Ohio Sports Betting: Ranking the 15 Best Ohio Sportsbooks (May 2025)

Ranking the 15 Best Ohio Sportsbooks: May 2025

You can place a bet at 15 sportsbooks. I have reviewed and rated all 15 operators, which you can find in the section below:

If you're curious on how we ranked these Ohio sportsbooks, check out our page on how BetOhio.com rates and reviews sportsbooks. 

1. BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook

After testing each OH betting site, it was clear that BetMGM Ohio is the best online sportsbook in Ohio. New and veteran bettors alike can look forward to a state-of-the-art betting platform, great odds, and an all-around enjoyable user experience. It is one of the most notable brands in the state due to its endless sports betting options for its users.

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

2. FanDuel Ohio Sportsbook

Leading the way as the most downloaded sportsbook in America is FanDuel Ohio. The betting site is one of the most well-known in the industry and brings bettors just about everything they could ask for.

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Must be 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

3. bet365 Ohio Sportsbook

Backed by one of the biggest names in sports betting, and officially partnered with the Cleveland Guardians, bet365 Ohio brings an experience bettors can trust. You will also find unique odds, thanks to their in-house oddsmakers and attractive welcome offers.

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Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Must be 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Must be 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

4. Fanatics Ohio Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio is live, rolling out its FanCash Rewards points feature. New users can grab the latest promo: Bet $10, Get $50 in Bonus Bets for 5 Days.

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21+. New customers in CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, or WV. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full Promo Terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, LA, MD, OH, WV) 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN)

5. Caesars Ohio Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook Ohio has provided bettors with an easy-to-use app and a first-class betting experience. You'll find the app to be intuitive, easy on the eyes, and great for live betting. It's also fast, even at peak periods, which is a big plus.

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Must be 21+ and present in OH. T&Cs apply.

6. DraftKings Ohio Sportsbook

One of the most recognized brands for all sports bettors, DraftKings Ohio has a multi-million dollar betting interface that is both intuitive and fun for bettors of all skill levels.

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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 5/18/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

7. Prime Sports Ohio

Prime Ohio launched in September 2023. Geared towards sharps bettors, Prime believes it offers an unparalleled betting experience for its users. It accomplishes this via a world-class app focused on ease of use and speed.

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Must be 21+ to participate and present in Ohio. T&Cs Apply.

8. ESPN BET Ohio Sportsbook

The top brand in sports media has entered the sports betting game. In a partnership with PENN Entertainment, ESPN BET Ohio has already become the premier betting experience in the state. All new users can use the promo code listed below to claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets. 

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21+. New customers in CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, or WV. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full Promo Terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, LA, MD, OH, WV) 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN)

9. BetRivers Ohio Sportsbook

A mainstay in the Ohio betting space, BetRivers Ohio runs frequent sports-specific promotions on its easy-to-use app. The operator also features plenty of live betting and streaming options, early cash outs and odds boosts.

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Bonus Code: BETOHCOM

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

10. Hard Rock Ohio Sportsbook

This brand is known around the world, and Hard Rock Sportsbook Ohio presents that same modern, glitzy, edgy vibe with their sportsbook app, which launched on January 1, 2023. 

11. Bally Bet Ohio Sportsbook

Bally Bet Ohio offers an easy-to-use betting app refined from years of experience in the sports betting industry. New users can receive up to $550 in bonus bets, plus a $100 deposit match. 

12. Betr Ohio Sportsbook

Betr Ohio is owned by boxing and social media superstar Jake Paul. It launched on January 1, 2023. New users can get $50 in bonus credits with a minimum deposit of $10.

13. BetParx Ohio Sportsbook

BetParx Ohio is a subsidiary of the PARX retail casinos, and launched a bespoke Ohio sports betting app on February 14, 2023. The app offers an intuitive UI for Ohio sports bettors to experience.

14. BetJACK Ohio Sportsbook

After launching on January 1, 2023, BetJACK Ohio quickly made a name for itself with its ease in placing same-game parlays and a great selection of ever-changing daily Odds Boosts. 

15. MVGBet Ohio Sportsbook

This sports betting offering from Miami Valley Gaming & Racing—a company with nearly a century of experience under its belt—launched on January 1, 2023 along with most other legal Ohio sportsbooks. MVGBet Ohio has quickly made a name for itself in The Buckeye State. 

This Week's Ohio Sports Betting Schedule

Check out the latest events happening in Ohio sports betting during the week of May 16, 2025. 👇

Where Can You Bet on Sports in Ohio?

Sports betting in Ohio’s got you covered—whether it’s on your phone, at the state’s casinos, inside pro sports stadiums, or over at the Hall of Fame Village. You’ve also got over 700 sports betting kiosks scattered statewide, popping up in bars, bowling alleys, restaurants, and even grocery stores.

Can You Bet In-Person in Ohio?

Yes, you can place sports bets in person in Ohio. State gaming regulators greenlit 900+ betting kiosks in Ohio, spread out everywhere from Kroger stores to local haunts. On top of that, Ohio’s casinos have their own sportsbooks for face-to-face action.

Here’s a rundown of retail Ohio sportsbooks where you can bet in-person:

• Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
• Northfield Park
• Belterra Park
• Scioto Downs
• The Cincinnati Reds at the Machine Room
• FC Cincinnati at Taft’s Ale House
• JACK Cleveland Casino
• JACK Thistledown
• Hollywood Casino Columbus
• Hollywood Casino Toledo
• Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway
• Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley

Can You Bet on Sports in Cleveland?

Yes, you can bet on sports in Cleveland at several locations located downtown and outside of the city. JACK Cleveland offers the most central Cleveland sports betting experience, being located right next to Public Square. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Progressive Field and FirstEnergy Stadium also offer retail sportsbooks in Cleveland, allowing fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Browns to bet on their favorite teams while close to home. Outside of the city, sportsbooks can also be found at JACK Thistledown and MGM Northfield Park, both less than a half-hour drive from downtown.

Can You Bet on Sports in Columbus?

Yes, you can bet on sports in Columbus at multiple sportsbooks situated downtown and on the outskirts of the city. Located in the heart of the city is the sportsbook at Nationwide Arena, giving fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets the closest Columbus sports betting experience. However, you don’t have to drive all the way downtown to place a sports bet. Columbus sportsbooks are also located at Historic Crew Stadium, Hollywood Casino Columbus and Scioto Downs.

Can You Bet on Sports in Cincinnati?

Yes, several Cincinnati sportsbooks are located right in town, providing for a close-to-home betting experience. Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park offer the closest Cincinnati sports betting experience to downtown and are situated right across the border from Kentucky. However, there is also a sportsbook at TQL Stadium and at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. Outside of the city is the sportsbook at Belterra Park, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati.

Retail Sports Betting vs. Online Sports Betting

No matter where you’re at in Ohio, a brick-and-mortar betting spot is never too far away. I prefer online betting in Ohio due to its easier line shopping and a wider range of sports to play.

So, where do retail sportsbooks shine? The feeling of being at the sportsbook is unmatched, plus cashing out is simple – just walk to the cage and cash your ticket. It's sports betting in its purest form.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Ohio?

You need to be 21 or older and physically in Ohio to place a bet. Sportsbooks will ask for ID when you sign up and use geolocation to make sure you’re inside state borders when you wager.

Payment Options for Your Ohio Online Betting Account

Different operators all accept different kinds of payment. The most common you'll see are debit cards, online banking, PayPal, Play+ and other branded prepaid cards, and ACH e-checks. Depending on where you choose to play, you may see credit cards, Venmo, PayNearMe. Any operator licensed by the state will have secure transactions, so you won't have to worry about your money - at least until you build a 12-leg parlay.

It's worth noting that if you're trying to use your online banking or debit card, not every bank sees fit to do business with gambling operators. Check with your bank and have a backup plan if they don't allow for transactions with the new sportsbooks. Withdrawal methods are similar, but watch out for wait times. The electronic transfers move fastest, not surprisingly, but you may be waiting for a check in the mail for a couple of weeks. 

How Sports Betting in Ohio has Progressed: A Legislative Timeline

• 📆 November 14: ESPN BET officially launches in Ohio. 
• 📆 October 7: A report from Ohio for Responsible Gambling notes a 70% increase in calls for help with gambling problems in 2023.
• 📆 September 13: Prime Sportsbook announces its plans to launch in Ohio, becoming the 19th operator in the state.
• 📆 August 8: PENN announces a $2 billion agreement with ESPN to launch ESPN Bet Ohio. The agreement involves a 10-year contract, with the option to extend, and all media, marketing and branding rights. PENN also sold Dave Portnoy back Barstool Sportsbook. 
• 📆 July 3: Governor Mike DeWine approves bill. Sports betting tax increases to 20% in Jan 2024
• 📆 June 20: BetMGM announces move from the Great American Ball Park to The Banks in downtown Cincinnati.
• 📆 May 2: The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) bars licensed sportsbooks from accepting wagers on Alabama baseball games, warning of "suspicious gambling activity."
• 📆 April 19: Fanatics Ohio launches their app in Ohio (and Tennessee) in beta mode.
• 📆 April 1: The Bengals playoff chances open at 78.7%, according to the top oddsmakers offering bets on Cincinnati to make the postseason.
• 📆 February 28, 2023: Online and retail sportsbooks generate $208.9 million in sports betting revenue in Ohio in January on $1.113 billion in handle.
• 📅  January 1, 2023: Ohio sportsbooks officially went live at midnight marking the launch of sports betting in Ohio.
• 📅  August 3, 2022: Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler made it known that sportsbooks in Ohio can begin accepting bets at midnight on January 1, 2023.
• 📅  July 15, 2022: The July 15 deadline to apply for Ohio sports gambling licenses arrived, and several potential Ohio sports betting operators submitted their applications.
• 📅  June 1, 2022: Gov. Mike DeWine confirms January 1, 2023 launch date.
• 📅  December 22, 2021: Gov. Mike DeWine signs House Bill 29, with the Casino Control Commission drawing up rules ahead of a January 2023 launch.
• 📅  December 2021: Conference committee agree to changes in House Bill 29, which clears chambers after the conference report is accepted.
• 📅  November 2021: State Sen. Kirk Schuring announced plans were still in place to get House Bill 29 passed.
• 📅  June 2021: An amended version of Senate Bill 176 becomes a part of House Bill 29, is passed by state senate, and is then introduced to the house.
• 📅  May 2021: Senate Bill 176 was introduced to legalize sports gambling in Ohio.

Ohio Sports Betting Licenses

The language of the law in Ohio creates the opportunity for dozens of sportsbooks to open in Ohio. Three types of sports betting licenses are available. 

Type A Betting License - 25 spots are available for the Type A license. These are reserved for companies operating within Ohio, as well as Type B licenses. The language of the license can be interpreted in many ways; however, it is thought that this license is for the state’s casinos and professional sports. 

The Type A betting license comes with one online skin; however sports organizations and casinos may apply for two provided they can demonstrate a need for a second one. 

Type B Betting License - Type B sports betting licenses in Ohio are reserved for physical operators within the state. There are 40 of these licenses available. The number of issued licenses will be determined by the population of the county for which the brick-and-mortar sportsbook would reside. The most populous counties can have no more than 5 retail sportsbooks. Counties with less than 50,000 people are not permitted to have a retail operator. 

Type C Betting License - The largest number of sports betting licenses is Type C. These are reserved for establishments with a Class D liquor license, such as bars, restaurants, and other places that serve alcohol. Retailers that sell Ohio lottery tickets, such as Kroger, can also apply.

Upcoming Ohio Sports Betting Events: May 2025

• 🐎 Preakness Stakes: Get ready for the encore to the Kentucky Derby by wagering on it from home with your favorite Ohio sportsbooks
• ⚽ MLS: Ohio is home to two MLS franchises – the Columbus Crew & FC Cincinnati – and you can bet on both teams throughout the season.
• ⚾ The Ohio Cup: The Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds battle for the Ohio Cup, a storied interleague rivalry that includes three games this weekend between Ohio's two MLB teams. 

➡️ MORE: With recent offseason moves, you can bet on improved Bengals' playoff chances.

Sports You Can Bet on in Ohio

Like most states offering online betting, Ohio sportsbooks are expected to offer bets on all the most popular leagues and events.  The biggest betting market in the US by far is NFL football. The league just owns nearly half of the Sundays out of the year – more if you count the NFL playoffs, and even more if you're one of those maniacs who cares about the preseason (we're not judging, but yes, you're maniacs).

And Ohio is one of only seven states that fields more than one NFL team, which is yet another reason every operator wants to set up shop here. The Super Bowl promises to be the biggest sports betting event of the year, so bettors in Ohio should look forward to the game on an annual basis. You will find some of the best NFL betting apps in Ohio so if you are a bettor, this is one of the best states to be in.

The NBA clocks in as the #2 sports betting market in the United States. The long season and fast moving action during the games lends itself to the live wagering experience offered by a majority of Ohio betting sites. The Cavaliers fans can also look forward to a large array of NBA parlays, and basketball is one of two sports that you'll typically find action in round robin betting games. Check out different sites to compare NBA odds for Ohio to ensure you are getting the most for your money. 

When we talk about betting on MLB, the pace of play is a double edged sword. The games aren't as all-action as some of the other sports offer. The advantage is that the relaxed tempo gives bettors more time to find better odds for their live bets as the game moseys along. And Ohio enjoys the advantage of two MLB teams, so as long as the lockout is resolved, there'll be great chances for wagering for baseball fans of all sorts.

Betting on college sports will be legal in the state as well. Several other states have restrictions around wagering on collegiate teams who play home games in-state, but there will be no such restrictions here, which is great news for  Ohio State fans or those who want to bet on the college football National Championships. 

Ohio Sports Teams to Place a Legal Bet On

Ohioans' love for college football and their beloved NFL teams rivals any other state. However, they do not shy away from their fanatic love for all of the Ohio-based sports organizations. Below you'll find a list of the top sports teams you can legally bet on in Ohio.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are currently Ohio's premier NFL team, enjoying widespread popularity throughout the state (and country). The Joe Burrow MVP campaign will be underway in 2024-25 once the superstar comes back from injury, so expect Cincy to remain the most popular team in OH. 

Be sure to check out our breakdown of Cincy's first big game of the season, as we analyzed everything you need to know about the Bengals vs Chiefs odds. 

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns also hold a special place in the hearts of Ohio sports fans, with a passionate and loyal fan base that spans generations. The team history isn't exactly riddled with accolades, but things have begun to turn around in recent years. Ohioans will certainly give the Browns Super Bowl odds a close look this season. 

Cleveland opens the season with a massive game against Dallas, and we broke down everything you need to know about the Browns vs Cowboys odds. 

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes are synonymous with college sports. A perennial contender, Ohio State is one of the biggest teams in The Buckeye State. And the school always sends talent to the next level, but most fans will be monitoring the Ohio State playoff chances thanks to the rule change this season. 

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21+. New customers in CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, or WV. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full Promo Terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, LA, MD, OH, WV) 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN)

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are finally making a name for themselves without LeBron James. The Cavaliers starting lineup is one of the best young cores in the NBA, as this team is a force to be reckoned with and a dark-horse candidate to win it all. 

Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians are one of the most dangerous teams in the AL Central. With Jose Ramirez in the middle of the order, this team could be a lot to handle come October. 

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have the most exciting player in baseball, Elly De La Cruz. Plenty of fans will be looking to wager on De La Cruz and the Reds when they make the trip to BetMGM Sportsbook at the Banks. 

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets are the only show in town when it comes to the NHL. It should come as no surprise that they're also one of the most popular teams in the state. 

Cincinnati Bearcats

The Cincinnati Bearcats are not as well known as the Buckeyes, but they're probably the second-biggest college team in the state. The Bearcats have been good in recent years, so look for them to stay one of the most popular teams in The Buckeye State. 

Toledo Rockets

The Toledo Rockets are typically one of the best teams in the MAC. If you're looking for some MACtion, this is one of the most fun teams to bet. 

Bowling Green Falcons

The Bowling Green Falcons are not the biggest team in the country, but they do tend to be in some shootouts, making them a fun team to bet. 

Ohio Bobcats

Another member of the MAC, the Ohio Bobcats own a 7-8 all-time record in Bowl Games and will be looking to get to .500 next season. 

Akron Zips

The Akron Zips tend to be a tough out come tournament time, making them a very exciting team to follow. 

Miami Redhawks

The Miami Redhawks might be famous for being Ben Roethlisberger's alma mater, but the school still has a devoted fanbase in the state.

Columbus Crew

The Columbus Crew is the bigger of the two Ohio-based MLS clubs, winning three MLS cups (2008, 2020, 2023) in its history. 

F.C. Cincinnati

One of two MLS teams in the state, F.C. Cincinnati is the new kid on the block in Ohio. While it might not be quite as established as the Columbus Crew, Cincinnati is certainly on its way. 

Our experts will continue to monitor Ohio's top professional sports and college teams and update their odds as they will most certainly change often. If you want all of the latest news surrounding Ohio sportsbooks, there is no better place to be than right here. Bookmark this page to stay up-to-date.

For a more in-depth breakdown on your favorite NFL team, our veteran gambling experts track the Bengals Super Bowl odds daily and include their analysis of why lines have moved most recently and where they might be heading. You won't find a better resource if you're planning to bet on the Bengals. Of course the Browns could make the playoffs and this means more action for bettors. Be sure to track the latest Browns playoff chances to ensure you are betting optimally. 

Sports You Can't Bet on in Ohio

Ohio bettors have pretty much every major league available to them. Chances are, if you want to bet it, there's a market for it. You can even bet on the NFL Draft, for example. However, there are some leagues or events you can't bet on in Ohio. We listed them below:

College Prop Betting

Ohioans are no longer allowed to place prop bets on college games. There's still a wide variety of college markets available, but prop betting on college sports is no longer an option in Ohio.

Film & TV Award Ceremonies 

Ohio bettors are not allowed to place bets on events like The Oscars. This is true for most of the country, though a few exceptions exist. 

Political Betting

As of now, you're not allowed to bet on politics in the U.S. This is true in Ohio and everywhere else in the country. There have been some rumblings about this changing soon, but nothing has happened just yet.

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Promotions & Offers At New Ohio Sports Betting Sites

When the betting operators open their doors, there will be a rush to get you and your gambling dollar. You're going to see a stampede of Ohio sports betting promos as the books compete to get you to place wagers on their platforms. You'll see plenty of promotions, so it's important to know what is available and how to use these offers.

One of the most popular introductory offers is the large bet refund. This is a cash bet where if you won, you've won and good for you. If the bet doesn't hit, you get your stake kicked back to you. For example, most of the top Cincinnati Bengals sportsbook promo codes you will find come paired with a bet refund of some sort, which means your Bengals bet is returned should it lose.

It's worth noting that this is almost always in the form of credit to use on more sports bets, as opposed to a cash refund. If you're planning on taking a big swing out of the gates, an intro deal like this can look pretty appealing. Bet-refunds come up frequently, but the dollar limit is going to be highest on that initial bet.

The Deposit Match is another popular promotional offer, and will likely appear in a lot of the OH sportsbooks as an intro promo. It's pretty much what it says it is - the house kicks in an equal amount to match your deposit. This is another situation where the best match is going to be that first time out, but matches and other bonuses on deposits still pop up afterwards, depending on the house. 

The other piece of business to keep in mind is that the house's credits will have a "rollover requirement" - a number of times you'll have to bet with the bonus before you're allowed to withdraw any of it. Fortunately, with the heavy competition among the books, the rollover requirement has been reasonably bettor friendly - only 1-3 times before you can take it out.

Referral bonuses can net you a pretty nice chunk of credits if you have a network of friends or co-workers also want to get in the game. You'll get a link you can send to people you know, and if they sign up through the link (and here's the important part) make a deposit to their bankroll, you both get a bonus for the referral.

You're less likely to see Ohio odds boosts as a welcome bonus than an ongoing promotion, with a couple of the books even rolling out a new slate every day. The odds boost allows you to place wagers with the betting lines titled toward a more favorable payout for the bettor. So if the odds of a particular Cleveland Browns running back scoring a TD were set at +140, an odds boost could kick it up to +175. It's the same circumstance to make the bet pay off, but a better figure if it does.

Everyone likes parlays. They're exciting for the bettor and tend to be pretty lucrative for the books. One way they like to encourage you to lay out for one is to offer parlay insurance. 

Suppose you have a five-leg parlay. With a parlay insurance promo, if only four legs hit, you get your stake back. So you don't win, because you didn't win. But getting your bet returned to you can cushion the blow, just make sure you read the fine print. You can only reasonably assume that you can only miss one leg, and the parlay itself will need a minimum number of legs and length in odds.

Also, a returned stake could be credits or cash, you'll need to check with your operator to see how they do business.

Do All Ohio Sportsbooks Have an Ambassador?

Not all Ohio sportsbooks have ambassadors, but many of the most popular options do. Think Kevin Garnett, Wayne Gretzky, Pat McAfee and more well known sports figures, in addition to actors and celebrities such as Jamie Foxx, Halle Berry and more. These celebs and sports stars will put their personalities behind the brand, adding a little extra fun to the experience.

Legal Wagers to Make at All Ohio Sports Gambling Sites

Expect a wealth of bet types at every Ohio betting site. The most popular bet type is moneylines. Pick a side, if they win, so do you. The odds are right in front of you - plus sign for the underdog, minus sign for the favorite, the higher the number you see, the bigger the payout on an underdog, and the more you'd have to stake to get a real return on a favorite.

Ohio sportsbooks also offer parlays. Bundle two or more single wagers together into a single bet where each piece is dependent on the other. What does that mean? Every leg of your parlay makes the odds longer and the potential payout bigger. But if even one leg misses, well, that's why they call it gambling.

A popular bet type is also the totals markets or over/under. The oddsmakers set a number indicating what they think the combined final score will be. You choose whether you think it'll be higher or lower than the number given. Some places will list in terms of half points, like 30.5 points. This is to prevent having to refund in case of a push.

Spreads are a way to level the playing field if one team is likely to beat the other. Instead of picking a winner, you're betting on the difference in the final scores. If you see a 5.5 spread on a game that favors the Cincinnati Bengals over the Kansas City Chiefs, that means that to cover the bet the Bengals would have to win by 6, while the Chiefs could cover even if they lost by as much as 5.

Futures bets refer to events that are further down the road than a couple of days. These can be somewhat short term - some places offered action on the Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI after their Wild Card Weekend win. They can also be further out - such as picking the Guardians to win the World Series prior to pitchers and catchers reporting.

A prop bet is a wager around something other than the final outcome of the sporting event. For instance, you can wager on which basketball team will be the first to thirty points, or an over/under on how many strikeouts Shane Bieber will rack up in his next start. The amount and types of props can vary a lot between the operators, so make sure you're getting the prop action you like.

One of the most fun pieces of Ohio sportsbook apps is the ability to place in-game bets while an event is in progress. The odds will react in real time to what's happening on the field, and you'll see the numbers flip up and down from your seat at the game. That's why stable software is crucial - if you see odds you like, you need to be ready to jump before the lines move again.

Additional Ohio Betting Options for Anyone Over 21

In addition to the standard Ohio betting options, there are several other wagers that you can, and cannot make. 

Daily Fantasy Sports are another way to win money based on sports - build your team and score points based on how they play. Daily Fantasy is legal and available from various sportsbooks in Ohio. If you already have an account for DFS, you will not be eligible for any welcome offers. 

If you prefer season-long fantasy leagues, we've got you covered with over 200 of the best fantasy team names to use this upcoming season. 

Wagering on horse races is also legal in Ohio, at racetracks, OTB parlors and through online wagering methods. It's worth noting that the laws keeps the Ohio sportsbooks and horse racing wagering in separate areas. So while you won't be able to bet on horses through the new sportsbook websites, it's perfectly legal to do so through the existing methods. For example you can bet on horse races in Ohio with TwinSpires.

Some people like to bet on pop culture ceremonies, such as awards shows. In 2021, New Jersey, Indiana and Michigan allowed customers to bet on the Academy Awards. Obviously the infrastructure won't be up in Ohio in time for this year's ceremony, but the sports betting bill signed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine did provide for "special events", which could clear a path for awards show wagering.

Betting on eSports events is allowed under the new sports betting bill. Maybe the entire operation flies under the radar for you, but the betting market is big business. Bettors in Ohio will be cleared able to bet on the major eSports leagues and tournaments through the new sportsbooks.

Political Betting in Ohio

You might wonder whether political betting is legal at Ohio sportsbooks. The short answer is, no. You cannot legally bet on the latest Donad Trump odds in Ohio or anywhere else in the United States. The  goverment prohibits this type of betting. There can be some excpetions for noncommercial purposes and there are anomolys in the U.S.; however, these sites are continuoulsy on the verge of being shut down and sized. You can find Democratic nominee odds at various offshore sportsbooks; however, these are not considered to be safe. Some of them do not have the necessary licenses to operate; others have notorious reputations for taking bettors' money without any return. It's easy to understand that Republican nominee odds and other market odds in this area are interesting, and there are studies that predict elections fo better than polls. If you're interested in these odds, be sure to review our political betting odds tracker. 

Legal Ohio Online Sports Betting Tax Rate

The Ohio sports betting tax rate provides for a 10% tax rate from the houses. That's honestly pretty easy on the house, especially compared to places like New York (51%). Even the traditionally gambling-friendly New Jersey takes 13%. The money will mainly go to the General Revenue Fund for schools, with 2% toward problem gambling assistance and 0.50% of license fees to a veterans' fund.

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How Ohio Sports Betting Compares to the Other Legal States

At a long-range distance, it looks as though the Ohio sportsbooks have taken some of the lessons that other places have learned the hard way. They have a competitive market structure in place and a tax rate that's comparatively friendly to the operators, so their net revenue shouldn't have too big a bite taken out of it. The accessibility of the apps should make getting started a snap. And getting the sports betting bill passed with an eye toward markets like esports and "special events" suggests the people overseeing the business are looking toward a long-term revenue stream as those markets open up.

Ohio Sports Betting Resources

To help you on your betting journey, BetOhio.com has provided you with a couple useful tools. If you're looking to calculate the potential winnings on a wager, check out our odds calculator. 

And our parlay calculator can help you understand one of the most common, and confusing, available bet types. 

Should I Use an Offshore Sportsbook?

No. Offshore sportsbooks are not only illegal, but they offer no protection for the bettor. This means, you could place a bet and win but have no guarantee that you will actually ever receive your winnings. Moreover, if you were to get caught, federal criminal charges could be filed against you. All Ohio responsible gambling directives will point you toward regulated, legal OH sportsbooks. 

In addition to the above, by sticking to regulated, licensed sites, you can feel peace of mind in knowing your personal details and winnings are safe. Moreover, you are supporting local businesses, as well as a number of jobs in the American economy. 

Calling All Bettors - Get Into the Action at the Best Ohio Sports Betting Sites

Asking whether Ohio sports betting is legal, is no longer a question. Sportsbooks are live and legal. As long as you are 21 years of age you can place as many bets as you'd like at 15 different online betting sites or 14 retail sportsbooks. Explore everything these sites have to offer through the most comprehensive sportsbook reviews in Ohio. Learn about their features, their odds and sports markets, whether the app is worth downloading and more. If you're a new user, large promotions will be available. BetOhio is the most trusted source for legal Ohio sports betting. Choose your sportsbook, today!

BetOhio.com is an independent sports betting comparison website with affiliate links. What that means is if you click on one of our links that directs to an operator and make a deposit, we’ll receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Our sportsbook reviews are impartial as our editorial standards are commercially independent and follow a professional methodology.