Unlike many of its midwestern neighbors, Ohio has one of the largest bet catalogs in the country. They cover all major sports but also offer bets on many more obscure ones.
Below is a list of the different kinds of sports you can bet on in the Buckeye State.
NFL
Football is by far the most popular sport to watch and bet on in the US, and the NFL is the premier league. The league features 32 teams from around the country who compete in a 17-game regular season. Ohio has two teams that are fierce division rivals, which means the state has no shortage of loyal NFL fans. NFL betting sites are flooded with bettors throughout the season, making it one of the most profitable sports for operators.
The Super Bowl
The NFL’s Championship game is an unofficial holiday across the country. Americans flock around their TVs on Super Bowl Sunday to watch who will become champion of the country’s most popular sports. The Super Bowl betting sites always offers a giant catalog of prop bets that include things like how long the national anthem will last. This gives bettors of all levels plenty of ways to wager on the big game.
NCAA Football
While the NFL is the most popular US sports league, NCAA football is right behind it. Ohio is no exception, as they are home to one of the most prominent programs in the country, Ohio State University. OSU plays at Ohio Stadium, which is the third largest stadium in the NCAA, seating over 102,000 fans. While the NFL draws plenty of fans, the OSU Buckeyes are king in the Buckeye State. The 2023 season will be the first where sports betting is legal, and NCAA football betting sites are expected to see massive numbers.
NBA
The NBA has been growing over the last two decades, and they are now one of the most popular leagues in the country. Their 82-game schedule means games are played every night, giving bettors plenty of chances to wager on their favorite NBA betting sites. Ohio is home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who won the NBA Championship in 2016. NBA betting offer a wide range of bets but spread and total bets are the most popular.
NCAA Basketball
While NCAA basketball takes a back seat to football, a giant fanbase still supports the state's many Division 1 programs. The league offers plenty of excitement, with schools competing to win their conference and earn a spot in the sport’s crowning achievement, the NCAA Tournament Championship. NCAA basketball betting sites offer a wide range of bets and saw plenty of action in Ohio when sports betting launched on January 1, 2023.
March Madness
Each NCAA basketball season ends with one of the most exciting events in sports, March Madness. The tournament takes the nation’s top teams to compete in a gigantic single-elimination tournament. Each season, bettors flock to March Madness betting sites in hopes of winning big payouts on the tournament's many upsets. Ohio is home to several schools that are regulars in the tournament, making March Madness one of the most exciting times of the year.
MLB
Baseball may not be as popular as it once was, but there are still plenty of fans in Ohio. The state hosts two MLB teams with large fanbases, though neither has had much success over the last two decades. Ohio’s MLB betting sites aren’t as popular as the NBA or NFL, as baseball is harder to bet. Instead of a spread, you have a run line, which never moves from 1.5 runs. However, the MLB is the only major pro sport during the summer months, which helps them draw a ton of wagers.
NHL
The NHL is often left out of the conversation when discussing the major American sports leagues, but it is still among the most thrilling. The high-speed and hard-hitting action attracts fans, who then use their knowledge to wager on the league at NHL betting sites. Like baseball, hockey does not offer a spread but instead uses a puck line, which is similar to the run line. Hockey’s low-scoring games make betting the puck line difficult, so most bettors stick to the totals or moneyline bets.
Golf
PGA Tour
While the league is now changing, the PGA is still the leading golf league in the US. The Tour has dozens of tournaments throughout its season, but its four “majors” are by far their most popular. The Masters, US Open, British Open, and PGA Championship are the most watched and wagered-on events for the PGA, leading to a boom for golf betting sites. Betting on golf doesn’t involve your standard wagers; instead, you can wager on who will win, how an individual golfer will do, or what the winning score will be.
LIV Golf
LIV Golf recently partnered with the PGA after failing to capture an audience, and the league's future is still unknown. LIV has a unique format, with three-day tournaments focusing more on teams than individuals. While they have the best golfers in the world, they have been irrelevant to the US sports landscape. Still, you can find options for LIV on most major golf betting sites.
Motorsports
NASCAR
While NASCAR’s rapid growth has cooled over the last few years, the league still has one of the most die-hard fanbases in American sports. Fans flock to the track each Sunday to watch their favorite drivers compete. NASCAR betting offers a ton of excitement for bettors, with options to pick the race winner or pick a driver to finish better than another. Ohio isn’t known as a big NASCAR state, but that won’t stop it from being a popular league to wager on.
Formula 1
The European-based league has dominated the US market for the last few years. The increased fandom has led to a spike in betting on the league, as bettors are eager to test their knowledge. Sportsbooks offer the same betting options as NASCAR, though that could change as the league’s popularity continues to grow.
Combat Sports
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has put Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) on the map, and they have been the dominant force in combat sports ever since. The league features many fighters with different styles and techniques, battling it out in a caged octagon ring. MMA betting sites see a ton of action for the league's major fights as fans look to win big. While there are other, more minor MMA leagues, the UFC still dominates the sport in both viewership and wagering.
Boxing
Boxing has significantly declined in popularity since the 1990s, thanks to years of corruption and match-fixing. However, the sport still has marquee fights from time to time. While they won’t draw the same numbers as the MMA, many bettors still visit boxing betting sites throughout the year. While it may not be as big as it once was, rest assured that boxing will always remain a part of the US sports landscape.
Soccer
Soccer is another sport that has quickly grown in popularity in the US. The country’s recent success of their World Cup teams has driven more interest, as has the expansion of the MLS. Ohio is home to an MLS team, and they are a state known for their soccer fandom. Soccer betting sites will let you bet on leagues from around the world, with some even offering free live streams so you can watch the match you bet on.
Tennis
There is still a large fanbase for tennis in the US, but a lack of American star power has led the sport to decline in popularity. That hasn’t stopped tennis betting sites from seeing significant action during the sport's biggest events. The large tournament fields and exciting gameplay make this an exciting sport to wager on. Just be sure to know the ins and outs of the sport before placing any wagers, as the game's complexity can lead to lost bets for the uninformed.
E-sports
Ohio is one of only 12 states to allow betting on e-sports currently. While the leagues are far less popular than the others on this list, they have a dedicated and young fanbase behind them. The sport features leagues where teams face off against each other in a video game as spectators watch and cheer for their team. It is worth checking out if you haven’t watched or attended a major e-sports event.
Daily Fantasy Sports
DFS are one of the most common forms of wagering nationwide. That is largely thanks to DraftKings and FanDuel, who have brought daily fantasy sports into the mainstream. These leagues allow players to draft or pick teams, but they can last anywhere from one day to one season. Most states do not consider DFS as gambling, meaning it is legal in many that still don’t allow sports betting.
Horse Racing
No matter where you go in the US, you will always find people who like to bet on horses. While the Triple Crown draws the most betting action, you can find races to wager on daily. Sportsbooks will stream races from tracks worldwide, allowing you to bet on as many races as often as you like. Ohio is a state where the sport is especially popular, partly thanks to its proximity to the Kentucky Derby.
College Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohio allows bettors to bet on almost any college sport, including on in-state teams and player props. While many states have prohibited or restricted both, Ohio’s massive college sports fan base led them to include them in their bet catalog.
Bettors are allowed to place bets on college games, as long as they don’t center around injuries, suspensions, or penalties.
Prohibited Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohio has one of the most robust sports betting catalogs in the country. There are no notable sports that have been prohibited, but there are a few things Ohio bettors aren’t allowed to wager on.
The following are prohibited under Ohio’s sports betting law:
- High school sports
- Coin flips and games of chance
- Non-athletic props include coaching moves, officials, timeouts, penalties, etc.
- Pre-recorded events
- Events where 50% or more of athletes are under the age of 18
That leaves bettors with a ton of options to wager on throughout the year. These prohibited bet types are common across the US, though many others prohibit college bets.
Sports Betting on Ohio Sports Teams
Ohio has no shortage of pro and college teams, many of which has a history of success in their leagues. That also means that the state is filled with multiple fanbases, and now they are allowed to capitalize on their knowledge.
With sportsbooks at most major Ohio stadiums, players can even bet on the games as they watch them live.
Professional Sports Teams in Ohio
Ohio has eight pro sports teams, which is the most in the Midwest. The state has at least one pro team in each major sports league, with most residing in Cleveland or Cincinnati.
Here are the eight pro teams you will find in Ohio:
Cincinnati Bengals
- League: NFL
- Founded: 1968
- Stadium: Paycor Stadium
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Sportsbook Partners: Betfred
The Bengals are currently the most successful Ohio pro sports franchise. The team has been a Super Bowl contender the last few seasons behind quarterback Joe Burrow. Bengals fans are known for their loyalty and have created a rowdy home-field advantage for the team.
The Bengals have yet to win a Super Bowl, but they have won the AFC three times and their division 11 times. Their recent success ended a long and painful rebuilding process, once again igniting a fanbase desperate for a Super Bowl title.
Cincinnati Reds
- League: MLB
- Founded: 1881
- Stadium: Great American Ball Park
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Sportsbook Partners: BetMGM
The Reds are the oldest pro sports bet in the Buckeye State. They got their start in 1881 as the Cincinnati Red Stocking before changing to the Reds in 1890. While the team has not seen much success lately, they have one of the richest histories of any MLB team. One of their most infamous legends, Pete Rose, placed the first official sports wager in Ohio. It was ironic as Rose, one of the best hitters of all time, was banned from baseball for betting in sports.
The Reds have won five World Series titles, nine NL pennants, and ten division titles. While they haven’t seen much success over the last decade, a new batch of young superstars has them on a path to add a sixth World Series trophy to their collection soon.
FC Cincinnati
- League: MLS
- Founded: 2015
- Stadium: TQL Stadium
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Sportsbook Partners: SuperBook Sports
Cincinnati is home to both the oldest sports franchise and the youngest, thanks to the formation of FC Cincinnati in 2016. The new soccer club immediately built an impressive fanbase led by The Incline Collective, a group of supporters from around the area. The team joined the MLS in 2019 and already has some of the best attendance numbers.
While FC Cincinnati hasn’t won an MLS championship, they have quickly built a very competitive program. The team made their first appearance in the MLS playoffs last season, losing in a heartbreaking 1-0 conference semi-final game.
Cleveland Browns
- League: NFL
- Founded: 1946
- Stadium: Cleveland Browns Stadium
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- Sportsbook Partners: Bally Bet
The Browns are the oldest NFL franchise in the NFL, but the franchise changed hands in the 1990s when the Browns left Cleveland for Baltimore. Cleveland restarted the Browns franchise a few years later, and they have remained ever since. While they are expected to be improving now, the team is most known for their well-documented struggles over the last 20 years.
The Browns have not won a Super Bowl but have won eight league championships between 1946 and 1964. They have 11 conference championships and 12 division titles. A new and improved roster has fans expecting the team to finally win, though that has yet to happen.
Cleveland Cavaliers
- League: NBA
- Founded: 1970
- Stadium: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- Sportsbook Partners: Caesars
The Cavs have the distinction of being the state's sole NBA team, meaning their fanbase is one of the few that stretches across Ohio. While the team has no shortage of history in the league, the franchise was forever changed when they drafted LeBron James in 2003. It turned the team into a powerhouse and would result in an NBA Championship in 2016.
The Cavs have one NBA title, five conference championships (all after 200), and seven division titles. While LeBron has been gone for a while, the franchise has rebuilt to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Cleveland Guardians
- League: MLB
- Founded: 1894
- Stadium: Progressive Field
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- Sportsbook Partners: Fanatics
The Guardians, formerly known as the Indians, are another franchise that has spent over a decade in Ohio. They have done a lot of winning over that time, finding ways to compete against teams with massive payrolls. The franchise has 36 players in the Hall of Fame and will likely continue to add more for years to come.
Cleveland has won two World Series titles, six AL pennants, and 11 division titles. While it has been some time since they have been a series World Series contender, that team did win their division in 2022 and have made the playoffs in five of their previous six seasons.
Columbus Blue Jackets
- League: NHL
- Founded: 2000
- Stadium: Nationwide Arena
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Sportsbook Partners: Fanatics
While the Blue Jackets haven’t won much since their launch in 2000, they have established a solid fanbase in Ohio. They have averaged over 16,000 fans per game over the last four seasons, which is impressive considering the arena holds just 20,000. However, the team must find a way to win to keep fans engaged and the team in Columbus.
The Jackets have not won a Stanley Cup, conference title, or division title. The team has made the playoffs a total of six times, though it did not result in much winning.
Columbus Crew
- League: MLS
- Founded: 1994
- Stadium: Lower.com Field
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Sportsbook Partners: Tipico
The Crew has been a staple for the MLS for almost 30 years. While the team has not been able to win consistently during that time, they have had plenty of memorable seasons. The team has a rabid fanbase, leading to impressive attendance numbers regardless of the quality of the Crew.
The Crew has won the MLS Cup twice, including back in 2020. They also added a Campeones Cup from the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, though they failed to make the MLS playoffs that season. With a new in-state rival growing in FC Cincinnati, time will tell if the Crew lose their place as Ohio’s top soccer team.
College Sports Teams in Ohio
Ohio has no shortage of Division 1 college athletic programs, with many of them consistently competing for conference or even national championships. While most think of Ohio State when it comes to Ohio, they are far from the only school to have the Ohioian's allegiance.
Here is a list of the 13 schools in Ohio with Division 1 athletic programs:
School | Division 1 Football? | Division 1 Basketball? |
University of Akron | Yes | Yes |
Bowling Green State University | Yes | Yes |
University of Cincinnati | Yes | Yes |
Cleveland StateUniversity | No | Yes |
University of Dayton | No | Yes |
Kent State University | Yes | Yes |
Miami University | Yes | Yes |
Ohio University | Yes | Yes |
Ohio State University | Yes | Yes |
University of Toledo | Yes | Yes |
Wright State University | No | Yes |
Xavier University | No | Yes |
Youngstown State University | Yes | Yes |