The Ohio Online Sports Betting – All 19 Ohio Sportsbooks 2023

Yes! Ohio legalized sports betting when Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law in December 2021. Finding a version of the bill that the House and Senate agreed on took time, with the tax rate and distributions being two of the most significant differences. Once it was signed, it took Ohio a year to finalize the rules and regulations for operators before launching the industry on January 1, 2023.

The law established the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) as the industry's top regulator. They set the rules and monitor Ohio sports betting sites in the state and ensure operators do not violate rules around advertising their platforms.

Ohio now has 19 sports betting sites since sports betting’s launch in January 2023. That group includes industry giants like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars, who have dominated the market share in Ohio. However, that hasn't stopped many smaller sportsbooks from joining the Ohio legal sports betting market. 

Sports betting in Ohio was so successful that it led the state to double its tax rate for operators. The increase hasn't scared off many sportsbooks, given the massive revenue numbers Ohio has seen. 

Our USALegalbetting.com experts have reviewed each sportsbook to identify what makes each unique. Here is a list of all 19 sportsbooks, along with the most significant benefit they offer, according to our experts: 

• Bally Bet Sportsbook Ohio
• Barstool Sportsbook Ohio
• Bet365 Sportsbook Ohio
• Betfred Sportsbook Ohio
• BetJACK Sportsbook Ohio
• MVGBet Sportsbook Ohio
• BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio
• BetPARX Sportsbook Ohio
• BetRivers Sportsbook Ohio
• Betway Sportsbook Ohio
• Caesars Sportsbook Ohio
• DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio
• Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio
• FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio
• Hard Rock Sportsbook Ohio
• Betr Sportsbook Ohio
• PointsBet Sportsbook Ohio
• SuperBook Sportsbook Ohio
• Tipico Sportsbook Ohio

Few markets have been more competitive than Ohio. That has led sportsbooks to offer aggressive Ohio sports betting promos and bonuses that will benefit players in Ohio, but it can also make picking the correct one difficult.

Below we will provide you with the details on each of the live Ohio betting sites to help you choose the right one for you. We’ll review the details for each sportsbook so that you have all the information needed before getting started.

• Bally Bet Sportsbook Ohio: New & Improved Mobile App
• Barstool Sportsbook Ohio: Most Value for New Players
• Bet365 Sportsbook Ohio: Best Site for Betting on Soccer
• Betfred Sportsbook Ohio: Largest Welcome Bonus
• BetJACK Sportsbook Ohio: Giant Live Betting Catalog
• MVGBet Sportsbook Ohio: Best Industry Newcomer
• BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio: Best Deposit Options
• BetPARX Sportsbook Ohio: Most Flexible Betting Options
• BetRivers Sportsbook Ohio: Best Weekly Promotions
• Betway Sportsbook Ohio: Best for Beginners
• Caesars Sportsbook Ohio: Best NFL Live Streaming
• DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio: Most Promos for Existing Players
• Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio: Competitive Odds & Loyalty Program
• FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio: Most Odds Boosts for Local Teams
• Hard Rock Sportsbook Ohio: Best Mobile App
• Betr Sportsbook Ohio: Best Microbetting Platform
• PointsBet Sportsbook Ohio: Best Custom Bet Options
• SuperBook Sportsbook Ohio: Most Unique Contests
• Tipico Sportsbook Ohio: Flexible & Competitive Welcome Offer

While the sports betting market is now live in Ohio, things are changing as they grow. Here is some of the latest news from Buckeye State’s sports betting market:

📰 Aug. 21, 2023 – A retail Fanatics Sportsbook opens at the home of the Cleveland Guardians, Progressive Field.
📰 Aug. 16, 2023: Fanatics Sportsbook becomes the nineteenth sportsbook to launch in Ohio.
📰 July 25, 2023 – The Columbus Blue Jackets announce a new partnership with Fanatics.
📰 July 10, 2023 - Tipico publicly chastised Ohio legislatures for doubling tax rate and driving out smaller sportsbooks.
📰 June 30, 2023 - Ohio passed bill that will raise the operator tax rate from 10% up to 20%
📰 June 21, 2023 - BetMGM announces they will be moving their retail sportsbooks out of Great American Ball Park.
📰May 31, 2023 - Ohio sports betting handle hits its lower mark in April thanks to the end of college basketball.
📰May 17, 2023 - Ohio makes history by awarding Phantom Fireworks a sports betting license, paving the way for them to open a retail casino.
📰May 3, 2023 - Fanatics Sportsbook opens up beta testing in Ohio for their new platform.
📰April 10, 2023 - The Ohio Casino Control Commission approves the use of gift cards for sports betting, adding another payment method that sportsbooks can accept.

While online betting in Ohio was legalized in 2021, it was not easy. The House and Senate could not agree on a bill, leading to a battle that lasted over two years. Below is a timeline of the journey towards legal sports betting in Ohio.

Jan. 1, 2023 - Sports betting officially launches in Ohio, with Reds’ star Pete Rose placing the historic first bet.

Dec. 21, 2021 - Governor Mike DeWine officially signs off on HB 29, turning it into law adding Ohio to the list of legal sports betting states.

Dec. 8, 2021 - The Senate approved HB 29 after a few amendments were made, sending it to Ohio’s governor.

Feb. 3, 2021 - HB 29 was introduced to the House, which quickly passed on March 10, 2021. 

May 28, 2019 - The House passed HB 194 by an overwhelming majority, sending it to the state Senate, where it would eventually be dropped.

Oct. 23, 2019 - SB 111 is sent to the General Government Agency Review Committee but never voted on.

Mar. 14, 2019 - Senate Bill 111 becomes the first proposal to allow legal sports betting in the state.

May 14, 2018 - The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Protection Act, paving the way for legal sports betting.

Though it took some time for Ohio to pass a new sports betting law, there are very few things that legislators prohibited when creating it. Most of the rules set by HB 29 are common is other large sports betting markets, and it has made Ohio the sports betting destination in the Midwest. 

Here are a few key rules of Ohio’s sports betting law that you need to know before getting started: 

• All bettors must be at least 21 years old and inside state lines in order to wager on sports.
• Up to 25 online sportsbooks and 40 retail sportsbooks can operate in the state.
• All sports betting operator revenue is taxed at 20%
• Betting is not allowed on politics or amateur athletes under the age of 18.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is Ohio's head regulator for sports betting. The group has been regulating casino gambling in the state since its creation in 2011. It consists of seven commissioners who are appointed by the Governor. The OCCC is a bipartisan group to minimize the influence of outside politics.

The OCCC’s job is to license, regulate, investigate, and pass judgment over all operators and people taking part in the sports betting industry. The commission is also responsible for the launch of the industry, setting rules and regulations for all 19 sportsbooks that currently operate in the state.

For Ohio sports bettors, the OCCC is the group that ensures all operators provide a fair platform. Any issues with a sportsbook can be taken to the OCCC for review, as can tips on operator violations.

Ohio has already seen over $4 billion in wagers since its January 1, 2023 launch. That has led to $576,548,775 in taxable revenue, which has given Ohio over $61 million in taxes from sports betting. Current projections have Ohio passing $10 billion in wagers, which would be one of the five best totals for 2023.

FanDuel ($1.5 billion handle) and DraftKings ($1.3 billion handle) have dominated the market so far, with BetMGM in third with a $265 million handle.

Here is a breakdown of the sports betting revenue Ohio has seen so far:

Yes! All 19 Ohio sports betting sites offer a mobile app on both iOS and Android devices, which are listed below.

How do I use a Ohio sportsbook mobile app?

While signing up for a sportsbook can be confusing, operators work hard to make the process as easy as possible. While each sportsbook has a unique sign up process, they all follow the same general steps.

Sign Up:

Once you have found the sportsbook that you want to use, look for the “register” or “sign up” button on the app. This will take you to a screen where you will be prompted to enter your personal information and verify your identity. Be sure to have you ID with you when signing up, as that can be used for the identification process.

Be sure to set a unique username and password, as you will have real money in this account.

Deposit

Once you have signed up, you will be sent to your account page and asked if you would like to make a deposit. Simply click on the “deposit now” button, and choose a payment method for it. Then you will type in the amount you want to add and hit submit. The funds should appear in your account instantly.

Be sure to verify the deposit and withdrawal methods available, as they are not always the same.

Betting

Once you have created an account and made a deposit, you are ready to start betting on sports. You can click on the button for the sportsbook, and you will be brought to a page filled with odds from different leagues. You will see buttons for each sport league that is offered, so choose which one you would like to wager on.

Once you select the league, you will need to select which game you want to wager on along with the bet type. After that, enter how much you’d like to wager and submit. You will be able to view your bet at any time through your account page.

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. 

Football

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.

Basketball

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.

Baseball

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.

Hockey

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:

On top of their 19 online sportsbooks, Ohio also has 14 brick-and-mortar locations nationwide. Unlike many other states, Ohio does not require a casino partner to open in the state. That allows online sportsbooks to partner with teams or racetracks to open a retail location.

You can currently wager at the following retail sportsbooks in Ohio:

Belterra Park

FanDuel has partnered with the Cincinnati Racino to open a sportsbook. The location features five betting windows, seven kiosks, and over a dozen large TV screens for watching games. They also offer tables, recliner seating, and a bar for bettors to enjoy. The betting windows are open from 11-11, but the kiosks are available 24/7.

Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course

Barstool currently operates a retail sportsbook at this famous Austintown racino. The sportsbook features several betting windows, kiosks, and a giant bar filled with large TVs for bettors to track their games. The sportsbook is only open eight hours on weekdays and ten on weekends. They do not have 24/7 betting kiosks available, so be sure to get your bets placed during business hours.

Great American Ball Park

BetMGM has operated a sportsbook inside the stadium, one of the largest in the state. They have over 50 TV screens, 15 betting kiosks, three betting windows, and a food menu. However, it was recently announced that the sportsbook would be moving outside the stadium. That will make it more accessible for fans while still being close to Great American Ball Park.

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati

Hard Rock has built its own retail sportsbook in its Cincinnati location. They offer a full sportsbook with plenty of betting windows, kiosks, and TV screens. This is one of the few retail sportsbooks that captures that Vegas feeling, which has made it a popular destination for Ohioans. They also offer contests and other promotions that bettors can take advantage of at the sportsbook or on the Hard Rock Sportsbook app.

Taft’s Ale House

SuperBook Sports has opened this sportsbook location in partnership with FC Cincinnati. The retail location is within walking distance from the stadium but far smaller than others on this list. The sportsbook is small, with a few tables, and feels more like a bar than a sportsbook. Still, the location has betting kiosks to allow players to place bets and collect winnings easily.

JACK Cleveland Casino

JACK recently built their sportsbook, which they operate using their betJACK platform. This location has the classic sportsbook feel, with betting windows, kicks, and comfy seating surrounded by TV screens. If you love visiting sportsbooks in Vegas or Atlantic City, we highly recommend checking out this Cleveland staple.

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse

The home of the Cleveland Cavaliers has partnered with Caesars Sportsbook to open a 10,000-square-foot sportsbook. The sportsbook lacks its competitors' seating and TV screens but offers plenty of ways to wager. The sportsbook is open year-round and is accessed from their entrance on the outside of the stadium.

JACK Thistledown Racino

 Another betJACK sportsbook, this location also has that Vegas feel to it. They have plenty of seating, TV screens, bet windows, and kiosks. The racino also features a large casino, allowing players to play table games between betting on games. They also have a full bar with video poker and slot games.  

Hollywood Casino Columbus

This is another sportsbook operated by Barstool. The 12,000-foot sportsbook features seven betting windows and over 30 kiosks, which is more than any other location on this list. They have VIP seating, two jumbo TV walls, and a restaurant and bar. The location in the casino means bettors have a short walk to play table games or slots.

Scioto Downs

Another Caesars location, the Scioto Downs sportsbook, is another excellent option for Ohio sports bettors. One of the most significant benefits of playing at Scioto is that it is part of the Caesars family, meaning reward points can be used to get free meals or club passes. Caesars has one of the best rewards programs in the country, giving bettors plenty of reason to make the trip.

Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway

Dayton Raceway is home to another Barstool sportsbook. They offer 35 TV screens, along with a jumbotron above the bar. Patrons can eat, drink, and bet while watching games on their many TVs. The sportsbook also has a VIP area for more serious bettors to enjoy even more amenities while wagering on sports.

MGM Northfield Park

MGM went all out on their Northfield Park sportsbook, making it one of the nicest in Ohio. They have over 50 seats, 16 odds boards, 232 sq. ft. TV wall, couches, and group seating. They even have servers from their TAP restaurant who can take food and drink orders. There are betting kiosks on the casino floor and a window at the cage, meaning bettors can still place wagers even after the sportsbook is closed.

Hollywood Casino Toledo

Barstool operated a sportsbook & restaurant at Hollywood Casino’s Toledo location, though it is smaller than their other locations. This sportsbook feels more like a bar or restaurant, but they still offer bettors plenty of ways to get in on the action. Bets can be placed at their multiple kiosks, and games can be watched anywhere in the sportsbook.

Miami Valley Gaming

Miami Valley runs its own sportsbook using its MVGBet platform. This location does not offer a lot of flash or any of the Vegas feel, but they do offer plenty of seating with more TV screens than you can count. They have many betting kiosks around the sportsbook, and bettors can also use the MVGBet app.

Though they have been live for less than a year, Ohio has already established itself as one of the top markets in the country. They have done so because of their large population, numerous pro and college sports teams, and a giant bet catalog.

Many of Ohio’s neighbors have already launched sports betting markets, but each has rules and regulations that make them unique. Below, we will compare Ohio’s sports betting industry to that of four of its neighbors. We will compare the bet catalog, prohibited wagers, and overall success of each to Ohio, giving you a better idea of how they stack up.

Pennsylvania sports betting

Pennsylvania is one of the country's top three largest sports betting markets. The industry launched in May 2019, thanks to the Keystone State passing laws to open up the sector pending federal approval in 2017. The state has had over $22 billion in wagers since its launch, the fifth-highest total in the country.

The most significant difference between Pennsylvania and Ohio for bettors is over college player prop bets. Pennsylvania does not allow sportsbooks to offer those bets. Conversely, Ohio included college player props in their final bet catalog, allowing operators to provide them to bettors.

These states also differ in how they tax operators. Pennsylvania has the highest rate in the country at 36%. That is still far above the 20% that Ohio recently raised theirs to.

Like Ohio, the Pennsylvania market share is also dominated by FanDuel and DraftKings. The two sports betting giants account for over half of the $22 billion wagers the state has seen.

You can find more information on Pennsylvania sports betting on our “states” tab.

West Virginia sports betting

West Virginia is another state that passed sports betting laws before PASPA was overturned, helping be one of the first states to launch the industry in March 2018. However, their rules around it are quite different than most other states, including Ohio. The bill that legalized sports betting, SB 145, also opened the door for online casinos to operate in the state.

While West Virginia only taxes operators at 10%, only five licenses are available. Each license is tied to a casino, which is allowed to have up to three different sportsbooks. That includes online and retail locations, allowing bettors to wager online or visit a brick-and-mortar location.

Like Pennsylvania, West Virginia prohibits prop bets on college players. They do allow bets standard bets on college athletics, including in-state teams.

You can find more information on West Virginia sports betting on our “states” tab.

Indiana sports betting

The Hoosier state surprised many by legalizing sports betting in May 2019. The famously conservative state had strict laws around all forms of gambling, but legislators quickly drafted a bill allowing legal sports betting to launch on September 19.

Like West Virginia, Indiana requires all online sportsbooks to partner with a local casino. Currently, 16 online sportsbooks live in Indiana, giving them one of the larger markets in the country. They tax operators at 9.5%, one of the lowest rates in the country.

Indiana does have strict rules around live betting, allowing it only at the Indiana Gaming Commission's discretion. They also do not allow any betting on e-sports or events involving participants under the age of 18.

Like Ohio, Indiana allows betting on college sports, including on in-state teams. However, college player props are prohibited.

You can find more information on Indiana sports betting on our “states” tab.

Kentucky sports betting

Kentucky launched its retail sports betting industry on September 7, 2023. Nine brick-and-mortar sportsbooks went live, all of which are located either at horse tracks or racinos. Mobile sports betting was also legalized and is set to launch on September 28.

Kentucky has eight online sportsbooks licensed and ready to launch, but more will likely be coming. Their tax rate is 9.75%, which should help attract more operators over the next few years.

Like Ohio, Kentucky has improved an extensive bet catalog without many restrictions. They can bet on in-state college teams, college player prop bets, and e-sports. Few states have all three, which shows that Kentucky has used the Buckeye state as an example when building their market.

You can find more information on Kentucky sports betting on our “states” tab.

No, Ohio does not allow online casinos to operate within the state. However, players do have the option to use a wide selections of approved sweepstakes casinos. While they don’t accept real money bets, they do offer plenty of ways to win cash prizes.

Ohio residents looking to play online casino games for real money can head over to neighboring Michigan, where the industry is legal and regulated.

While offshore online casinos can be found in Ohio, we recommend against using them. Since the industry is illegal, it is also unregulated. That means players will have no recourse against those casinos if an issue arises. There are plenty of stories about people having money and/or information stolen using these sites, so it is best to head over the Michigan.