Ohio Online Sports Betting Sites

Find the best online sportsbooks in OH and learn about betting laws in The Buckeye State

Hero image
#1 Best sportsbook overall
betus_sportsbook
5 stars
125% up to $3,125

5

Overall Rating

23

Summary:

  • One of the biggest sports bonuses
  • 10x bonus wagering requirement
  • Parlay builder for complex bets

What we like:

  • Accepts all major cryptos
  • Online since 1994
  • Teasers and if bets
#1 Best sportsbook overall
betus_sportsbook
5 stars

Bonus:

125% up to $3,125

Summary:

  • One of the biggest sports bonuses
  • 10x bonus wagering requirement
  • Parlay builder for complex bets

Bonus:

125% up to $3,125

5

5 stars
23

What we like:

  • Accepts all major cryptos
  • Online since 1994
  • Teasers and if bets
#2 Best overall
betonline_sportsbook
4.5 stars
50% up to $1,000

4.5

Overall Rating

35

Summary:

  • More than 20 sports to bet on
  • Excellent odds for US bettors
  • Deposit with 16+ cryptocurrencies

What we like:

  • Bitcoin boost and risk-free prop
  • Responsive mobile betting app
  • 22+ years on the market
#2 Best overall
betonline_sportsbook
4.5 stars

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000
#2 Best overall

Summary:

  • More than 20 sports to bet on
  • Excellent odds for US bettors
  • Deposit with 16+ cryptocurrencies

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000

4.5

4.5 stars
35

What we like:

  • Bitcoin boost and risk-free prop
  • Responsive mobile betting app
  • 22+ years on the market
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_sportsbook
4 stars
50% up to $250

4

Overall Rating

29

Summary:

  • Live sports streams in HD
  • Great in-game betting features
  • Multiple cryptos supported

What we like:

  • Excellent native mobile app
  • 5x bonus playthrough
  • Online since 2011
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_sportsbook
4 stars

Bonus:

50% up to $250
#3 Best mobile app

Summary:

  • Live sports streams in HD
  • Great in-game betting features
  • Multiple cryptos supported

Bonus:

50% up to $250

4

4 stars
29

What we like:

  • Excellent native mobile app
  • 5x bonus playthrough
  • Online since 2011

Key Things You Should Know

  • Ohio online sports betting is now available via 17 legal applications.
  • The state law allows up to 25 mobile and 42 retail licenses and hundreds of lottery kiosks at bars.
  • Betting on a sporting event involving primary or secondary school students is prohibited, and lottery kiosk winnings are capped at $700 per week.
  • Seventeen local mobile betting sites, burdened by hefty regulatory fees, are forced to compete with reputed offshore sportsbooks that continue to claim a large following among Ohio bettors.

List of the Top Online Sportsbooks in Ohio

  • BetUS – Best Ohio online sportsbook overall
  • BetOnline – Best for recurring sports promotions
  • Bovada – Best native betting app

Reviews of the Top Three Ohio Betting Sites

We selected the top real money betting sites in Ohio based on their incredible bonuses, competitive odds, broad market coverage, and timely withdrawals.

BetUS – Best MLB Betting Site in Ohio

Overall, we believe that BetUS Sportsbook is as good as BetOnline, with a few minor differences, which we will discuss briefly.

Our number two pick is the most reliable platform and has been operational since 1994. This top Ohio sports betting site is owned by Firepower Trading Ltd, which obtained a gaming license from the Curacao eGaming Authority to operate in all 50 states.

Top Feature

The BetUS loyalty program is the top feature of this site. You can get free payouts, bigger bonuses, exclusive invitations to tournaments of your tier, and exclusive access to a dedicated phone number for your tier to speak with an account manager 24/7.

This six-tier VIP program allows you to move up the levels for every real-money wager placed. You will receive up to $500 in free play every time you’re promoted to the next tier.

Once you get to the top three tiers—Platinum, Diamond, and Black—you will get an extra 10% bonus on every deposit you make.

Welcome Promotions

BetUS Bonus

BetUS offers one of the best Ohio sports betting bonuses: a 100% welcome bonus of up to $2,500. New Ohio sports bettors must make a minimum deposit of $100 to qualify for this bonus. This welcome promotion carries a 10x rollover requirement and will expire after 14 days.

Use promo code JOIN125 to claim this bonus.

Other Promotions

Other BetUS promotions include a whopping 250% casino bonus up to $5,000 and a 200% crypto bonus (including a 150% sports bonus up to $3,570). Check out the site for more bonuses and promotions for both new and existing customers.

Sports Betting Options

BetUS features all the major sporting leagues that an avid Ohio bettor can think of. Besides the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, you will find betting lines on all sporting events worldwide. You can even bet on politics, entertainment, religion, and other non-sporting events such as the ‘TSLA Share Price.’

Banking Methods

BetUS offers ten deposit methods, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, as well as four cryptocurrency methods, including Bitcoin. However, the site only offers four withdrawal methods, namely Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Litecoin. In addition, you can also contact the site’s representatives for cash withdrawals.

BetUS allows a minimum deposit of $10, making it one of the best minimum deposit sites. High rollers can also deposit up to $50,000 using cryptocurrencies on this site. There is no deposit fee for crypto deposits.

Bovada – Best NFL Betting Site in Ohio

On our top-5 list, Bovada stands tall as the best NFL betting site in Ohio. This site is owned by the Morris Mohawk Gaming Group, which is a Canada-based business group. Bovada initially existed as Bodog in the mid-1990s. In 2011, the owners transitioned to the new brand – Bovada – to operate in 45 US states, including Ohio. Bovada is licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is a regulatory body based in Quebec, Canada.

Top Feature

When it comes to Bovada’s standout feature, we believe it’s their prop builder tool. This innovative tool enables you to create your own prop bets for a particular game. Although other top Ohio sportsbooks have since adopted this feature, Bovada claims to have pioneered it in 2020.

We highly recommend exploring Bovada’s prop builder tool for NFL betting in Ohio. It puts you in control, allowing you to personalize your prop bets according to your unique specifications. If you’re dissatisfied with a current line on the boards, the prop builder tool makes it easy to create your own line that better suits your needs.

Welcome Promotions

Bovada Crypto Sports Welcome Bonus

One other feature of Bovada that caught our attention is the 75% up to $750 crypto sports welcome bonus offered to new customers. This bonus is available only for Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV Deposit, Litecoin, and USDT.

To activate the bonus, use the bonus code BTCSWB750 during account registration. Both the initial deposit and the bonus amount require a 5x rollover before withdrawal.

Other Promotions

Aside from being a sportsbook, Bovada is an online casino and online poker site for Ohio residents. As such, other Bovada bonuses include a Bitcoin Casino Welcome Bonus up to $3,750, a $3,000 Casino Welcome Bonus, and a 100% Poker Welcome Bonus up to $500.

Sports Betting Markets

Bovada allows bets on virtually every significant event worldwide, including Ohio, the US, or any part of the world. Whether you want the hottest odds on the big four sports leagues, Ohio college sports, or international soccer leagues such as England’s Premier League or Spain’s La Liga, Bovada has you covered.

Banking Methods

Bovada allows for eight deposit methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and several cryptocurrencies. The site offers seven withdrawal methods, including wire transfer, check by courier, and cryptocurrencies.

Interestingly, Bovada is the only major Ohio sports betting site that offers e-wallet banking through MatchPay.

The minimum and maximum deposit limits on this site range between $10 and $5,000 via cryptocurrencies. Bovada does charge a significant 15.9% fee on credit card deposits, but deposits made with cryptocurrencies are free of charge.

MyBookie – Best Ohio Sportsbook for Live Betting

MyBookie joined the race for Ohio sports betting leadership in 2014. This Costa Rica-licensed site is owned and operated by the MyBookie.ag Group, which also owns XBet and MYBCasino.

Top Feature

MyBookie’s regular contests are among the standout features of this site. Ohio sports bettors can win hundreds of thousands of dollars in prizes by demonstrating their knowledge in these contests.

The site currently lists two contests: MYBRACKET and SQUARES. To find the available contests, click on the “Contests” tab. We recommend reading the terms and conditions carefully before entering a contest.

Welcome Promotions

MyBookie Sportsbook Bonus

MyBookie welcomes new Ohio sports bettors with a 50% up to $1,000 Sign-Up Bonus. You must deposit at least $50 to qualify for this bonus on your first deposit only. This bonus has a 10x rollover and will expire in 30 days.

Use MYB50 in the cashier to claim this bonus.

Other Promotions

MyBookie also offers a range of promotions for both new and existing players. New players can enjoy a 150% Casino Bonus up to $750 and a 10% Cash Bonus up to $200 for their initial deposit. Meanwhile, existing customers can take advantage of a 25% Sports Reload Bonus up to $1,000, a $200 Referral Bonus, and an 8% Horse Rebate.

Sports Betting Options

MyBookie offers featured odds for all the major and niche sports. These sporting events include everything from NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL to Aussie Rules, CFL, and college sports, including NCAA football, NCAA basketball, and more.  

Banking Methods

MyBookie provides 13 deposit methods, including two major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), Moneygram, and 10 cryptos. However, it’s important to note that availability may vary depending on your location and the method you choose.

When it comes to withdrawals, Bitcoin, wire transfer, and e-check are currently the only three methods available on this site.

MyBookie allows a minimum deposit of $20, and there is no maximum deposit limit when using cryptos. The site charges a moderate fee on credit card deposits: a 4.9% fee on Mastercard deposits and a 6% fee on Visa deposits. However, crypto deposits are free. It’s worth noting that withdrawal fees may apply depending on the method used, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before making a withdrawal.

Best Sports Betting Promotions in Ohio

All these promotions are up for grabs on the top Ohio sports betting sites:

Risk-Free Bets

Risk-free bets are promotions offered to those Ohio sports bettors who lose their first bet. The site will refund your bet if it loses.

For example, BetUS offers a risk-free bet on your first qualifying real money bet up to $500. Then, if you lose it, the site will refund the amount in bet credits up to $500.

Deposit Match

A deposit match is where your Ohio sportsbook will match a percentage of your initial deposit amount. Usually, the percentage ranges between 50% and 100%.

For example, BetUS offers a 100% deposit bonus of up to $2,500. So, if you make an initial deposit of $2,500 on this site, you will get an additional $2,500 in bonus bets. So, you will have $5,000 in your account.

Odds Boosts

Leading Ohio sports betting sites will offer increased odds for certain markets or bet types. The purpose is to allow bettors to take home bigger payouts.

For example, you might be offered +500 on Atlanta Braves winning the World Series in the futures market. However, with BetOnline’s Odds Boosters, the site could increase the odds to +800.

Parlay Insurance

Some Ohio sportsbooks offer parlay insurance, giving you a lifeline if one of your legs fails in a parlay. Ordinarily you must win all your selections in a standard parlay to win this high-risk, high-reward bet type. However, parlay insurance gives you a partial refund if one leg misses hitting.

Referral Bonus

A referral bonus is a type of bonus where Ohio sportsbooks reward you with free bets for referring your friends to their site. For instance, BetUS offers a 100% Refer A Friend Bonus up to $2,000. To claim this bonus, all you need to do is refer your friends to BetUS.com.pa, and you will receive the bonus once your friend makes their first deposit.

Legal Online Sports Betting in Ohio

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

Yes. Online sports betting is legal and operational in Ohio. Legal Ohio sports betting apps went live on Jan. 1, 2023, more than a year after the state legalized wagering.

As of now, 17 legal online mobile sports betting site are operational in the market.

Ohio Sports Betting Laws

House Bill 29 legalized retail and mobile sports betting in Ohio, and established three categories of licenses for state casinos, racinos, professional sports teams, and lottery kiosks. Ohio is home to four casinos, seven racinos, and 10 sports franchises, with each property and the state’s professional sports teams allowed to have up to two mobile skins.

The key features of Ohio sports betting law are as follows:

A total of 67 sports betting licenses are available, comprising 25 mobile licenses and 42 retail licenses.

Ohio sports betting is taxed at 10%.

Players must be 21 or older to bet on sports.

Betting on professional, college, and international sports such as the Olympics, esports, and motorsports races is permitted. However, the Ohio Casino Control Commission must give special permission for any event that involves participants younger than 18.

Betting on a sporting event involving primary or secondary school students is prohibited.

Bettors using lottery kiosks may wager no more than $700 per week.

Three Categories of Sports Betting Licenses

Three categories of Ohio sports betting licenses – Type A, Type B, and Type C – are available for state casinos, racinos, and professional sports franchises.

Type A

Type A licenses are for the state’s 11 casinos and racinos and 10 sports teams. According to state gambling laws, the Ohio Casino Control Commission can issue a maximum of 25 of these licenses. Each license allows only a single mobile skin.

However, the Type A licensees can apply for a second mobile skin under a special provision – the operators must demonstrate the second skin will improve revenue streams without cannibalizing the existing market. Under the same provision, Ohio regulators can issue more than 25 Type A licenses.

Type A license will cost $3 million for the first five years. However, if a Type A licensee is awarded a second license, the fee would be $10 million for the first five years.

Mobile operators that partner with Type A licensees must obtain a mobile management services provider license to qualify for such a partnership.

Type B

Type B licenses are reserved for land-based sportsbook locations in Ohio. The law allows up to 42 of these locations.

However, there are limits for the number of licenses in each county based on population:

  • Ohio counties with 800,000 or more residents can have up to five Type B licenses.
  • A county with a population between 400,000 and 799,000 can have up to three Type B licenses.
  • A county with a population between 100,000 to 399,999 can have up to one Type B license.

Type A licensees automatically get Type B licenses and can offer in-person sports betting at their physical venues throughout the state.

Type C

Type C licenses are for Class D liquor license holders in the state. This allows thousands of bars and restaurants in the state to install sports betting kiosks in their venues. However, these Type C licensees will only offer basic bets, and players can bet up to $700 a week.

The license fee for a Type C sportsbook is $1,000, renewable after three years. The Ohio Lottery Commission regulates Type C licenses.

There is no cap on the number of Type C licenses in Ohio. According to the lottery, there are nearly 900 kiosks currently accepting wagers in the Buckeye State.

How Did Ohio Sports Betting Become Legal?

After more than three years of consideration, the Ohio General Assembly finally approved a bill to legalize sports betting in the state in Dec. 2021. Both the legislative chambers passed House Bill 29 by a wide margin – 31-1 in Senate and 72-12 in the House.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had 90 days to sign the Ohio sports betting bill. He signed HB 29 into law just two weeks after the bill cleared the Senate and the House.

The legislation would call for the sports betting launch in the Buckeye State no later than Jan. 1, 2023. However, it could begin before that time.

Rep. Scot Wiggam and Adam Miller sponsored HB 29.

Why Did Ohio Sports Betting Take Too Long?

Ohio’s efforts to legalize sports betting took several years, and the state eventually became the 33rd in the nation to do so. Governor Mike DeWine had been a long-time proponent of legalizing sports betting and believed it was inevitable in Ohio. “Sports gaming’s already in Ohio; Ohio’s just not regulating it,” he said in March 2021.

One of the main issues that caused delays in legalization was determining who would be in charge of regulating Ohio sports betting. Both the Ohio Casino Control Commission and Ohio Lottery Commission were contenders for the role.

Despite DeWine’s signature, there were concerns that the bill could face litigation. Senator Niraj Antani worried that the Ohio Casino Control Commission’s control of most sports betting could lead to a lawsuit, instead of the state lottery.

John Cranley, a Democratic candidate running for governor, demanded that DeWine veto the sports betting bill. “By putting the Casino Control Commission in charge of most sports betting, the bill seeks to steal money guaranteed to public education under the Ohio Constitution,” said Cranley. He urged DeWine to order the lottery to authorize sports betting immediately, stating that “Just because the house always wins doesn’t mean public schools should always lose.”

Arguments Against Casino Commission

The impasse over who would regulate Ohio’s sports betting had been ongoing since 2019 when the first sports betting bills were introduced in the state.

In 2018, John Eklund and Sean O’Brien introduced shell legislation that included just 15 words, indicating that Ohio would take up sports betting in 2019. Senate Bill 111, which DeWine supported, proposed that the Ohio Casino Control Commission would regulate legal sports wagering.

The other bill, H 194, was introduced by Representative Dave Greenspan, which proposed that the Lottery Commission would oversee sports betting in Ohio.

Greenspan explained that an opinion from the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC) indicated that the governor’s preference was not feasible because Ohio sports betting was not considered a casino game under the purview of the CCC.

“I was surprised by the governor’s comments, but we believe our position is the correct position, and as we continue to promote the bill and explain the opinion, we are confident that we will convince him and others why the provisions in the House bill are the correct provisions,” Greenspan said.

Ohio: Largest Simultaneous Launch in US Sports Betting History

Ohio witnessed the largest simultaneous launch in the nation’s sports betting history on Jan. 1, 2023. Online and retail sportsbooks began to accept bets on the launch day simultaneously.

It was in contrast with most other states which rolled out retail sportsbooks first before launching legal online sports betting.

Ohio planned to launch mobile sportsbooks, land-based sportsbooks, and in-person sports betting kiosks at bars on the same date. It was never attempted by a state of Ohio’s size.

Ohio is the fourth-most populous state with legal sports betting. New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois are the top three.

The regulatory body said that the challenging task of the simultaneous launch was why the commission could not beat the deadline of Jan. 1, 2023 – a mandated deadline by the sports betting law.

Jessica Franks, the director of communications for the CCC, explained just how big a launch sports betting in Ohio would be:

“Ohio is undertaking the largest gaming expansion in its history and largest-ever simultaneous launch of sports gaming in the United States, with all eligible online applications, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, and kiosks in bars and taverns eligible to start on the exact same date.”

She told the commission was investigating nearly 3,000 applications to ensure compliance requirements to meet the Universal Start Date.

Seventeen online sports betting applications went live on the launch day. Those include DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars Sportsbook.

Who Regulates Ohio Sports Betting?

The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees most gaming in the state, including casino gaming, skill-based amusement machines, fantasy sports, and sports betting.

The seven-member commission also issues licenses to any operator to conduct retail and mobile sports betting in the state.

The CCC issues licenses for mobile and in-person sportsbooks and kiosks at bars and taverns. However, Type C licenses are regulated by the Ohio Lottery Commission.

Is It Safe to Use an Offshore Sportsbook in Ohio?

Whether you choose to join a local sports betting site or a reputable offshore site, online betting in Ohio is generally safe. However, we recommend that you stick to the top 5 offshore sportsbooks we have reviewed above for secure online betting.

Some editorial reviews may suggest that offshore betting is not safe, but this is contrary to our understanding of the three decades of the online gambling industry. Throughout this time, well-known brands like BetUS, BetOnline, and more recently, Bovada, have dominated the US online sports betting market.

A History of Sports Betting in Ohio

  • March 31, 2023: Ohio sportsbooks generate $82 million in revenue from more than $600 million in the February handle.
  • March 24, 2023: The Ohio Casino Control Commission approves prop bets on the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • March 17, 2023: The regulatory body slaps BetMGM with a $150,000 fine for violating the state’s rules for advertising and promotions.
  • March 2, 2023: Ohio sports betting sees a whopping $1.11 billion handle in its first full month of operations.
  • Feb. 23, 2023: Nearly 772 Ohio sports betting kiosks report less than $1 million in combined total bets.
  • Feb. 13, 2023: Gov. Mike DeWine proposes to increase the Ohio sports betting tax rate to 20% from the existing 10% in his executive budget.
  • Jan. 1, 2023: Ohio sports betting officially goes live at 12:01 a.m. ET.
  • Dec. 30, 2022: Ohio regulators investigate DraftKings’s reported involvement in sending sports betting mailers to residents under 21.
  • Dec. 8, 2022: Kroger delays the launch of sports betting kiosks at its 42 locations until later in 2023
  • Oct. 17, 2022: The NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers suddenly lose their sports betting partner after FuboTV announces the closure of Fubo Sportsbook effective immediately.
  • Oct. 11, 2022: BetMGM names an official sports betting partner of MLB’s Cincinnati Reds.
  • Sept. 7, 2022: The regulators approve the first eight sports betting licenses.
  • Aug. 26, 2022: Around 800 retailers apply for a Type C license in Ohio.
  • Aug. 8, 2022: The CCC sets Aug. 15 as the application deadline for operators to be guaranteed a Jan. 1, 2023 sports betting launch date.
  • July 13, 2022: Cincinnati Bengals announces Betfred as an official sports betting partner of the NFL team.
  • June 22, 2022: JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino apply for Type-A and Type-B licenses.
  • June 15, 2022: Ohio officially opens its sports betting application window for mobile and retail operators.
  • June 1, 2022: The commission announces that Ohio sports betting will launch on Jan. 1, 2023.
  • Feb. 24, 2022: NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers partner with Caesars Sportsbooks to open a retail sportsbook within Rocket Mortgage FiledHouse.
  • Dec. 22, 2021: Gov. Mike DeWine officially signs HB29 into law, legalizing retail and online sports betting in Ohio.

Online Sportsbooks Licensed in Ohio

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has so far awarded sports betting licenses to 22 mobile operators. The law allows up to 25.

Here is a list of 17 legal Ohio online sportsbooks operating in the state.

Online Sportsbook: Land-Based Partner

  • Barstool Sportsbook: Hollywood Columbus
  • BetJack: JACK Casino Cleveland
  • BetMGM: MGM Northfield Park
  • Betfred: Cincinnati Bengals
  • BetParx: Memorial Tournament/PGA Tour
  • Betr: Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • BetRivers: Hollywood Dayton
  • Betway: Belterra Park
  • Bet365: Cleveland Guardians
  • Caesars Sportsbook: Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs
  • DraftKings: Hollywood Toledo
  • FanDuel: Belterra Park
  • Hard Rock: Hard Rock Cincinnati
  • MVGBet: Miami Valley Gaming and Racing
  • PointsBet: Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley
  • Superbook: FC Cincinnati
  • Tipico: Columbus Crew

  Yet to Launch

  • Underdog: Cincinnati Reds
  • Bally Bet: Cleveland Browns
  • Out of the Gate: SPIRE Institute
  • Fanatics: Columbus Blue Jackets
  • WynnBET: Jack Thistledown Racino

PlayUp Sportsbook was denied an Ohio sports betting license due to potential illegal gambling.

Mobile Sports Betting Sites in Ohio

All our top offshore Ohio mobile sports betting sites have 100% mobile-friendly features, especially for Android and iOS devices:

Android Sports Betting

If you’re looking for the best Android sports betting applications in Ohio, you must try BetUS and BetOnline. You can place your online bets directly from your mobile web browser. It will relieve you from the hassle of downloading the app.

iOS Sports Betting

One of the most popular ways to bet online in Ohio is through an iPhone or iPad. You don’t need to download any app. Simply sign up for the top Ohio sportsbooks on your iOS device and place your bets directly.

Platforms such as Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie are well-designed for iOS sports betting, making them ideal for mobile betting in Ohio.

Ohio Retail Sportsbooks

Ohio currently has 13 retail sportsbooks, but the market can have up to 42 at its saturation point. Here’s a list of each sportsbook, along with its retail sports betting location:

  • Hard Rock Sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati – 1000 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • Hollywood Columbus Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Columbus – 200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
  • Hollywood Toledo Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Toledo – 1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH 43605
  • betJACK at JACK Cleveland Casino – 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
  • FanDuel Sportsbook at Belterra Park – 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
  • Caesars Sportsbook at Eldorado Scioto Downs – 6000 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
  • Caesars Sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse – 1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115
  • Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway – 777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414
  • Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course – 655 N Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515
  • Thistledown Sportsbook at JACK Thistledown Racino – 21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 41128
  • BetMGM Sportsbook at MGM Northfield Park – 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
  • BetMGM Sportsbook in the Machine Room at Great American Ball Park – 100 Joe Nuxhall Wy, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • SuperBook Sportsbook at Taft’s Ale House – 1429 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Why Play at An Offshore Sportsbook?

Betting at offshore sportsbooks in Ohio comes with several benefits, including the following:

  • Offshore sportsbooks offer bigger bonuses and more competitive odds compared to locally licensed sportsbook applications. This is because legal Ohio mobile betting sites have to offer smaller bonuses and worse odds due to the hefty regulatory fees.
  • Offshore betting sites like BetUS, BetOnline, and others have developed their brands over the last three decades. In comparison, local sports betting applications are new, and it will take time for them to understand what Ohio sports bettors really want.
  • Offshore operators provide access to a vast array of betting options that local Ohio sportsbooks cannot offer due to legal restrictions. For example, if you want to bet on politics, you can only do so through an offshore sportsbook.
  • The biggest advantage of using an offshore site in Ohio is the ability to bet online using cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and other cryptos are the best options if you want to bet anonymously in Ohio.

Sports Wagers in Ohio

All these sports wagers are available across the leading Ohio sports betting sites:

Moneyline

A moneyline is the simplest bet type where you bet on the game’s outcome. For example, there are two teams listed on the moneyline odds. You have to pick which of the two will win the game.

A favorite team will be represented by negative (-) odds, while the underdog will be represented by a plus (+) sign.

Parlays

Ohio sportsbooks also offer parlays, which combine two or more wagers into a single bet. Although each wager or leg is independent, you must win all your selections in order to cash your bet.

A multi-leg parlay is one of the most exciting bet types, with each leg making the odds longer and the potential payout bigger.

Totals

In a totals or over/under bet, you predict whether the total number of points scored by both teams in an event will be over (higher) or under (lower) a number set by the oddsmakers. This type of bet is popular in many sports, including football, basketball, and baseball.

Example:

  • Bengals +7 Over/Under 42
  •  Chiefs -7

If you think the combined score of the Bengals and Chiefs at the conclusion of the game would be greater than 42, you will place on “over 42 total points.”

However, if you think the combined total would be 41 or less than that, you will wager on “under 42 total points.”

Points Spread

A point spread bet is a way to level the playing field when a game involves a stronger and a weaker team. Instead of picking a winner or loser, you bet on how many points a team will win or lose by.

For example, in the 2022 Super Bowl between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams, the Rams were a -4 favorite, which meant they needed to win by five or more points to cover their spread. Meanwhile, the Bengals, a +4 underdog, needed to win outright or not lose by more than five points in the Super Bowl.

The final score was Rams 23, Bengals 20. As a result, Bengals fans who wagered on Bengals +4 won their bets since their team only lost by three points.

Futures

Futures bets are wagers placed on events that are further down the road. For example, your Ohio sportsbook will offer odds on the Bengals to win Super Bowl 2024. Betting on who will be the winner of the 2024 US Presidential Election is also an example of a futures bet.

Prop Bets

A prop bet is a wager on specific, smaller events within a game, rather than the final outcome of the sporting event. For example, you can bet on which NBA player will score the first basket or which NFL team will score first in a game. Another example of a prop bet could be betting on which player will score the next touchdown in the game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. Betting on the coin toss or the length of the national anthem at the next Super Bowl are also common examples of prop bets.

Live Bets

Edit: Live betting allows you to place wagers on sports events as they happen, instead of just before the game begins. This dynamic style of betting allows for constantly changing odds based on what is happening in the game. The thrill of live betting is that you can adjust your bets based on how the game is unfolding in real-time.

Prohibited Bets

Prohibited bets are types of wagers that are not offered by legal Ohio sports betting applications. However, using top offshore sites, you can access many prohibited bet types, such as political betting, in Ohio.

Betting Online on Football in Ohio

Ohio is home to millions of football fans and two professional football teams – the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

The Cleveland Browns compete in the American Football Conference North division and play their home games at FirstEnergy Stadium. Despite being a beloved team, the Browns have yet to win their first Super Bowl.

The Cincinnati Bengals have also yet to win a Super Bowl, although they did appear in one in 1989 and most recently in 2022. The Bengals play their games at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati.

If you’re a fan of either team or just love NFL betting in Ohio, Bovada is a top choice. The sports betting sites offers all the ingredients you look for in a top NFL betting site, including NFL odds, futures, lines, props, and a variety of markets for NFL games. Additionally, Bovada offers numerous sign-up and ongoing promotions to kickstart your NFL betting in Ohio.

Leagues and Sports You Can Bet on in Ohio

Ohio has a long professional and college sports history, and the state is home to every major league.

NBA

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made 23 playoff appearances, winning seven Central Division titles and five Eastern Conference titles. They won the NBA championship in 2016 and play their home games at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

For NBA betting in Ohio, BetOnline is a top choice. This operator offers a comprehensive selection of features, including the latest betting odds and lines for the NBA, as well as a superb live betting platform. The site also provides exciting bonuses, such as sports welcome bonuses, odds boosters, and a broad selection of banking options.

MLB

Ohio is known as the birthplace of professional baseball, with over 200 years of MLB history. In 1869, Harry Wright formed the first all-professional team, the Cincinnati Red Stockings.

Ohio is home to two MLB teams, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Guardians. The Reds have won five World Series titles, in 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976, and 1990.

The Cleveland Guardians, a member of the American League Central division, play their home games at Progressive Field. Although the Guardians have made it to the World Series six times, they have only won it twice, with their last championship win in 1948.

For Ohio baseball fans looking to bet on their favorite teams, BetUS offers excellent MLB betting lines, including moneylines, props, futures, and many more markets for all the pro baseball games. BetUS also offers enticing promotions, such as up to $2,500 for new MLB fans in Ohio, making it an excellent choice for betting on baseball.

NHL

The Columbus Blue Jackets were founded in 2000 and struggled during their initial years in the NHL. However, the team qualified for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 2009. The Blue Jackets won their first playoff game in the 2014 playoffs and their first playoff series in 2019, but they have yet to win their first Stanley Cup. The Blue Jackets play their home games at Nationwide Arena in downtown Columbus.

If you want to bet on the Blue Jackets or any other NHL team, BetUS is a great choice. This offshore sportsbook offers an excellent selection of hockey markets, including competitive odds and early released lines during the NHL betting season. Additionally, the site provides great futures betting options, allowing you to place wagers even when the NHL is not in season.

MLS

Ohio has two professional soccer teams: Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati, both of which compete in Major League Soccer (MLS). Only three other states have more than one MLS team.

Columbus Crew has two MLS Cup titles, in 2008 and 2020, and has been in the league since its inception in 1996. FC Cincinnati, the more recent addition, played its first MLS game in 2019 after being announced as an expansion team in 2015.

When it comes to betting on MLS soccer, BetOnline stands out as one of the best Ohio mobile sports betting sites. The site offers a comprehensive selection of markets, including moneyline, spread, and prop betting. Moreover, BetOnline provides top-notch live betting options, allowing you to place wagers in real-time while the game is underway. Their attractive welcome bonuses and reliable payment options make them a top choice for Ohio soccer betting fans.

NCAAB

Ohio is home to collegiate basketball teams like Dayton Flyers, Ohio Bobcats, and Xavier Musketeers. Overall, the Buckeyes have 11 Final Four appearances and an NCAA championship in 1960.

For many Ohio fans, college basketball is one of the most electrifying sports to wager on. We recommend BetOnline as the best NCAAB sportsbook for all your college basketball moneylines, points spread, props, and parlays. We rank this site for its early March Madness betting odds and exclusive ongoing promotions and contests for the event.

CFL

Football fans in Ohio can also bet on the Canadian Football League – the highest level of competition in Canadian football. The first of nine pre-season games kicks off May 22, and the regular season opens on Jun 8. The event concludes with the Grey Cup to decide the CFL champion for the 2023 season on Nov. 19, 2023.

Each week, four games are held, and the lines open up for each game at the start of the week. Moneyline, point spread, and over/under are the most common markets available in all the top Ohio sites. However, some Ohio sites like Bovada go beyond this by offering more specific props and alternative lines on CFL.

WNBA

Basketball fans in Ohio can still have options when March Madness and NBA go out of season in April and June, respectively. They have WNBA to bet on throughout the summer – the WNBA final is scheduled for Oct. 20.

You can use BetOnline to make WNBA bets, as the site doesn’t miss out on anything. Their WNBA betting menu is loaded with plenty of options, and their promotion page is always generous for new and existing bettors.

If you’re a new WNBA fan in Ohio, start with simple moneylines and over/under. Their spreads, futures, parlays, and live bets are ideal if you’re an experienced bettor.

NCAAF

Ohio State Buckeyes football is a highly successful program with a record of eight national championships. The Cincinnati Bearcats have also had some impressive moments, including their appearance in the 2021 Cotton Bowl against Alabama, and they have finished with nine or more wins in five consecutive seasons.

With the popularity of college football betting on the rise, we highly recommend Bovada as one of the best NCAAF betting sites. This site offers a wide range of football betting odds, including spreads, totals, moneylines, first halves, second halves, and live betting. Whether you’re a Buckeyes fan or a Bearcats supporter, Bovada has everything you need for a top-notch NCAAF betting experience in Ohio.

New Ohio Online Sportsbooks

XBet is one of the new Ohio online sportsbooks you can try in addition to the top five we have reviewed above. This popular sportsbook application operates in the Buckeye State on a Curacao license. Launched in 2013, the site offers an extensive range of major and niche sports leagues. Their live betting section is particularly impressive, one of the best in the industry.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Ohio Betting Site?

We have prepared a checklist of points to look for when choosing the top Ohio sports betting site:

Reviews: You must read editorial reviews about the site you want to join. LetsGambleUSA offers independent reviews on all the top offshore online sportsbooks that operate in Ohio. You can also triangulate your research by reading customers’ reviews about the site you’re considering joining.

Licensing Information: Look for Ohio betting sites that are licensed and regulated by reputable gaming bodies. Avoid joining sites that are not licensed or regulated. It is generally safe to join an online sportsbook that is approved by recognized authorities such as the Panama Gambling Authority or Curacao eGaming Authority, but be sure to also check if the site has any additional licenses from other jurisdictions. These licenses ensure that the site operates fairly and transparently, and they also provide recourse for customers if any issues arise.

Promotions: It is always worth looking for bonuses and promotions when choosing an Ohio sports betting site. These offers can give you a great start to your online betting experience, and the ability to provide significant bonuses also suggests a site’s financial stability. For instance, leading Ohio sites like BetUS offer a generous 100% welcome bonus of up to $2,500 when you join the site.

Accessibility: It’s essential to ensure that the Ohio betting site you choose is fully compatible with mobile devices. The best Ohio betting sites that we’ve reviewed are optimized for mobile devices, including Android and iOS. These operators continually upgrade their mobile software to provide hassle-free mobile betting, allowing you to wager on your favorite sports games on the go, 24/7.

Bets Allowed: Make sure that your site has ample betting options. While all the sites offer major sports, you must dig a little harder to get a greater variety. The top Ohio sportsbooks will always exceed your expectations whether you’re looking for the markets like professional and college sports or want odds on politics, financials, or religion.

Odds Pricing: Always look for favorable odds to get better payouts. For example, an Ohio site listing -110 (bet $110 to win $100) moneyline odds on a favored football team is offering better odds than a competitor site offering -120 (bet $120 to win $100) on the same line.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods: The best Ohio sportsbooks offer a variety of banking options to ensure a hassle-free betting experience. It’s important to ensure that the site you choose offers your preferred deposit and withdrawal methods. Leading operators like BetOnline offer a wide range of options, with 27 deposit and 22 withdrawal methods, including credit cards and dozens of cryptocurrencies. This ensures that you can easily fund your account and withdraw your winnings without any issues.

Customer Support: We always rank sites with responsive customer support. You should do this too. You can choose any sportsbook that fulfills the requirements of the best Ohio sportsbook. If a site allows email, phone, and live chat, it is safe to join.

Ohio Sports Betting Revenue

Ohio had a very successful launch of legal sports betting in January 2023, posting taxable revenue of $208.9 million, which is the highest for any state in a single month since the PASPA ruling. This amount is almost $60 million more than New York’s $149.9 million for the same month.

In the first two months of legal sports betting, Ohio has generated more than $1.75 billion in sports wagering handle. In February, the Ohio sportsbooks netted $82.8 million in revenue.

The state of Ohio has received more than $29 million in tax receipts from January and February’s sports betting revenue. These impressive figures are an indication of the growing popularity of sports betting in Ohio and the potential for the state’s sports betting industry to continue thriving in the coming years.

Sports Betting Taxes in Ohio

Ohio has a relatively low tax rate of 10% on sports betting compared to other states. New York, for instance, has a tax rate of 51%, and New Jersey’s tax rate is 13%. The revenue generated from Ohio sports betting goes to the General Revenue Fund for schools, with 2% allocated to problem gambling assistance and 0.5% of license fees going to fund veterans’ programs. If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER for help.

Industry experts estimate that Ohio sports betting could see up to $12 billion in bets annually by its third year of operation, generating state tax revenue of between $70 million and $90 million.

Banking Methods in Ohio

You can use all these banking methods when betting online in Ohio:

Credit and Debit Cards

The top Ohio sportsbooks offer various credit card options for deposit, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Bovada and BetOnline accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, while MyBookie accepts Visa and Mastercard only.

On the other hand, BetOnline and Sportsbetting.ag accept all four credit cards for deposits. BetOnline has a minimum deposit requirement of $25 and a maximum deposit of $2,500 for credit card transactions. However, this top Ohio site charges a 9.75% fee on credit card deposits.

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin is the most popular banking method offered by all reputed Ohio sportsbooks. However, BetOnline offers the most flexible deposit range among Ohio sportsbooks for Bitcoin – min $20 and max $500,000.

While most Ohio sportsbooks allow other cryptocurrencies – called altcoins – none offers a greater variety than BetOnline. This operator allows 17 cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Litecoin, Dogecoin, etc. You can deposit or withdraw using all these methods on this excellent site.

The best part is that there is no fee for crypto deposits or withdrawals.

Wire Transfers

BetUS and MyBookie allow wire transfer deposits, and Bovada includes this method for withdrawals only. However, BetOnline and Sportsbetting.ag offer wire transfer deposits and withdrawals.

BetOnline allows a min wire transfer deposit of $500, and you can deposit up to $10,000. However, Sportsbetting.ag allows a min deposit of $1,000, with no max limit.

E-Wallets

Bovada is currently the only top Ohio operator on our list that allows e-wallet banking. You can use PayPal and other popular e-wallets on Bovada.

All you need do to is to create a MatchPay account and connect one of the preferred e-wallet services. Other e-wallets available via this P2P platform include Apple Pay, CashApp, Chime, Venmo, and Zelle.

MatchPay deposits are free, but they have a limit of between $20 and $1,000.

Legal Sports Betting in Ohio Vs. Neighboring States

Ohio is bordered by Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky. All five are legal sports betting states, with Kentucky being the most recent addition.

West Virginia

West Virginia was one of the first states to legalize sports betting in 2018. Sports bettors in West Virginia wagered $1.87 billion between Sept. 2018 and Feb. 2023. This allowed the WV sportsbooks to generate $155.7 million in revenue and the state to generate $13.2 million in tax receipts.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania launched online sports betting in 2019 and now has over a dozen mobile sportsbooks. Since the first retail sportsbook launched in Nov. 2018 to Feb. 2023, the state has witnessed more than $20 billion in sports betting handle. This whopping handle led the PA sportsbooks to generate more than $1.6 billion in gross revenue. The Keystone State generated more than $376 million in sports betting tax.

Indiana

Indiana started legal wagering in Sept. 2019, with the mobile industry following suit a month later. The Hoosiers have wagered more than $11.28 billion in lifetime sports betting handle on IA sports betting applications. It led to $937 million in sports wagering revenue and a little more than $89.1 million in state taxes.

Michigan

Michigan launched mobile wagering in Jan. 2021, nearly a year after the retail sports betting launch. Between March 2020 and Feb. 2023, the state generated more than $833.4 million thanks to nearly $9.75 billion wagered in lifetime sports betting handle. The state extracted a little over $25.2 million in tax receipts.

Kentucky

Kentucky sports betting is now legal, with Gov. Andy Beshear signing HB 551 into law on March 31, 2023. The law will become effective on June 28, 2023, requiring the market to launch by Dec. 28, 2023.

Ohio Sports Betting FAQ

Is online sports betting legal in Ohio?

Yes, Ohio online sports betting has been legal and operational since Jan. 1, 2023. Currently, 17 mobile betting sites are available in a market that can have up to 25.

Is there a no-deposit sports bonus in Ohio?

Currently, none of the top Ohio betting sites offers any no-deposit bonus. Some sportsbooks include this promotion, offering free bonus bets to new customers for just joining the site without even requiring them to make an initial deposit.

When did Ohio legalize online sports betting?

Ohio legislature legalized sports betting on Dec. 8, 2021. Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law on Dec. 22, 2021.

Do offshore sportsbooks accept players from Ohio?

Yes. Leading offshore sites like BetUS and BetOnline accept Ohio bettors aged 18 and above to place statewide online bets on professional and college sports.

Can I play daily fantasy sports in Ohio?

Yes. You can play daily fantasy sports in Ohio using DFS sites like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo.

The Buckeye State legalized daily fantasy sports in 2018 and is also regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Is BetUS legal in Ohio?

BetUS is licensed by the government of Curacao to operate as an offshore online sportsbook. The site has been serving bettors in Ohio since 1994, making it one of the oldest online gambling sites in the US.

Is DraftKings legal in Ohio?

DraftKings is legal in Ohio as a sportsbook and DFS site. The Boston-based operator was among the 16 mobile sportsbooks that went live on the launch day on Jan. 1, 2023.

Is Bovada legal in Ohio?

Bovada is approved by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission to run online sports betting operations in 45 states, including Ohio. It is one of the most reputable and user-friendly mobile sportsbooks available to Ohio bettors.

Is BetOnline legal in Ohio?

BetOnline leads the Ohio sports betting market, thanks to regulatory approval by Panama Gambling Authority. This online sportsbook has been available to Ohio bettors since 2001.

Is FanDuel legal in Ohio?

FanDuel is licensed by the regulators to operate legal DFS and sports betting operations in Ohio. The New York-based operator was among the 16 applications that kicked off Ohio online sports betting on the launch day.

Is MyBookie legal in Ohio?

MyBookie is licensed by Curacao and is one of the top offshore online sportsbooks available to Ohio bettors. This reputable site was launched in 2014 and offers a wide range of sports betting options.

What is the minimum sports betting age in Ohio?

While Ohio sports betting law has set the minimum betting age to 21, the top offshore sportsbooks accept Ohio residents aged 18 to participate in mobile wagering.

Who regulates online sports betting in Ohio?

The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees every aspect of online sports betting, including licensing, regulating, investigating, and enforcing state laws. The commission also oversees most gaming activities in the state, including casino gaming, fantasy sports contests, and skill-based amusement machines.

Are online casinos legal in Ohio?

Ohio doesn’t regulate online casino gambling. However, you can still play your favorite online casino games from the comfort of your home at our top-rated Ohio online casinos.

Stay Ahead of the Game

Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.