Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?
Sports betting is legal in Ohio for anyone 21 or older who is physically located within state lines. The market launched on Jan. 1, 2023, and in just three years it has grown into one of the four largest in the country. Ohio bettors wagered $10.3 billion in 2025 and licensed sportsbooks generated more than $1.04 billion in revenue, joining New York, New Jersey and Illinois as the only states to cross the billion-dollar revenue mark. For the national picture, see our main legal sports betting hub.
This guide covers everything an Ohio bettor needs: whether betting is legal, the best legal online sportsbooks with short reviews, offshore sites and their risks, the top land-based sportsbooks, a full breakdown of Ohio betting laws, the complete legalization timeline, taxes, what you can bet on, daily fantasy sports, prediction markets, horse racing and responsible gambling resources.
Ohio Sports Betting at a Glance
SnapshotOne of the four biggest betting markets in the country, with nearly every national operator live and a deep retail footprint.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal for online, mobile and retail betting |
| Launch date | Jan. 1, 2023 |
| Legislation | House Bill 29, signed December 2021 |
| Regulator | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
| Minimum age | 21 |
| Operator tax rate | 20 percent of gross revenue |
| Licensed online sportsbooks | About 13 |
| Retail sportsbooks | About 13 locations |
| 2025 handle | $10.3 billion |
| 2025 operator revenue | More than $1.04 billion |
| Online casinos | Not legal (sweepstakes sites only) |
| College betting | Allowed, but player props are banned |
| Problem gambling helpline | 1-800-589-9966 |
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?
The AnswerYes. Sports betting is legal in Ohio for both online and retail wagering. The market went live on Jan. 1, 2023, after Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law in December 2021. The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates all sports betting in the state, issues licenses and enforces consumer protection rules.
To bet legally in Ohio you must be 21 or older and physically located within state borders. You do not need to be an Ohio resident, and visitors can bet while in the state. Sportsbooks confirm your location through geolocation technology before accepting any wager. You can bet on professional and college sports, although Ohio bans betting on individual college player props. For betting on your phone, see our mobile sports betting guide.
Ohio Sports Betting Taxes
Two Taxes To KnowThere are two different taxes to keep straight when it comes to Ohio sports betting: the tax that sportsbook operators pay, and the tax that bettors pay on their winnings.
Ohio’s operator tax started at 10% when betting launched, then Gov. DeWine doubled it to 20% effective July 1, 2023. He proposed doubling it again to 40% in early 2025, but lawmakers removed that increase from the state budget in June 2025, so it remains 20% — for now a middle-of-the-pack rate, below Pennsylvania (36%) and Illinois (up to 40%).
The Operator Tax Rate
Licensed Ohio sportsbooks pay a sports gaming receipts tax of 20 percent on their gross revenue, which is the money they keep after paying out winnings. This rate started at 10 percent when betting launched on Jan. 1, 2023, and Gov. Mike DeWine doubled it to 20 percent effective July 1, 2023. He proposed doubling it again to 40 percent in early 2025, but lawmakers removed that increase from the state budget in June 2025, so the rate remains 20 percent. This is a tax on the operators, not on bettors. The large majority of that money is directed to an education fund that supports public and nonpublic schools, with a smaller share going to a fund for problem gambling and responsible gambling services. This split was a central point of negotiation during the years it took to pass the law.
Taxes on Your Winnings
Sports betting winnings are taxable income for bettors at the federal, state and in some cases local level. The main rates and thresholds to know are below.
- Federal tax: Gambling winnings are taxable as ordinary income. Sportsbooks issue a Form W-2G for qualifying wins, and federal law requires 24 percent withholding on certain large payouts. Starting in 2026, the W-2G reporting threshold is a payout of at least $2,000 that is also at least 300 times the wager.
- Ohio state tax: Ohio taxes gambling winnings as part of your total income on a graduated scale, with rates that top out below 4 percent and depend on your overall income. Sportsbooks are required to withhold 4 percent of winnings that reach the state reporting threshold, which can range from $600 to $5,000 depending on the wager. Ohio income below roughly $26,000 is exempt from state income tax.
- Local city tax: Some Ohio cities tax gambling winnings on top of state tax. For example, Columbus applies a 2.5 percent rate to residents and non-residents, Toledo applies 2.25 percent with an exemption claimed by filing a city return, and Cleveland withholds municipal tax on winnings that reach the IRS reporting threshold.
Reporting and Deducting
You must report all gambling winnings on your federal return, even if you do not receive a W-2G. You report federal winnings as other income on Form 1040, Schedule 1, and Ohio winnings on Form IT 1040. At the federal level you can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings if you itemize, but starting with the 2026 tax year a federal change limits that deduction to 90 percent of losses. Ohio does not allow a state deduction for gambling losses. Because tax treatment depends on your income, where you live and how much you win, keep detailed records of your bets and consult a qualified tax professional. This page is general information, not tax advice.
Best Legal Online Sportsbooks in Ohio
~13 Licensed AppsOhio is one of the most competitive online betting markets in the country, with every major national operator live in the state. Each book below is licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, uses location verification and is open to bettors 21 and older. Below are short reviews of all the legal online sportsbooks in Ohio, with a focus on what each one offers Ohio bettors, when it entered the state and what its welcome bonus looks like. Welcome offers change often, so confirm the current terms in the app before you sign up.
Four Books Most Ohio Bettors Start With
Licensed & Regulatedbet365 is a global betting brand that brought years of international experience to Ohio, and its app is widely regarded as one of the smoothest in the state. It is known for deep live betting, early cash-out options, a strong bet builder and broad soccer, golf and international markets. Ohio bettors who value in-play wagering and reliable pricing tend to rank bet365 at the top.
Ohio bonus: bet365 is the only Ohio book that lets new users choose between two welcome offers. The first is a bet-and-get, where a small qualifying first bet returns a set amount of bonus bets win or lose, which is the guaranteed option most Ohio bettors prefer. The second is a larger first-bet safety net of up to $1,000, which refunds your opening wager in bonus bets if it loses. Registration through the bet365 app is required, and qualifying bets carry a minimum-odds requirement.
- Best for: live & international
- Bonus: choice of two offers
- Strength: in-play, early cash-out
FanDuel went live in Ohio on launch day, Jan. 1, 2023, and remains one of the most-used books in the state. It operates a retail sportsbook at Belterra Park in the Cincinnati area and holds a market-access partnership tied to the Cleveland Browns. Ohio bettors favor FanDuel for its same-game parlay builder, fast bet-slip pricing and deep live betting menu across Browns, Bengals, Cavaliers, Guardians and Blue Jackets games.
Ohio bonus: FanDuel runs a bet-and-get welcome offer for new Ohio users. After a small first deposit and qualifying wager, the bonus is typically paid out in bonus bets, sometimes spread over several days rather than all at once. No promo code is usually needed, and the offer can only be claimed through the FanDuel app. The bonus bets carry a minimum-odds requirement and an expiration window, so use them promptly.
- Access: Cleveland Browns
- Retail: Belterra Park
- Strength: same-game parlays
DraftKings also launched in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023, and got an early foothold because it already operated a daily fantasy sports platform in the state, letting existing users carry over their logins and wallets. The book is known for a huge menu of alternate lines and player props, quick live pricing and a clean app. DraftKings regularly features boosts and promotions tied to Ohio teams.
Ohio bonus: DraftKings offers a bet-and-get welcome bonus to new Ohio users, usually a small first wager that returns a guaranteed amount of bonus bets win or lose, often split into several smaller bonus bets. No promo code is typically required. DraftKings also frequently adds secondary new-user offers and daily profit boosts, so check the promos tab after signing up.
- Heritage: DFS user carryover
- Strength: alt lines & props
- Promos: daily boosts
BetMGM launched in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023, and is the official sports betting partner of the Cincinnati Reds, with a year-round retail sportsbook at Great American Ball Park. It also runs retail betting at MGM Northfield Park near Cleveland through that property partnership. Ohio bettors choose BetMGM for frequent profit boosts, deep same-game parlays, Cincinnati-focused markets and MGM Rewards integration.
Ohio bonus: BetMGM offers one of the largest welcome bonuses in Ohio, a first-bet safety net of up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your opening wager loses, often paired with a small amount of MGM Rewards points. A bonus code is usually required at sign-up, so enter it during registration. Bonus bets typically expire seven days after they are issued, and they are non-withdrawable, so plan your wagers accordingly.
- Partner: Cincinnati Reds
- Retail: Great American Ball Park
- Bonus: up to $1,500 first-bet
Caesars has been live in Ohio since the Jan. 1, 2023, launch and operates retail sportsbooks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, home of the Cavaliers, and at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs in Columbus. The book is built around Caesars Rewards, which ties betting to hotel, dining and resort perks nationwide. Ohio bettors get a full slate of markets, regular odds boosts and a strong loyalty program.
Ohio bonus: Caesars often runs a profit-boost style welcome offer, where a small first bet unlocks a series of profit boost tokens for your next several wagers, a structure many bettors like because it does not depend on winning or losing the first bet. At other times Caesars offers a first-bet bonus of bonus bets back if you lose. A promo code is usually needed at sign-up, and bonus bets typically expire 14 days after they are credited.
- Retail: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
- Rewards: Caesars Rewards
- Bonus: profit boosts
Fanatics is a newer national operator that entered Ohio through a partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets and runs retail books at Nationwide Arena in Columbus and Progressive Field in Cleveland. Ohio bettors get a deep range of sports and bet types, a strong futures market and a FanCash rewards system that connects betting to Fanatics merchandise.
Ohio bonus: Fanatics runs a FanCash-based welcome offer in Ohio, where you place a qualifying wager each day for a set number of days and earn matching FanCash, often up to a four-figure total. FanCash can be used on bets or redeemed toward Fanatics merchandise, a feature unique among Ohio books. The daily wagers carry a minimum-odds requirement, and FanCash expires after a set window.
- Access: Columbus Blue Jackets
- Retail: Nationwide Arena, Progressive Field
- Loyalty: FanCash
BetRivers is a national operator that has been part of the Ohio market since the early days of legal betting. It is known for a strong loyalty program, the iRush Rewards system, that lets bettors earn points redeemable for bonus bets and other perks. Ohio bettors who bet regularly often appreciate the steady stream of ongoing promotions.
Ohio bonus: BetRivers typically offers a first-bet bonus in Ohio, refunding your opening wager up to a set amount, often around $500, in bonus bets if it loses. The bonus bets usually carry a minimum-odds requirement and a longer-than-average usage window, sometimes 30 days, which gives bettors more flexibility than the standard seven-day clock at other books.
- Rewards: iRush Rewards
- Bonus: first-bet up to ~$500
- Window: up to 30 days
Hard Rock Bet entered Ohio through its land-based property, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. The app is clean and fast, and it stands out for its Flex Parlay feature, which can still pay out even if you miss a leg or two of a parlay. Ohio bettors also get play-by-play props on local teams, such as in-game props for Browns games.
Ohio bonus: Hard Rock Bet promotions in Ohio center on its rewards program, with welcome offers that often come in the form of bonus bets after a qualifying first wager. The book regularly features Flex Parlay promos and daily boosts for existing users. Confirm the current welcome terms in the app, as Hard Rock changes its new-user offer periodically.
- Retail: Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
- Feature: Flex Parlays
- Extra: play-by-play props
theScore Bet is tied to the popular theScore sports app and offers a tightly integrated experience that connects scores, news and betting in one place. It took over the Ohio license previously held by ESPN BET. Ohio bettors who already use theScore app for following games get a smooth path into wagering.
Ohio bonus: theScore Bet typically offers a bet-reset style welcome bonus in Ohio, where a losing first wager is returned in bonus bets up to a set amount. A promo code may be required at sign-up. As with other books, the bonus bets carry minimum-odds and expiration terms, so review them in the app before placing your qualifying bet.
- Operator: PENN (was ESPN BET)
- Strength: media integration
- Bonus: bet-reset style
Bally Bet launched in Ohio in August 2023 through a partnership with the Cleveland Browns, including a branded presence tied to the team. It is a national brand connected to Bally’s casino properties. The app covers all the major markets and is steadily expanding its feature set across legal states. Its Ohio welcome offer is usually a bet-and-get or first-bet bonus paid in bonus bets after a qualifying wager. The offer tends to be smaller than the headline promotions from the major national books, but it still carries standard minimum-odds and expiration terms.
betJACK is the online sportsbook of JACK Cleveland Casino and has been in Ohio since the Jan. 1, 2023, launch. As a homegrown Ohio brand tied to the JACK casino properties, it has a loyal local following and runs two retail betting shops in the state. The app focuses on a straightforward betting experience. betJACK has built its brand partly on aggressive bonusing for Ohio bettors, frequently offering bonus bets to new users and running ongoing promotions tied to local teams. As a smaller regional operator, its specific welcome offer changes often.
Prime Sportsbook is one of the newer operators in the country and launched in Ohio in September 2023 through a partnership at Geneva-on-the-Lake. It markets itself on competitive pricing and a no-frills betting experience aimed at value-focused bettors. Prime’s Ohio welcome offer is generally a deposit-match or bet-and-get bonus paid in bonus bets. As a newer and smaller book, Prime sometimes uses its promotions to highlight reduced juice and sharper lines rather than a large headline bonus.
MVGBet is the online sportsbook tied to Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon and launched in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023. It is one of the state’s homegrown operators, and it also runs a retail sportsbook at the Miami Valley Gaming property in southwest Ohio. MVGBet typically offers a bet-and-get or deposit-based welcome bonus to new Ohio users, paid in bonus bets. As a regional operator, its offer is smaller than the national books, but it carries standard terms.
bet365, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, theScore Bet, Bally Bet, betJACK, Prime Sportsbook and MVGBet. The lineup of active books changes from time to time as operators enter and leave the market. Ohio law allows up to 25 Type A online licenses, each able to run two betting brands, so additional sportsbooks could launch in the future.
Ohio Sportsbook Bonuses and Promo Codes
How They WorkWelcome bonuses are one of the most-searched topics for Ohio bettors, and for good reason: with around 13 legal sportsbooks competing for new users, the sign-up offers are generous and you can claim one from each book. When combined, Ohio’s new-user promos can add up to several thousand dollars in potential bonus value. Below is how the bonuses work, the main types you will see and how to get the most out of them. Specific offers change frequently, so always confirm the current terms in the sportsbook app before you sign up.
Types of Ohio Welcome Bonuses
- Bet-and-get: Place a small qualifying first bet, often $5, and receive a set amount of bonus bets win or lose. This is a guaranteed bonus, which is why many Ohio bettors prefer it. DraftKings, FanDuel and bet365 commonly use this structure.
- First-bet safety net (bet insurance): Place a larger first bet, up to a cap such as $1,000 or $1,500, and if it loses you get the stake back in bonus bets. BetMGM and bet365 offer this style. The upside is bigger, but you only get the bonus if your first bet loses.
- Profit boost offers: Place a small first bet and unlock a series of profit boost tokens for your next several wagers. Caesars has featured this structure, which does not depend on winning or losing the first bet.
- Deposit match and FanCash: Some books match a portion of your deposit or, in Fanatics’ case, award FanCash you earn over several days of qualifying wagers.
How Bonus Bets Work
Most Ohio welcome offers pay out in bonus bets rather than cash. A bonus bet is a non-withdrawable credit you place on a wager. If it wins, you keep the winnings but not the original bonus-bet stake. For example, a winning $25 bonus bet at even odds returns $25 in cash, not $50. Many books split a larger bonus into several smaller bonus bets, such as four $25 credits instead of one $100 credit.
Bonus Terms to Watch in Ohio
- Minimum odds: Qualifying bets and bonus bets usually carry a minimum-odds requirement, often around -500 at books like bet365 and Fanatics, or -200 at BetRivers. A bet on a heavy favorite below that line may not count.
- Expiration: Bonus bets expire, commonly in seven days at BetMGM, 14 days at Caesars and up to 30 days at BetRivers. Use them before the clock runs out or you forfeit them.
- Playthrough: Ohio’s best offers have a 1x playthrough, meaning you only have to wager the bonus once. Ohio law also bars sportsbooks from attaching wagering requirements to your own deposited money or to money you won wagering your own cash, so you can always withdraw your own funds.
- Promo codes: Some books require a code at sign-up, including BetMGM, Caesars and Fanatics, while FanDuel, DraftKings and bet365 often apply the offer automatically. If a code is required and you skip it, you may not get the full bonus.
- One per book: You can claim only one welcome bonus per sportsbook, and only as a brand-new customer. Creating multiple accounts at the same book to claim more than one offer is bonus abuse and is not allowed. If you already have an account with a book in another state, you generally cannot claim its Ohio welcome offer.
How to Maximize Ohio Sportsbook Bonuses
Because the welcome offers are not mutually exclusive, the most common strategy is to sign up with several books and claim each new-user bonus, then keep the apps for their ongoing promotions such as odds boosts, parlay insurance and referral bonuses. Compare odds across the books you join so you can place each bet at the best available price. Only deposit and wager what you can afford, read the terms before opting in, and treat bonus value as a bonus rather than a reason to bet more than you planned.
Offshore Sportsbooks That Accept Ohio Players
Not RegulatedSome Ohio bettors come across offshore sportsbooks while searching for betting sites online. These are international operators based in places such as Panama, Curacao and Costa Rica that accept American players. It is important to understand what they are, and what they are not, before you consider one.
Offshore Sportsbooks Are Not Legal or Regulated in Ohio
Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed or regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission or any United States authority. They operate outside Ohio law. The state has actively pushed back against them. In August 2024 the commission sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bovada, and the operator stopped accepting Ohio players the following month. Enforcement generally targets the operators rather than individual bettors, but using an unregulated site means you are betting outside the protections of Ohio law, with no state agency able to step in if something goes wrong.
The Risks of Betting With Offshore Sportsbooks
- No state consumer protection or legal recourse if a dispute arises or funds are withheld. The Ohio Casino Control Commission has no authority to compel an unregulated operator to act.
- Risk of frozen balances and locked accounts if the book exits Ohio, as Bovada did in September 2024.
- Slower or disputed payouts and strict bonus rollover terms.
- No regulatory oversight of odds, fairness or responsible gambling tools.
- Banks and payment processors may block deposits and withdrawals to these sites.
- No state-backed self-exclusion protections like Ohio’s TimeOut program.
- Some offshore books allow bettors as young as 18, below Ohio’s legal minimum of 21.
The following offshore sportsbooks have accepted Ohio players, though availability can change without notice. The short reviews below are for information only. These sites remain unregulated in Ohio and carry the risks described above.
BetOnline
BetOnline is one of the longer-running offshore books, in operation since 1991 and headquartered in Panama. It accepts Ohio players and is often cited for high betting limits, crypto payouts and a wide range of markets, including college player props that licensed Ohio books are not allowed to offer. As with any offshore operator, it carries no Ohio license, offers no state-backed protection and has drawn criticism over odds quality and bonus terms.
MyBookie
MyBookie is an offshore operator that accepts Ohio players and markets itself heavily to American bettors. It is known for same-game parlays, bet boosts and a broad bonus lineup, with a mobile-optimized site rather than a downloadable app. Like all offshore books, it is not licensed or regulated in Ohio, and reviews commonly point to limited payment options, quick account limits and steep rollover requirements.
Bovada
Bovada no longer accepts Ohio players. It was once a popular offshore option in the state, but after the Ohio Casino Control Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter in August 2024, Bovada added Ohio to its restricted list and closed all Ohio accounts by Sept. 5, 2024. Ohio residents can no longer sign up or place bets with Bovada. It is included here because bettors still search for it, but it is not currently an option in Ohio.
Best Land-Based Sportsbooks in Ohio
Bet In PersonOhio has roughly 13 retail sportsbooks spread across its four casinos, seven racinos and several professional sports venues. These locations offer betting windows, self-serve kiosks and large viewing screens. Below are short reviews of five of the biggest retail sportsbooks in the state, followed by a full list of where to bet in person.
Hard Rock Sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
The Hard Rock Sportsbook anchors Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, one of the busiest gaming floors in the state with about 1,600 slots and roughly 100 table games. The sportsbook features multiple betting windows and large LED displays, with dining and a poker room nearby. It is a top destination for in-person betting in southern Ohio.
betJACK Sportsbook at JACK Cleveland Casino
Located at 100 Public Square in downtown Cleveland, JACK Cleveland Casino is open around the clock and houses the betJACK retail sportsbook. betJACK has been part of the Ohio market since the Jan. 1, 2023, launch and operates two retail betting shops in the state, the second at JACK Thistledown Racino in North Randall. The central Cleveland location makes it convenient for Cavaliers, Guardians and Browns fans.
BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park
BetMGM operates a year-round retail sportsbook tied to Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, home of the Reds, along with a sportsbook at MGM Northfield Park near Cleveland. As the Reds’ official betting partner, BetMGM offers Cincinnati-focused markets and a presence on both ends of the state.
Caesars Sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Caesars runs a retail sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, the home arena of the Cavaliers. The in-arena location lets fans place bets on game days and offers betting windows, kiosks and viewing screens, making it one of the most prominent venue-based sportsbooks in Ohio. Caesars also operates a retail book at Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs in Columbus.
The Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Columbus
Hollywood Casino Columbus is one of the largest gaming destinations in central Ohio and houses a full retail sportsbook with betting windows, kiosks and a sports bar setup for watching games. With a large poker room and extensive dining, it is a popular in-person betting stop for bettors in the Columbus area.
The full list of retail sportsbook locations in Ohio, organized by city:
| City | Sportsbook | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Area | ||
| Cincinnati | FanDuel | Belterra Park (Anderson Township) |
| Cincinnati | Hard Rock | Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati |
| Cincinnati | BetMGM | The Banks |
| Cleveland Area | ||
| Cleveland | betJACK | JACK Cleveland Casino |
| Cleveland | Caesars | Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse |
| Cleveland | Fanatics | Progressive Field |
| North Randall | betJACK | JACK Thistledown Racino |
| Northfield | BetMGM | MGM Northfield Park |
| Columbus & Elsewhere | ||
| Columbus | Hollywood | Hollywood Casino Columbus |
| Columbus | Fanatics | Nationwide Arena |
| Columbus | Caesars | Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs |
| Toledo | Hollywood | Hollywood Casino Toledo |
| Dayton | Hollywood | Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway |
| Youngstown | Hollywood | Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley |
| Lebanon | MVGBet | Miami Valley Gaming |
Betting in person is simple once you know the steps. Find the sportsbook inside the casino or racino, often marked with signs or easy to locate by asking staff. Each location has an odds board that lists every game with a three-digit rotation number to the left of each team. To place a bet at the window, give the cashier the rotation number, the type of bet, the amount you want to wager and which side you are taking. You will receive a paper ticket that you redeem if your bet wins. Many locations also offer self-serve kiosks where you can build the same bets on a touchscreen.
When Did Sports Betting Become Legal in Ohio?
The TimelineSports betting became legal in Ohio when Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 in December 2021, and wagering officially launched on Jan. 1, 2023. The path to legalization took several years and involved competing bills in the Ohio House and Senate before lawmakers reached a compromise.
The Road to Legalization
The effort gained momentum after the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, known as PASPA, in 2018. Ohio lawmakers introduced their first betting bill that July. Over the next few years, competing House and Senate proposals stalled, largely over disagreements about which agency should regulate the market and how revenue should be taxed and distributed. In May 2021, Sen. Kirk Schuring introduced Senate Bill 176, a comprehensive sports betting framework, and to speed passage he folded its provisions into the unrelated House Bill 29. After months of negotiation, both chambers cleared the bill on the same day and DeWine signed it in December 2021.
The Universal Launch on Jan. 1, 2023
Rather than letting operators go live one at a time, Ohio used a so-called shotgun start that launched every approved sportsbook on the same day, Jan. 1, 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission spent the year after the bill was signed building the licensing framework, creating three distinct license types, setting geolocation and age-verification standards and coordinating with the Ohio Lottery Commission on kiosks. The state hit its target launch date and immediately drew enormous betting volume.
How the Market Has Grown
Ohio generated nearly $7.7 billion in handle and about $937 million in revenue in its first full year. By 2025, handle had climbed to $10.3 billion with more than $1.04 billion in revenue, a 16 percent year-over-year increase and the third straight year of growth. Online betting dominates, accounting for roughly 98 percent of all wagers. The growth came from both rising volume and improved operator hold, and the state collected about $210 million in tax revenue in 2025.
- July 2018: Ohio lawmakers introduce the first sports betting bill, months after the Supreme Court strikes down PASPA.
- 2019 to 2021: Competing House and Senate proposals stall over which agency should regulate the market.
- May 2021: Sen. Kirk Schuring introduces Senate Bill 176 and grafts its provisions onto House Bill 29.
- December 2021: Lawmakers reach a compromise. Both chambers pass House Bill 29 on the same day and Gov. DeWine signs it into law.
- Jan. 1, 2023: Online and retail sports betting launch statewide on a universal start date.
- July 1, 2023: Ohio doubles the operator tax rate from 10 percent to 20 percent.
- March 1, 2024: The commission bans betting on individual college player props at the NCAA’s request.
- February 2025: DeWine proposes doubling the tax rate again to 40 percent.
- June 2025: Lawmakers remove the proposed 40 percent rate from the state budget, keeping it at 20 percent. Major kiosk operator Intralot ceases Ohio operations, taking most kiosks offline.
- 2025: Ohio reports $10.3 billion in handle and crosses $1.04 billion in operator revenue.
Ohio Sports Betting Laws Explained
The RulesOhio sports betting is governed by House Bill 29 and overseen by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The full rules are found in the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code, both under Chapter 3775. The law created three license types, each covering a different kind of operator.
The Three License Types
- Type A licenses cover online and mobile sportsbooks. Up to 25 are available, and each holder can run two betting brands, or skins. These licenses are reserved for Ohio casinos, racinos and professional sports organizations, including the Bengals, Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians, Blue Jackets, Reds, Crew, the PGA Tour and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Type B licenses cover retail sportsbooks. Up to 40 are available, distributed by county population, so more populous counties such as Franklin and Cuyahoga can host more locations.
- Type C licenses cover self-serve kiosks at bars, restaurants and other businesses that hold a valid Ohio Lottery license and a D-1, D-2 or D-5 liquor permit. Up to 20 proprietor licenses are available, and the Ohio Lottery Commission administers them in partnership with the casino commission.
Key Rules for Ohio Bettors
- You must be 21 or older to bet.
- You must be physically located inside Ohio, confirmed by geolocation.
- Licensed operators may offer betting online, in person, or both.
- Sportsbooks may offer wagers on professional and college sports, the Olympics, motorsports and esports.
- Betting on individual college player props is banned, along with team props that effectively hinge on one athlete.
- Operators may not advertise in ways that specifically target college campuses.
- Bonus offers must use clear, accurate terms and may not be called risk-free unless no loss or risk to the bettor’s own money is involved.
Bonus and Promotion Regulations
Ohio regulators directly address betting bonuses to protect consumers. State rules require sportsbooks to provide clear and unambiguous terms for every offer, including when it is active, its value, eligibility restrictions and any wagering requirements. Operators may not advertise a promotion as risk-free if the bettor has to risk their own money. Ohio law also bars sportsbooks from attaching wagering requirements to a customer’s own deposited funds or to money won by wagering their own cash, so bettors can always withdraw their own money even if bonus funds carry playthrough conditions.
Where Tax Revenue Goes
Sportsbook operators pay a 20 percent tax on gross revenue. The large majority of that money is directed to an education fund that supports public and nonpublic schools, with a smaller share going to a fund for problem gambling and responsible gambling services. This split was a central point of negotiation during the years it took to pass the law.
Who Regulates Sports Betting in Ohio?
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is the primary regulator of sports betting in the state. It licenses and oversees Type A online and Type B retail operators, enforces compliance with state law, investigates integrity issues and publishes monthly revenue reports. The Ohio Lottery Commission administers Type C kiosk licenses in partnership with the commission. Ohio’s regulator has earned national recognition for its enforcement, including early action on the college player prop ban and aggressive oversight of operator marketing and settlements. You can reach the Ohio Casino Control Commission at 100 East Broad Street, 20th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215, by phone at (614) 387-5688, or online at casinocontrol.ohio.gov. For problem gambling help, call 1-800-589-9966. Bettors who want the official rules can also consult Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3775 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3775.
What You Can Bet On in Ohio
Teams & MarketsOhio offers a full menu of betting markets. You can wager on the major professional leagues, college sports, international events, motorsports and esports. The depth of niche and international markets varies by operator, so bettors can find everything from Korean baseball and darts to Italian soccer and table tennis at the larger books.
NFL Betting in Ohio
NFL betting is the biggest handle driver in the state. The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals split Ohio’s football allegiance, and the fall months consistently produce the highest monthly revenue totals. All standard markets are available, including spreads, totals, moneylines, player props, team props and futures.
NBA Betting in Ohio
The Cleveland Cavaliers anchor basketball interest in Ohio and have been among the NBA’s top teams in recent seasons. Every online sportsbook carries full game-level and player prop markets for every matchup, along with futures and live betting.
MLB Betting in Ohio
The Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians give Ohio two local baseball rooting interests. With games nearly every day from Opening Day through the World Series, MLB provides a long season of moneylines, run lines, totals, props and futures.
NHL Betting in Ohio
The Columbus Blue Jackets represent Ohio’s NHL interest, and Fanatics used a Blue Jackets partnership as its pathway into the state. Full game-level markets, props and futures are available across the sportsbooks.
MLS and Soccer Betting in Ohio
The Columbus Crew, the 2023 MLS Cup champions, give Ohio a strong local soccer interest. Bettors can wager on match results, totals and futures across MLS and major international leagues, with bet365 in particular offering deep soccer coverage.
College Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohio State is one of the most heavily wagered college football programs in the country, and Cincinnati, Dayton and other in-state programs draw plenty of action as well. You can bet standard game-level markets such as spreads, totals and moneylines, plus team futures. However, individual college player props were banned effective March 1, 2024, and that ban also covers team props that effectively depend on a single athlete.
Bet Types Available at Ohio Sportsbooks
Ohio sportsbooks offer a wide range of bet types: moneyline (a straight bet on which team wins); point spread (a bet on the margin of victory, with the favorite giving points and the underdog getting them); totals or over/under (whether the combined score lands over or under a set number); prop bets (wagers on events within a game, such as a player scoring a touchdown); parlays (multiple bets combined into one ticket, where every leg must win); same-game parlays (multiple bets from a single game combined into one wager); teasers (parlays where you shift the spread or total in your favor for lower odds); futures (long-term bets on outcomes such as a championship, division title or award winner); and live betting (in-game wagering with odds that update as the action unfolds).
Other Legal Betting Options in Ohio
Beyond SportsbooksDaily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports are legal and regulated in Ohio, overseen by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Ohio formally authorized paid-entry fantasy contests in 2018. Major operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks and Underdog offer contests to Ohio players, and the commission focuses on responsible gambling and consumer protection in this space.
Prediction Markets
Prediction market platforms, which let users trade contracts tied to real-world outcomes, occupy a contested legal space in Ohio. These platforms are regulated federally by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which treats their contracts as financial instruments rather than bets. The Ohio Casino Control Commission disagrees and views sports-related event contracts as unregulated sports betting under state law. In 2025, the commission sent cease-and-desist notices to platforms including Kalshi, Robinhood and Crypto.com, and Kalshi responded with a federal lawsuit. As of 2026 the dispute remains active in court, and many prediction market apps continue to operate in Ohio while restricting sports-related contracts.
Horse Racing Betting
Pari-mutuel horse racing wagering has been legal in Ohio since 1933 and is regulated by the State Racing Commission. Bettors can wager in person at the state’s horse racing tracks and one off-track betting location, and most major online horse racing betting sites operate in Ohio, although state law is less clear on the legality of advance deposit wagering. Ohio has a deep racing tradition, including the Little Brown Jug harness race held each fall in Delaware, Ohio.
Online Casinos and Lottery
Online casino gaming is not legal in Ohio as of 2026. The state offers retail casino gaming at its four casinos and seven racinos, and lawmakers have introduced bills to legalize online casinos, but none have advanced. In the meantime, sweepstakes casino sites operate as a close alternative. The Ohio Lottery does not yet sell tickets directly online, though couriers offer a workaround for buying official tickets.
Ohio Sports Betting Kiosks
Ohio law allows self-serve betting kiosks at qualifying bars, restaurants and other businesses with the proper lottery and liquor permits. At their peak in early 2023, kiosks were live at more than 900 locations across the state. That number has fallen sharply as kiosk operators pulled out due to limited demand and competition from online betting. In June 2025, Intralot, which ran the large majority of remaining kiosks under the Sports Bet Ohio brand, ceased operations, taking most kiosks offline. A small number of kiosk locations remain.
How to Sign Up for an Ohio Sportsbook
Get StartedOpening an account with a legal Ohio sportsbook takes only a few minutes.
- Choose a licensed Ohio sportsbook from the list above and download its app or visit its site.
- Register with your details, typically your full name, email, date of birth, physical address and the last four digits of your Social Security number for identity and age verification.
- Confirm you are 21 or older and allow location services so the book can verify you are in Ohio.
- Make a deposit using a method such as a debit or credit card, online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay or a Play+ prepaid card.
- Claim any welcome offer and place your first bet.
Because Ohio has so many competing books, many bettors sign up with more than one to claim multiple welcome offers and compare odds across sites.
Ohio Sports Betting FAQ
FAQIs online sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes. Online and mobile sports betting has been legal in Ohio since Jan. 1, 2023, through operators licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
How old do you have to be to bet on sports in Ohio?
You must be 21 or older to bet legally in Ohio, whether online or at a retail sportsbook.
Do I have to be an Ohio resident to bet?
No. You only need to be 21 or older and physically located within Ohio when you place a bet. Visitors can bet while in the state.
When did sports betting launch in Ohio?
The market launched on Jan. 1, 2023, after House Bill 29 was signed in December 2021.
How many sportsbooks are there in Ohio?
There are about 13 legal online sportsbooks active in Ohio, with room for up to 25 licensed operators, so more could launch in the future.
Can I bet on Ohio State and other college teams?
Yes, you can bet on college games, including Ohio State and Cincinnati. However, individual college player props are banned at licensed Ohio sportsbooks.
Can I bet on esports in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio law specifically authorizes licensed sportsbooks to offer wagering on esports events.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Ohio?
No. Offshore sportsbooks are not licensed or regulated in Ohio and offer no state-backed consumer protection. Bettors who use them have no recourse through the Ohio Casino Control Commission if a problem arises.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in Ohio?
Yes. Winnings are subject to federal, state and in some cities municipal income taxes. Sportsbooks withhold state tax once winnings reach the IRS reporting threshold. Consult a tax professional for your situation.
Is online casino gambling legal in Ohio?
No. Ohio has legalized sports betting but not online casino gaming as of 2026. Sweepstakes casino sites are available as an alternative.
Where can I read Ohio’s sports betting laws in full?
The full rules are in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3775 and Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3775, with licensing information available through the Ohio Casino Control Commission at casinocontrol.ohio.gov.
Responsible Gambling in Ohio
Bet SmartHelp is available for anyone affected by problem gambling. Support is free and confidential.
Ohio Helpline
Call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline (Pause Before You Play) at 1-800-589-9966 24/7, or visit the site for live chat, tips and a self-assessment. National helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER. For crisis support, call or text 988, or text 4hope to 741741.
TimeOut Ohio Self-Exclusion
The OCCC and State Lottery operate TimeOut Ohio, the state’s voluntary self-exclusion program. Anyone can enroll to restrict themselves from all Ohio casinos, racinos, sportsbooks, online betting and lottery sports gaming for one year up to a lifetime, online at TimeOutOhio.com or in person.
State Resources & Tools
Keep It Fun Ohio and Ohio for Responsible Gambling offer tips, counseling links and peer support. Licensed Ohio sportsbooks also offer deposit limits, time limits and cool-off tools. Bettors must be 21 or older.
Help is free and confidential through the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 (24/7) or 1-800-GAMBLER nationally; for crisis support, call or text 988. TimeOut Ohio is the state’s voluntary self-exclusion program; enrollment is strictly voluntary, no one can enroll another person, and completing a term does not automatically remove you. Anyone who is enrolled and found at a banned facility can be removed, have winnings confiscated and face trespassing charges.
This guide is informational only and not legal, financial or tax advice. You must be 21 or older and physically located in Ohio to wager. Sportsbook promotions, tax rates and regulations change, so confirm current terms before betting.