sportsbook.
How many sportsbooks are in Ohio?
As of 2026, there are 15+ licensed online sportsbooks operating in Ohio, with up to 25 Type A licenses available. Major operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, and Fanatics.
Can I bet on college sports in Ohio?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Ohio. However, the Ohio Casino Control Commission banned college player prop bets in February 2026 following an NCAA request. Team markets, spreads, and futures remain available.
Do I need to be an Ohio resident?
No. Anyone 21 or older who is physically located within Ohio can place legal sports bets. Residency is not required — geolocation technology verifies your location.
What is the tax rate on Ohio sports betting?
Ohio imposes a 10% tax on operators gross sports gaming revenue. Bettors are responsible for reporting winnings on their personal taxes.
Can I bet on esports in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio is one of only about 12 states that allows betting on esports. You can find markets on League of Legends, Overwatch, and other competitive gaming titles at select sportsbooks.
Are retail sportsbooks available in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio has retail sportsbooks at its four casinos, seven racinos, and select professional sports venues. The Ohio Lottery also operates sports betting kiosks at approved businesses.