Top 6 Ohio Sportsbooks: Best Legal Betting Sites for May 2025

Ohio sports betting promos and bonuses

Sports betting operators know the Ohio market will be highly competitive. So, most online sportsbooks and Ohio sports betting apps are spending cash on marketing and promoting their welcome bonuses. We've identified the top Ohio sign-up offers below.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

bet365: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets: Sign up and make a deposit of $10 or more and then claim the bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer. 

bet365: $1,000 First Bet Safety Net: Sign up and make a deposit of $10 or more and then claim the $1,000 First Bet Safety Net offer.   

Remember: You can only claim one offer at bet365.

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

Claim here.  

BetMGM: Up to $1,500 first bet: BetMGM is live in Ohio, and new customers who register are eligible for up to $1,500 in bonus bets.

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

Claim here.

Betr: $250 no sweat first bet: The Jake Paul-backed sportsbook is offering new users in Ohio a $250 no sweat first bet.

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

Claim here.

Caesars: Bet $1, get ten 100% Profit Boost tokens: OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Register with promo code SBRBONUSDYW. The max wager for each rewarded Profit Boost is $25. The max additional winnings for each rewarded Profit Boost is $2,500. 

Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Claim here.

DraftKings: Bet $5, win $300 in bonus bets:  New DraftKings customers in Ohio can get a bet $5, win $300 in bonus bets offer in the state.

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

Claim here.

FanDuel: Bet $5 on any market, win $200 in bonus bets: New users with FanDuel are eligible to bet $5 and win $200 in bonus bets.

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

Claim here.

More on FanDuel Promo Code.

Hard Rock: Up to $100 back: Hard Rock offers first-bet offer of up to $100 for new customers. Deposit $10 or more, then place your first bet. If that bet loses, you'll receive your money back as bonus bets equal to the initial bet amount (up to $100).

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

Claim here.

SBR tip: Veteran Ohio sports bettors can cash in ongoing promotions like odds boosts, no-sweat bets, and increased odds on same-game parlays.

See more promos on our Ohio sportsbook promos page.

Top Ohio sports betting sites

All betting sites have something unique to offer. It may be exclusive welcome bonus perks, custom betting options, or the opportunity to watch live video streams of sporting events worldwide. Whatever the case, Ohio is home to 15 sportsbooks and more are on the way. Check below to see what each operator is best known for.

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Ohio 👑

Bet $5, Win $300 + $1K Deposit Bonus

Terms and conditions apply.

Claim $300

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

DraftKings may have started as a daily fantasy sports destination, but it has since evolved into Ohio’s sports betting juggernaut. The industry-leading DraftKings Sportsbook and sports betting mobile app have set the standard of what every other operator hopes to achieve.

New players can earn a welcome bonus of $300 in bonus bets — no DraftKings promo code needed — by signing up and making a first deposit and wager of at least $5 on any sports market.

The promotions don’t end there, as DraftKings also gives new users a 20% first deposit bonus, up to $1,000. Plus, DraftKings has daily offers for returning players, from odds boosts to same-game parlay, no-sweat bets, and reward points earned on every wager. Combined, it's easily one of the best sportsbooks promos we've come across. 

DraftKings accepts various banking methods and players don't wait long on payouts. Most transactions are processed in less than three business days. With a solid user experience, an easy-to-navigate app, and a customer service team ready to help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise, it has earned the right to be the best sportsbook in Ohio.

Check out our DraftKings review for more.

Other Ohio online sportsbooks and sports betting apps

FanDuel Ohio 🔵

Bet $5, Win $200 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets, if your first bet wins. (within 72 hours).

Claim $200

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

If you look at FanDuel’s ratings, you will quickly realize that it competes with rival DraftKings for the best Ohio sports betting app. FanDuel offers a solid welcome bonus — no FanDuel promo code required — live betting, live video streaming of global sporting events, and fast payouts that hit your account in as little as one business day.

One of the app’s newest features is live same-game parlays that keep the action going throughout the day's matchup. With nearly 20 sports to choose from, there is something for every Ohioan to wager on at FanDuel. Each day this fall, all users will receive a boost or bonus as well.

New users who win a wager of at least $5 will earn $200 in bonus bets.

• App store ratings: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, win $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: FanDuel review. 

See how FanDuel compares to our top recommended sportsbook: FanDuel vs. DraftKings.

Caesars Ohio 🏛

Bet $1, Get Ten 100% Profit Boosts

New users only. Must use promo code. Min. $10 deposit. Max. bonus is ten 100% Profit Boost tokens. Profit Boost tokens expire in 14 days. Void where prohibited. Full terms.    

Claim Boosts

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

One of the most well-known and respected brands in gaming is now available in Ohio. Caesars online sportsbook and mobile sports betting app is also an official sports betting partner of Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, home of the Cavs. The Vegas staple offers new players a sign-up bonus of ten Profit Boost tokens when they enter Caesars Sportsbook promo code SBRBONUSDYW and bet at least $1.

Caesars boasts safe payment banking options with uber-quick payouts, and because it’s been in the game for decades, players can rest assured that the customer support team will be there when you need them.

• App store ratings: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $1 and double your winnings x10
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: Caesars review

BetMGM Ohio 🦁

Up To $1,500 First Bet

Bonus bets will expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Claim $1,500

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

The self-proclaimed “King of Parlays” online sportsbook and sports betting app may deserve more recognition based on content consumers' 4.8 iOS and 4.6 Android ratings. BetMGM offers new players up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first bet loses.

Plus, for those who like to take risks off the table, BetMGM offers an early cash out option on bet slips if you feel the momentum slipping away. And when you forget to wager before kickoff, this operator allows live in-play betting so that the odds are available until the final whistle.

BetMGM’s loyalty program hands out rewards points that can be redeemed for exclusive experiences only this brand can offer.

• App store ratings: 4.8 (iOS), 4.6 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,500 First Bet using the BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS
• Payout speed: 1-2 days

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: BetMGM review

ESPN BET Ohio 🏈

Up To $600 In Bonuses

Terms and conditions apply

More Sportsbooks

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

ESPN BET is one of the newest names in online sports betting, but they are hardly rookies. They bring decades of sports experience from their flagship sports network, plus the existing online betting tech from their recent partnership.

New ESPN BET users can take advantage of a welcome offer that includes a bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets deal + a first deposit match of 200%, up to $500. The best part? New customers can claim both offers simultaneously and get 30 days of ESPN+ on top of it. That's a rare deal in the sports betting world. 

You don't need an ESPN BET promo code to qualify for this one, as it's done automatically for all qualifying bettors.

• App store ratings: 4.6 (iOS), 3.4 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $600 in bonuses
• Payout speed: 1-5 business days

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: ESPN BET Review

Fanatics Ohio 🧢

Choose: Bet $50, Get $250 or $1,000 Bonus

Terms and conditions apply.

Choose Bonus!

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

Fanatics is a relative newcomer to the Ohio sports betting scene, having only launched in late 2023. However, it is already establishing itself as a strong competitor to industry stalwarts like DraftKings or FanDuel.

One of its main attractions is a choice between two seriously lucrative welcome offers. The best offer is arguably the Bet & Get deal, giving new players $250 in bonus bets in exchange for five $10+ wagers. 

• Register a new account with Fanatics and choose the Bet $50, Get $250 welcome bonus.
• Deposit at least $10 into your account.
• Make a wager of $10 or more on Day One of having your account, with -500 odds or longer.
• Win or lose, get $50 in Bonus Bets in your account.
• Repeat on Day Two, Day Three, Day Four, and Day Five for another $200 in Bonus Bets ($50 per day).
• Bonus bets cannot be withdrawn as cash and expire after seven days.

The ten daily $100 No Sweat Bets require a daily wager of $1 or more at -500 odds or longer. If your bet loses, Fanatics will return your stake as a bonus bet, up to $100 every day. 

Here are the details:

• Register a new account with Fanatics Sportsbook (mobile app only).
• Deposit at least $10 into your account.
• Make a daily qualifying bet of $1 or more, with minimum odds of -500 or longer.
• If your bet loses, Fanatics will refund the entire stake as a bonus bet, up to $100.
• Repeat this process for the first ten days after creating your account (10 x up to $100 per day).
• Opt-in required on every day except Day One.
• Bonus bets are only awarded if your daily qualifying wager loses.
• Missed days are forfeited, but you can still earn the bonus on any remaining days.
• Bonus bets cannot be withdrawn as cash and expire after seven days.

No Fanatics Sportsbook promo code is required to claim either bonus.

• App store ratings: 4.7 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $50, Get $250 in Bonus Bets OR $1K in Bonuses
• Payout speed: Within 48 hours

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: Fanatics Review

Ohio sportsbooks honorable mentions

Though they didn’t crack the top five, each of the following Ohio online sportsbooks deserve an honorable mention. Each OH sports betting site offers generous welcome bonuses, a great user experience, and a wide range of betting options. Here are some more of the best Ohio betting options:

• Bally Bet promo code
• bet365 bonus code
• BetRivers bonus code
• Hard Rock Bet promo code
• Betr picks promo code

OH sports betting key developments and updates

Here’s a look at Ohio’s sports betting history:

Ohio sports betting summary

Is sports betting legal in Ohio?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Ohio. On Dec. 22, 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 29 into law, authorizing online and retail sports wagering. Soon after, on Jan. 1, 2023, 16 online sportsbooks went live (although some would later shut down).

Today, bettors in the Buckeye State can access 15 legal sports betting apps, many of which also offer Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). For more information about this, check our guide to the best DFS sites.

How we rate and review Ohio sportsbooks

SBR has built an impressive roster of sports betting professionals from around the country that works to critique and review every Ohio online sportsbook we recommend independently. 

Deciding on a new online sportsbook or sports betting app can be challenging for new players or those new to sports betting. However, SBR’s team of experts weighs these factors and features before submitting its best-of list.

Welcome bonuses and promotions

Ohio quickly became a sports betting hotbed and one of the most coveted states by operators to earn market share. This means the best online sportsbooks and Ohio sports betting app powers will be aggressive in their welcome bonus offerings, bonus bets, and ongoing promotions, which include boosted odds, second chance wagers, and more. If operators offer you bonus bets, do not hesitate to cash in because you want to build your bankroll early.

User experience

We rate Ohio sportsbooks based on the ease of signing up, the ease of navigation around their app, the graphical display, and how that meshes with the overall look and feel of the sportsbook or betting app. At a basic level, we ask ourselves whether it is fun to poke around and easy to place a wager. Any sluggishness, inability for the app to geolocate you, app crashes, delays in banking, or customer service response time negatively impact the user experience.

Sports bet variety

Ohio online sportsbooks must offer a wide range of betting markets. New players may be content with NFL, MLB, and NBA odds, but some veteran and well-seasoned bettors may be interested in a European golf tournament or international tennis major. Plus, Ohio bettors can legally wager on eSports tournaments. Variety is the spice of life and applies to how our team of experts grades each online sportsbook.

Banking options

Getting money in and out of sportsbooks has long been a sticking point of online sports betting and the black market. As the number of states with legal sports betting grows and with the easing of restrictions, the most common banking options are readily available to most players. Today’s deposit methods include major credit and debit cards, Paypal, e-wallets, and bank wire transfers. 

New players should confirm before signing up that the operator accepts their preferred banking method. This due diligence can avoid headaches later on when it’s time to cash out.

Payout speed

Good things may come to those who wait, but we don’t want to wait long. The payout speeds of OH online sports betting sites are one of the factors SBR’s team of experts considers. The typical withdrawal takes roughly 48 hours to process and then a few more days for the funds to reach your account. Operators offering payouts by physical check can take up to 15 business days.

Security and customer support

When sharing personal and financial information, your data security is paramount. We only recommend operators who use the latest SSL encryption software and receive sports betting licenses from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. 

If issues arise or you have a question, the best Ohio online sportsbooks offer a wide range of customer support options via email, live chat, and phone. With live betting markets available around the clock, you should be able to reach a customer service rep on time and not wait for an answer.

How to start betting in Ohio

Thanks to advancements in technology, improved user experience, and less regulation, sports betting in Ohio has always been challenging. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be placing wagers and ringing the register in no time.

1. Select a sportsbook licensed in Ohio

The first step in your Ohio sports betting journey is to find an online sportsbook that suits your needs. This means taking the time to read SBR’s sportsbook reviews, evaluate welcome bonuses, see what banking methods are available and if the site’s security is up to your standards.

Once you have done your due diligence and decided on a legal Ohio sportsbook, sign-up, download the app to your iOS or Android device and fire it up.

2. Register online

Registering a new online account should take less than five minutes. Most sportsbooks require you to provide basic personal information like your full name, home address, email address, date of birth, and social security number. The SS number helps avoid online fraud and later streamlines the payout process. The operator may send you an email to verify your account. You’ll then create a unique username and password that includes a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The most robust passwords consist of at least eight characters.

3. Deposit and claim a bonus

So, you have a username and password. Now it is time to visit the online sportsbook cashier. Here is where you will sync your banking information with your account. Most operators accept major credit cards, Paypal, e-wallets, and bank wire transfers.

Here is also when you will enter any promo codes required to claim a new player welcome bonus. Keep an eye out for a promo code bonus field and type in the code before placing a first deposit.

4. Select and finalize your bet

With your account registered, a first deposit made, and a welcome bonus collected, it’s time to place your first bets. Most Ohio online sports betting sites offer a wide range of betting markets, from the NFL, NBA, and college football to tennis and golf and more niche betting sports like cycling and Aussie rules football. 

Before you place a bet, review how to read different types of odds, from moneylines to point spreads to point totals and more advanced options like same-game parlay and teasers. Once you’re locked in on your preferred wager, a couple of clicks is all it takes to submit your bet slip and finalize it. Be sure to review your bet slip before hitting submit. Some online sportsbooks do not let you edit or cancel your bet once submitted.

5. Win and withdraw your payout

Congrats, your three-team Killer B’s – Browns, Bengals, and Buckeyes – parlay hit, and you’re ready to request a withdrawal. Now, we know that you have already reviewed each sportsbook’s payout options before signing up. So, when you are ready, you’ll visit the cashier and click withdraw. You will see the dollar amount available to withdraw and then choose a preferred method, with some operators processing the request and payout within three business days.

Ohio sports betting handle

Ohioans wagered nearly $9 billion in 2024; this is referred to as the handle, or all monies wagered. With a 10% tax, revenues cleared $900 million, which translates to roughly $90 million in tax income generated annually for the state of Ohio.

Proceeds from sports wagers will go towards regulation costs, youth sports, and educational programs, with roughly 2% of tax revenue earmarked for problem gambling addiction.

OH sports betting handle 2025

OH sports betting handle 2024

OH sports betting handle 2023

Ohio sports leagues and teams to bet on

Ohio sports bettors may wager on their hometown teams but do your homework first. Keep an eye on injuries, weather, and other outside factors before placing a bet. The quickest way for your bankroll to shrink is betting on your favorite team or player — we're looking at you Joe Burrow — with emotion over due diligence.

Also, unlike other legalized states, you may wager on Ohio college sports teams like Ohio State, the University of Cincinnati, Xavier University, or some MAC matchups like when Bowling Green takes on Toledo in the Battle of I-75. 

Major League Soccer has gained a lot of attention in recent years in the Buckeye State as the Columbus Crew, and FC Cincinnati build out their passionate fan bases.

Sports bettors can check out the top sportsbooks for specific sports, leagues, playoffs, and categories:

Legal Ohio sports betting options

Legal Ohio sportsbook operators struck market access deals with Type-A (online) and Type-B (retail) licensees long before legal wagering came to the Buckeye State. 

There are now 15 active online sportsbooks and sports betting operators in Ohio, with potentially more to come at a later date. We are waiting for Out the Gate and Underdog to launch in the Buckeye State soon.

To date, 15 Ohio sports betting sites have received and met the required conditions for launch. Meanwhile, 13 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks began accepting wagers within the first two days of legalization.

Plus, several operators have reached agreements with Ohio's professional sports teams to become their official sports betting partners.

Land-based Ohio sportsbooks

Who can bet on sports in Ohio

Individuals 21 years of age and older in Ohio are eligible to place legal wagers. Convenience is an underlying theme, as Ohio's universal launch date authorized access to retail brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and online OH sports betting sites. 

We've identified the most salient facts and things to consider before placing your first real money wager.

Legal age 🎂

Ohio sports bettors must be at least 21 years of age or older. Horse racing bettors must be 18 years of age or older.

Mobile betting 📱

As of Jan. 1, 2023, mobile sports betting is available in Ohio. The OCCC has made 25 online or mobile licenses available for sports betting app operators. Fifteen (15) sports betting apps in Ohio are already available, like DraftKings and FanDuel.

Remote registration 💻

Years ago, it was common for a state to require players to visit a retail sportsbook to register an online account. Thanks to improved geotagging software, every Ohio sports bettor can sign up for a new account remotely and begin betting at online sportsbooks immediately.

Within state borders 🌎

Ohio residency, or lack thereof, does not prevent you from wagering at online sportsbooks or sports betting apps, but you must be located within the state’s borders when placing a bet. This means if a Cincinnatian hops over the bridge to Kentucky, geofencing software will not allow for a bet to be placed. This is why each sports betting app requires location services to be turned on while the app is open. You may ask it not to track your location when the app is closed.

Retail sportsbooks 🏢

Bettors can physically access 13 retail outlets to place sports wagers in person. Ohio sports betting bill HB 29 authorizes as many as 40 Type-B sports betting licenses, signaling more to open in the coming weeks and months. This accommodation includes retail sportsbooks at venues like Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland and Nationwide Arena in Columbus, in addition to casinos and racinos.

Taxable winnings 💸

Sports betting winnings are taxed at the federal and state level. This breaks down to a 25% tax rate at the federal level when you provide your social insurance number but climbs to 28% if you withhold that proof. Meanwhile, a state tax of 4% applies to your winnings too.

What you can and can't bet on in Ohio

Those new to Ohio sports betting may be surprised at some of the more random sporting events you can wager on around the globe. Despite the best online sportsbooks in Ohio offering a wide range of betting markets, both domestic and worldwide, there are some limitations.

Politics ❌

You can’t bet on United States political events. So, if you were hoping to wager on the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential outcome, odds won’t be available in Ohio or any of the 30-plus legal sports betting markets.

Entertainment and award ceremonies ❌

No Ohio-based bettors can wager on entertainment awards, like the Emmys or Oscars. That dream Best Actor in a Drama wager will have to wait.

eSports ✅

The esports video game industry flourished during the pandemic and has not slowed down. Lucky for Ohio residents, it is legal to wager on esports events like League of Legends and Fortnite.

What about college sports? 🎓

Ohio has no betting restrictions on college sports, meaning you can wager on the Buckeyes and any other OH-based school without restrictions.

Responsible Ohio sports betting

The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees not only legal sports betting but all forms of gambling in the state. According to its mission statement, the Ohio Casino Control Commission's responsibility is to ensure the integrity of sports gaming in Ohio.

The OCCC regulates licenses, performs regular audits, and investigates and enforces laws to keep individual players’ personal and financial information safe and secure and to hold operators accountable for their practices.

Ohio gambling helpline: 1-800-589-9966

National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbooks to avoid in Ohio

With Ohio now officially one of the country's largest legal sports betting markets, those in the Buckeye State have no reason to seek out illegal offshore operators. These sites typically do not offer sports betting apps, are risky to use, and do not offer user-friendly banking methods. Plus, your personal and financial data could be compromised at any time. We only endorse the safest Ohio sportsbooks.

Growth of sports betting 📈

When the U.S. Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, the growth of legal sports betting in the United States skyrocketed. Close to three dozen states have since legalized some form of sports betting, with the most common legislation including the licensing of online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. Check our legal sports betting tracker to find out more about any state you're interested in. 

Over the past few years, large states like Ohio and Massachusetts have enjoyed massively successful online betting launches. Sports fans get an extra way to engage with their favorite teams, and the states earn plenty of much-needed revenue from licensing fees and taxes.

Last year, legal North Carolina sports betting arrived on March 11, 2024, bringing eight of the best sportsbooks in the country to the Tar Heel state.

However, all eyes will be on Missouri in 2025, with legal sports betting set to launch in the Show-Me State sometime in mid-to-late summer. Stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates as they're announced by following our Missouri sportsbook promos page.

The states closest to offering legalized sports betting next are Oklahoma and Hawaii, but we don't expect either until the first half of 2026 (at the earliest).