Best Online Sportsbooks in Ohio
An independent guide to legal, regulated online sportsbooks in Ohio, comparing the best deals, promotions and welcome bonuses across all regulated operators.
Last Updated: March 17, 2024
- One of the biggest names in sports betting.
- Generous welcome offer.
- Great coverage of sports & markets.
- Well-known brand.
- Great mobile apps for all platforms.
- Variety of betting markets.
- Valuable betting bonuses.
- Great variety of sports and markets.
- Competitive betting odds.
If you want to place real money sports wagers in the Buckeye State, you have come to the right place. Here, you will find the best Ohio sportsbooks — ones that provide a safe and regulated betting environment, along with competitive odds and a solid variety of markets.
Online sports betting was illegal in OH until December 23, 2021, when Bill HB29 was finally signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine, allowing sports betting operators to apply for gaming licenses in the state.
Over two years since the law was initially passed, the first legal sports betting sites in the Buckeye State launched on January 1, 2023, starting the new year by ushering in a new era of online gambling.
In this guide, we will teach you how you make mobile wagers on Ohio sportsbooks, provide unbiased reviews of the top sportsbooks in the state, reveal the best deposit and no deposit bonuses, and show you the advantages of picking a legal, regulated operator.
Our independent and honest Ohio online sportsbook reviews offer a deep insight into the very best betting sites and show you why you should choose these operators to bet with.
| Ohio Sports Betting: Top Sportsbook Bonuses | |
|---|---|
| BetMGM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets) |
| DraftKings | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Bet$, Get $200) |
| BetRivers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ($500 first bet insurance) |
The Best Online Sports Betting Sites in Ohio
Ohio offers many safe, licensed, and fully regulated online sportsbooks for all your betting needs and wants. To save you some time and ensure you get the best deal, we are bringing you our top picks for sports betting in the state.
BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio
Perhaps the biggest name in sports betting in the United States, BetMGM has a presence in over a dozen US states, offering one of the richest platforms you will find online. From an extensive selection of sports you can bet on to a great variety of markets and betting options to generous promotions, BetMGM Sportsbook OH has it all.
Those signing up with this sportsbook can take advantage of a generous offer available to all new customers. Namely, newcomers get to take advantage of the first bet insurance offer, where the bookmaker will give you up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets back if your first bet loses.
For those who prefer to bet on the go, BetMGM Sportsbook offers an excellent mobile app available for all types of devices, while its in-play section is second to none, catering to those who enjoy the thrill of wagering in real-time.
Don’t just take our word for it. Download the BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook app and take advantage of the second-chance $1000 first bet to see what this bookie is all about.
| BetMGM Sports OH: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| No Deposit Bonus | N/A |
| First Bet Bonus | Up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets (Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only.) |
| Apps | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
- Up to $1,500 back if your first bet loses
- New customers only
- Terms and conditions apply
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Additional terms apply.
DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio
Another excellent pick for Buckeye sports bettors, DraftKings is an operator that certainly knows a thing or two about sports. The platform started off as a place where you could enjoy fantasy sports competitions, but it eventually grew into a fully rounded gaming site that offers a traditional sportsbook and an online casino.
In addition to a wide range of sporting events and competitions to bet on, DraftKings has become famous for its various promotions and leaderboards that add to the excitement and make your betting experience much more engaging and interactive.
The welcome offer is somewhat modest compared to other sportsbooks in the state. New members can claim a 20% boost on their initial deposit, up to a maximum of $1000.
Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook OH and start betting on your favorite teams!
| DraftKings Sports OH: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| No Deposit Bonus | N/A |
| First Deposit Bonus | 20% up to $1000 |
| Apps | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
- Access to renowned DraftKings Rewards Program
- Great mobile betting apps
- Fast and hassle-free withdrawals
BetRivers Sportsbook Ohio
BetRivers Sportsbook Ohio is another top choice for fans of sports betting in the state. The bookie will kick things off with a nice first bet insurance of up to $500, refunding your first wager in full if your prediction does not come through. The welcome bonus is quite similar to what BetMGM and FanDuel Sportsbook OH offer.
BetRivers is a well-known name in sports betting, so it is no surprise that you will find some of the best and most competitive odds featured on its site. The in-play betting section is also quite rich for those who prefer placing their bets in real time while the game is ongoing.
On top of all this, there are various regular promotions featuring bonus bets, odds boosts, and other great opportunities to boost your betting bankroll and come out ahead.
Create your BetRivers account and start placing wagers in seconds!
| BetRivers Sports OH: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| No Deposit Bonus | N/A |
| First Deposit Bonus | $500 second-chance bet |
| Apps | Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android |
- Quality welcome offer
- Engaging & versatile promotions
- Good odds across the board
FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio
FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio will get you started with a cool No Sweat First Bet up to $1000, so if your very first bet on the platform loses, you will receive a full refund in the form of bonus bets, similar to BetMGM’s welcome offer.
Like the other two bookies, FanDuel provides a solid variety of betting options on the most popular sports and competitions in the US and worldwide. The live betting section is not as extensive, but plenty of action can still be found around the clock.
FanDuel also offers competitive odds and interesting promotions to keep things exciting, making it a good pick for experienced and hobby bettors.
Ohio Sports Betting Laws and Regulations
Like most states across America, OH didn’t have any sports betting facilities until recently, as laws prohibited sports betting nationwide.
The controversial law that made sports betting illegal was called PASPA. It was repealed by the Supreme Court in 2018, paving the way for legal sports betting in many states.
Bill HB29 was passed by state lawmakers in December 2021 and given to Governor Mike DeWine to sign, which he promptly did, just two days before Christmas, giving the state’s sports fans something extra to celebrate. This bill made both retail and online sports betting legal, although there was some work to be done before the first mobile sportsbooks could be launched.
Ohio was not exactly the first to jump on the sports betting train as it swept across the US, its first retail sportsbooks opened their doors in early 2022, with online sports betting following shortly thereafter.
The supervision of all future online gaming licenses was given to the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), a governing body that now regulates and licenses all legal real money online gambling in Ohio.
On January 1, 2023, the first legal sports betting sites in the state finally went live, giving Ohioans a chance to bet on sports from the comfort of their homes or while on the go via their computers and mobile devices — without the hassle and risks of betting with illegal offshore sites.
Ohio Online Gambling and Taxes
There are two important things to consider regarding gambling taxation in different states. These are the taxes that players must pay on their winnings and the taxes that the operators must pay on their revenue.
Taxes They Pay
Regarding legal online sportsbooks in OH, the current law has them taxed at a fixed rate of 10% of their revenue. According to some estimates, this taxation should bring about $90 million in tax money into the state budget annually. This money will then go back into the community, funding various public programs and services, education, and other important infrastructure needs.
The taxation laws for online sports betting and other forms of gambling in Ohio are relatively lax, which is one of the reasons operators are more than happy to jump into this newly opened market.
Taxes You Pay
In terms of the taxes you will have to pay on your winnings, the state will charge you 4% in extra taxes on top of the 24% federal tax that all US players must pay on their gambling winnings.
This tax rate is very similar to other states in which mobile sports betting is now legal, which means there are no negative sides to betting from Ohio compared to other states.
How to Bet on Sports in Ohio
Legal online sports betting in Ohio launched on January 1, 2023, opening a brand new market to some of the best sportsbooks in the world.
As a resident of Ohio, you can now easily make sports bets from the comfort of your home, and setting up your betting account and making bets is extremely simple and quick.
To get started, pick the operator you wish to bet with, and then you must set up an account to start placing wagers. You can register via the operator’s website or download your chosen operator’s app to your phone via the Google Play Store or App Store.
The account registration process takes no more than a few minutes. It requires you to share some personal details with the operator, which is standard practice at any gambling site, nationally and internationally.
Once you have registered an account, you can log in from your desktop and mobile devices and add funds with which to wager to your account.
You can fund your sportsbook balance using a credit or debit card or one of the numerous alternative payment methods like PayPal, Skrill, or PayNearMe for those who prefer not to directly share their banking information.
Once you have money in your account, you can start making real money bets. You will also be able to benefit from lucrative Ohio online sports betting deposit bonuses, which add extra value to your bets.
On top of the usual pre-match sports betting, Ohio sportsbooks are also legally allowed to offer live betting markets, which means you can also bet on already-running games and make predictions about future events in the game.
Generally speaking, online sports betting is very easy to get started with, and the betting platforms’ intuitive nature allows anyone to make real money wagers in a matter of seconds.
Safety and Regulation for Online Gambling in Ohio
The arrival of legal online sports betting in Ohio is great news for all sports fans and bettors. Gone are the days when shady offshore betting platforms were the only option for mobile sports betting, and a new era of fair gambling has come.
To constitute a legal sportsbook, an operator must acquire a gaming license from the OCCC, the state’s governing online gambling regulator. Once this license is issued, the operator can work within the state and provide services to its residents.
The advantages of playing with OCCC-licensed online betting operators are numerous. For starters, these sites and apps undergo a set of audits before they are issued a license, which ensures they are running a fair and safe business and that they plan on offering a completely fair betting platform to their players.
The OCCC regularly audits all its licensees and ensures that they use state-of-the-art security measures like SSL certificates and high-end encryptions to protect player data. On top of that, the OCCC is also open to any user complaints and questions, which allows them to provide players with the best possible service.
Unlike offshore gambling operators that work without any license and don’t really answer to anyone, licensed operators in OH must always adhere to their license terms. Failing to do so can cause the OCCC to fine them or even revoke their license, which no legal operator would dare to risk.
Licensed Ohio mobile sportsbooks are also required to provide responsible gambling tools to their players. This means you can self-exclude from play, limit your deposits and bets, and more. All of these tools are in place to fight problem gambling and prevent gambling addiction.
Overall, playing with licensed sportsbooks will give you a huge advantage in terms of security compared to making bets with offshore operators with no legal standing in the state of Ohio or the US.
How to Tell if a Gambling Site in Ohio is Licensed and Safe
If you are looking to bet on sports, you will want to ensure you are doing so at a fully licensed, legal, and secure online sportsbook.
You should consider several things when determining whether an operator is licensed and safe to place bets. These are some of the most important ones:
- {i:misc/regulators/ohio-casino-control-commission-light.png:Ohio Casino Control Commission Ohio State Online Gambling Regulator:small-right}*State Seal of Approval*: All licensed operators must carry a seal of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the state’s gaming regulator. Any site that doesn’t clearly display such a seal is not licensed to operate in Ohio.
- Inviting US Players: Legal Ohio-based mobile sportsbooks do not need to advertise that US players are welcome, as only US players can play on them. Any site that does make such advertisements is likely an unregulated offshore betting site.
- Crypto-Friendly: Accepting cryptocurrencies as a deposit or withdrawal method is prohibited on Ohio-licensed betting sites. Any site that does accept them is not licensed in Ohio or anywhere else in the US.
- Our Licensed Operators List: You can find a full list of legally licensed gaming operators on this page. Any sites not listed here are likely not licensed in Ohio just yet.
What Makes Licensed Operators the Better Option?
Many offshore betting sites accept US players and offer a seemingly reasonable betting platform. Often they offer deals that are too good to be true to lure you in.
But, if you live in the Buckeye State, there are many reasons to pick a fully licensed operator instead. These are just a few of the main ones that should be enough to convince you to always bet at a licensed sportsbook:
- Security & Fairness: Operators licensed in Ohio must adhere to the strictest rules and policies of the local gaming regulator. This means players must be protected in every way, and all games offered must be fair and transparent, all of which are regularly audited by the regulator.
- Fair Bonuses & Promos: Just like all the games, the bonuses and promotions offered by legal sites must be fair and reasonable. This means there are no hidden terms or clauses attached to such bonuses.
- Legality & Accountability: Since they are fully licensed and physically present in Ohio, all legal operators are also legally accountable for all their actions. This means you will have legal recourse should anything go wrong.
- Responsible Gambling: Sites carrying an OCCC gaming license also employ responsible gambling practices. This means you can self-exclude from play, limit your deposits and bets, control your time on the site, and much more.
Banking Options at Ohio Sportsbooks
We have already mentioned that online sportsbooks offer many different payment methods for players looking to deposit money into their accounts or cash out their winnings.
This means you can make your deposit using a payment method of your choice, and most Ohio-based players should have no trouble finding a method that works well for them.
Some of the following payment methods are accepted by the leading Ohio mobile sports betting apps already, with further payment methods likely to show up in the near future:
- Visa
- American Express
- MasterCard
- PayPal
- ACH
- Skrill/NETELLER
- Wire Transfer
FAQ
Is online sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes! Retail sports betting went live in early 2022. As of January 1, 2023, you can now legally place real money wagers at online sportsbooks licensed by the OCCC, the state’s gaming regulating body.
What sportsbooks are legal in Ohio?
Since the regulated Ohio online sports betting market opened, many of the leading mobile sportsbooks in the country have opened their doors and begun accepting wagers from Ohioans. Popular choices include BetMGM Sports OH, DraftKings Sports OH, and BetRivers Sports OH.
What is the difference between licensed and unlicensed sportsbooks in Ohio?
Licensed sportsbooks are regulated by the OCCC, a regulating body that ensures that operators offer fair gaming and use responsible gambling practices in their operation. Playing at licensed sportsbooks gives you extra security and legal recourse if anything goes wrong.
Can I mobile sports bet in Ohio?
You sure can! Every major sportsbook offers a convenient ready-to-download app compatible with both Android and iOS mobile devices. To download the app, navigate to the sportsbook of your choosing’s website or visit the Google Play Store or App Store.
What can Ohio bettors bet on?
Ohio sportsbooks offer hundreds of betting markets for sporting events worldwide. Both local and international sports are covered, ranging from US sports leagues like NBA and NHL to international competitions like the Olympics.
What are the best sports betting apps in Ohio?
The top 3 mobile sportsbooks in Ohio are:
How do I cash out from my online sports betting account?
Mobile sportsbooks in Ohio accept all popular payment methods for account funding and withdrawals. You can transfer funds directly from your bank account or credit card or use an e-wallet like Skrill or PayPal.
Do Ohio online sportsbooks have no deposit bonuses? How about deposit bonuses?
Yes! Deposit bonuses are available at all licensed betting sites in the state. You can sometimes get your hands on some Ohio online sports betting no deposit bonuses as well. No deposit bonuses allow you to try real money betting without making a real money deposit, another perk of signing up with licensed betting sites. Unfortunately, none of the operators are offering a no deposit bonus at this time. Promotions and welcome offers change pretty regularly, so one might come along in the near future.
Will I have to pay taxes on my Ohio online sports betting winnings?
Yes! Like all US citizens, you must pay taxes on your mobile gambling winnings. A federal tax of 24% and a state tax of 4% both apply to your online sports betting winnings in Ohio.
Is online poker legal in Ohio?
No. At this time, online poker is not legal and regulated in Ohio. Mobile sports betting is the only form of legal online gambling available in Ohio. But there is hope for the future. Most states that have regulated online poker first legalized online sports betting, followed by online casino gaming and online poker. Fingers crossed, it soon follows in the steps of its neighbors, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, and expand iGaming in the near future.