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 19 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, along with plenty of other well-known universities, and 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, either in person or on a mobile racebook.

Online sports betting in The Buckeye State

Discussions surrounding legalized sports betting in Ohio started to take form in 2019 when two separate bills were introduced, H 194 and S 111. The Senate bill was supported by Governor Mike DeWine, who was the final piece of the puzzle when it came to 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 specifics of the bill 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, 19 sportsbooks are available in Ohio, and more are expected to join the market in 2024. Most of these sportsbooks have partnered with organizations that have Type A betting licenses, which include 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):

Sports betting & gambling legislation in OH

There are plenty of mobile sports betting apps to choose from 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.

All rules and regulations for bettors and for operators are enforced by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. While the rules 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 individual 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, both 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

• May 14, 2024: The next installation of the Bengals and Chiefs rivalry has been announced, as the two teams will meet in the second week of the 2024 regular season. Kansas City has opened as (-4) point favorites.

• May 5, 2024: Following their game-seven win over the Orlando Magic, the Cleveland Cavaliers will be advancing to the second round of the NBA Playoffs to take on the Boston Celtics. The Cavs are currently (+10000) to win the title.

• April 24, 2024: Ohio State standout wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has been selected 4th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft. He currently has the second best odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at (+600).

• February 15, 2024: In 2023, the state of Ohio earned $935 million in tax revenue from sports betting, and $193.8 million of that money was distributed to schools throughout the state. 

• January 2, 2024: Ohio's sports betting industry has thrived since its legalization, with bettors wagering $6 billion within a year. In January 2023 alone, a billion dollars in wagers were made, highlighting strong interest. This activity generated $200 million in tax revenue in the first month of betting, and 98% of bets were placed online.

• December 12, 2023: Fanatics and FanDuel, two major OH sports betting operators, have raised significant concerns about the recent proposal by the OCCC to restrict the association between sportsbooks' promotional offers and non-gambling transactions.

• December 6, 2023: The Ohio Lottery Commission has implemented a new software solution from Gamban, a safe gambling organization, to block individuals from placing bets on multiple devices.

In-person sports betting sites and locations

Plenty of casinos operated in Ohio well before the state’s sports betting bill was passed. With the licensing system Ohio operates on, there are also plenty of smaller retail locations 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 February 2024:

1. FanDuel (Handle: $222.2m, Revenue: $28.1m)

2. DraftKings (Handle: $222m, Revenue: $24.2m)

3. Bet365 (Handle: $44.6, Revenue: $2.6m)

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