Ohio

Sports betting went live in Ohio on January 1, 2023, and since then, it has become one of the biggest sports betting markets in the country. There are 15 mobile sportsbooks available, along with a nice range of retail betting locations.

Ohio has one of the biggest college sports programs in the country, with Ohio State and plenty of other well-known universities. Under the state’s sports betting bill, residents can legally wager on these teams. Residents can also legally download and use DFS apps like Underdog to participate in college or pro sports contests.

While betting on politics remains illegal in the state, the ability to wager on eSports is available across most mobile sports betting apps in OH. Outside of sports betting, residents can also legally bet on horse racing in person or on a mobile racebook.

Online sports betting in The Buckeye State

Discussions surrounding legalized sports betting in Ohio started in 2019 when two separate bills, H 194 and S 111, were introduced. The Senate bill was supported by Governor Mike DeWine, who was the final piece of the puzzle regarding getting legislation signed.

It wasn’t until 2021 that the state had genuine momentum with a bill. Senator Kirk Schuring decided to try his hand at creating a sports betting bill in SB 176. While this bill would hit a roadblock when it made it to the House, Schuring called an audible and created HB 29, which is primarily an extension of SB 176. This plan worked, and while some of the bill's specifics were changed, HB 29 was signed by Governor DeWine in December 2021.

While some states launch retail and online sports betting on separate days, Ohio came out swinging, with both launching on January 1, 2023. Once Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 29 into law in December 2021, the state used 2022 to solidify the rules for sports betting and hand out licenses to operators.

By starting the licensing process early on, Ohio was able to have 15 mobile sportsbooks available for their residents on launch day. After one full year of legalized sports betting, 15 sportsbooks are available in Ohio, and more are expected to join the market in 2024. Most of these sportsbooks have partnered with organizations with Type A betting licenses, including casinos and professional sports teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Technically, all organizations with a Type A license could also apply for the option to partner with a second online skin, which, if approved, would only expand the vast mobile sports betting market.

All legal OH sports betting apps in 2024 (from newest to oldest):

Recently closed online sportsbooks

Sports betting & gambling legislation in OH

Plenty of mobile sports betting apps operate legally in Ohio, but bettors must verify that they are at least 21 years old to create an account on one. Additionally, while remote registration is an option, customers must ensure they are inside state lines to place a legal wager. Most apps will use geolocation software to ensure that is the case.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission enforces all rules and regulations for bettors and operators. While the laws and regulations in the state are simple, the way taxes work for gambling can be a bit complicated. A bettors' tax rate is based on their income, and while gambling winnings are technically “other income,” they are added to an individual's total income. The tax rate scale starts at 2.85% and goes up to 4.79%.

While the sports betting market is wide open in Ohio, a few gambling markets remain illegal. Right now, online casinos and online poker are off-limits to bettors in the state, leaving the state lottery as the only other gambling product on the market.

Most recent updates from the OH sports betting scene

• October 21, 2024: Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is officially out for the season with a torn Achilles. Cleveland is currently (+10) point home underdogs to the Ravens for week eight.

• October 16, 2024: After dropping the first two games of the ALCS, the Cleveland Guardians are now (+550) to win the series as it shifts back to Cleveland.

• October 15, 2024: The Cleveland Browns have traded their leading receiver, Amari Cooper, to the Buffalo Bills. Cleveland is now (+1800) to make the postseason.

• October 7, 2024: Ohio State will put their perfect record on the line this weekend when they head to Oregon to play the Ducks. The Buckeyes are currently favored by (-3.5).

• October 3, 2024: The Cleveland Guardians will play the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS. Cleveland is priced at (-125) for the series.

• October 1, 2024: Former Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose has passed away at the age of 83. The MLB's all-time hits leader was banned from the league due to gambling on the game. Whether he will be reinstated following his death is undetermined.

• September 26, 2024: Following their third consecutive loss, the Cincinnati Bengals will head on the road to Carolina to play Andy Dalton and the Panthers. The Bengals are currently favored by (-4.5).

• September 24, 2024: The Ohio State Buckeyes will open up Big Ten conference play this weekend when they head on the road to Michigan State as (-24) point favorites.

• August 27, 2024: Bovada, which is one of the biggest offshore sportsbooks in the world, has decided to leave Ohio after receiving a cease and desist letter from the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

• August 19, 2024: Betfred exits both OH and CO sports betting markets by closing its mobile sportsbook for good due to struggles regarding operational profitability. The operator keeps its mobile app available in Arizona, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, but the CEO, Kresimir Spajcic, says that Betfred may close its app in other states.

In-person sports betting sites and locations

Plenty of casinos operated in Ohio well before the state’s sports betting bill was passed. With Ohio's licensing system, plenty of smaller retail locations are scattered throughout the state.

In addition to small retail locations like bars or a casino like JACK Cleveland Casino, bettors can also find sportsbooks in their favorite pro sports teams' arenas or stadiums. The list below gives a better idea of where the major retail locations in the state are located.

Prime Sportsbook also plans to open a retail wagering spot in Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Sports betting in neighboring states

Ohio is surrounded by like-minded states when it comes to sports betting, as all five neighboring states offer legalized sports wagering.

Kentucky was the most recent of the five states to launch sports betting. To find out more about its betting landscape, click on the state name in the info box.

Sports betting revenue impact on Ohio's economy

Sports betting licenses in Ohio are divided into three different types. The state has made 25 Type A licenses available, which are mostly for the state’s casinos and professional sports teams. Under Type A licenses, each of these organizations can partner with one online skin. Now, Type B licenses are for physical sportsbooks in the state, and there are 40 of these licenses available.

Obtaining one of these licenses is partially based on the population of specific counties in the state. Finally, Type C licenses are for all locations with liquor licenses, like bars and restaurants. Any retailer that provides lottery tickets could also apply for a Type C license. The initial licensing fees vary based on which type of license, and regardless of whether it is retail or online, the tax rate in Ohio is 20%.

Ohio performed exceptionally well in its first full year of legalizing sports betting. In September and October of 2023, the Buckeye State managed over $80 million in revenue, and it has the potential to solidify itself as one of the top-earning states in the country in 2024 and beyond.

Top 3 sportsbooks in the state in August 2024:

1. DraftKings (Handle: $178.9m, Revenue: $16.7m)

2. FanDuel (Handle: $165.7m, Revenue: $16.9m)

3. Bet365 (Handle: $59.4m, Revenue: $4m)

Ohio sports betting record months:

• Sports betting handle: January 2023 ($1,090,962,383)

• Revenue: January 2023 ($209,588,460)

• Tax income: January 2024 ($22,697,038)

OH sports betting revenue in 2024

All data from the Ohio Casino Control Commission's and Ohio Lottery's monthly reports are presented in the following table for the present year. These figures include the total handle, revenue, state tax income, and the change compared to the previous month's figures (percentage in brackets).

Yearly revenue data