Ohio Sports Betting: Best OH Online Sportsbook Sites

Quick facts: Ohio sports betting

Here are some quick-hit Ohio sports betting facts to chew on: 

Ohio betting promos and bonuses

Sports betting operators know the Ohio market will be highly competitive. So, all 16 online sportsbooks and sports betting mobile apps are spending cash on marketing and promoting their welcome bonuses. We've identified the best Ohio sportsbook promos below.

bet365: Bet $1, get $365 in bet credits: Sign up and make a deposit of $10 or more and then claim the bet $1, get $365 in bet credits offer.

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

Claim here.  

BetMGM: $1,000 first bet insurance: BetMGM is live in Ohio, and new customers who register are eligible for up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets.

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

Claim here.

Betr: $100 bonus for first 10,000 that register: The Jake Paul-backed sportsbook is offering the first 10,000 users that register in Ohio get a $100 bonus with Betr.

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

Claim here.

Caesars: Get up to $1,500 on Caesars: Get up to $1,500 on Caesars: OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Register with SBROHIO1BET promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. 

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

Claim here.

DraftKings: Bet $5, bet $150 in bonus bets: New DraftKings customers in Ohio can place a wager of $5+ on any moneyline and receive $150 in bonus bets if their bet wins. 

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

Claim here.

FanDuel: No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000: New users to FanDuel are eligible for a No Sweat First Bet of up to $1,000 in bonus bets. All you have to do is sign up and make a first deposit of at least $10. If your first bet loses, FanDuel will give you bonus bets equal to the amount of the first bet.

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

Claim here.

HardRock: No Regret First Bet up to $1,000: Hard Rock offers what they call a No Regret First Bet of up to $1,000 for new customers. Deposit $10 or more, then place your first bet of at least $100. If that bet loses, you'll receive your money back as bonus bets equal to the initial bet amount.

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

Claim here.

PointsBet: Get up to $250 In bet credits: PointsBet has Ohio residents covered with new customers eligible to receive $250 in Bet Credits ($50 in Bet Credits per day for 5 days if your first fixed odds cash bet of the day loses) now!

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

Claim here.

Tipico: Deposit $200, get $250 in bet credits:Tipico has Ohio residents covered with two promos: Double down Ohio: Deposit $200 and Get $250 in Bet Credits or The Ohio Tease: Deposit $10 and Get $50 in Bet Credits

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 betting sites

All betting sites have something unique to offer. It may be exclusive welcome bonus perks, custom betting options like at PointsBet, or even the opportunity to watch live video streams of sporting events worldwide. Whatever the case, sportsbooks in Ohio currently number 16, and more are on the way. Check out which each is best known for in the table below.

get365

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Ohio

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 up to $150 in bonus bets by signing up and making a first deposit and winning wager of at least $5 on any pre-game moneyline. But the promotions don’t end there as DraftKings Sportsbook promotions keep popping every day, from odds boosts to same-game parlay, no sweat bets, and reward points earned on every wager.

DraftKings accepts various banking methods and does not make players 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

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 similar to DraftKings, 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.

• App store ratings: 4.5 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)

• Sign up bonus: Bet $20, get $200 in bonus bets

• Payout speed: 1-5 business days

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: FanDuel Review

Caesars

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 up to $1,500 plus tons of loyalty and tiered rewards simply for registering and making a first deposit.

It 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 Caesars Sportsbook customer support team will be there when you need them.

• App Store ratings: 4.6 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)

• Sign up bonus: Up to $1,500 (Code: SBRFULL)

• Payout speed: 1-5 business days

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: Caesars Review

BetMGM

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 insurance of up to $1,000 on their first wager.

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: $1,000 insurance first bet

• Payout speed: 2-8 business days

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: BetMGM Review

Barstool Sportsbook

Not only does Barstool’s online sportsbook and sports betting app let Ohioans earn up to $1,000 via its exclusive new player welcome bonus, but this operator also lets you set your lines, and it’ll create custom odds for you. Barstool lets you bet alongside its colorful cast of Barstool Sports personalities, enjoy odds boosts and bonus cash, and earn reward points. The cherry on top is that Barstool added Venmo as an approved banking method.

• App Store Ratings: 4.7 (iOS), 3.3 (Android)

• Sign Up Bonus: $1,000 welcome bonus

• Payout Speed: 1-15 business days

Where to bet on sports in Ohio: Barstool Sportsbook 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. Be sure to read our detailed and unbiased sportsbook reviews to learn more.

• bet365
• BetRivers
• PointsBet
• Tipico
• Betfred
• SuperBook
• Betway
• Hard Rock
• Betr
• MVGBet
• betJACK

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 will wager between $9-and-$12-billion in 2023; this is referred to as the handle, or all monies wagered. With a 10% tax, revenues from that handle are expected to clear $700 million, which translates to $70-$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.

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, or some MAC matchups like when Bowling Green takes on Toledo in the Battle of I-75. 

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

Sports league betting sites

Choosing the right betting site for different sports leagues can make a difference for an enjoyable and profitable betting experience. Explore our guides on different platforms best suited for specific sports leagues and your betting needs:

• NFL betting sites
• MLB betting sites
• NHL betting sites
• NBA betting sites

Playoffs & tournament betting Sites

Choosing the appropriate betting site for sports playoffs and tournaments is can also be tricky. Check out our guides for recommendations on betting platforms that cater to specific sports tournaments:

• March Madness betting sites
• Super Bowl betting sites
• World Cup betting sites

Legal sports betting and regulations in Ohio

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 16 active online sportsbooks and sports betting operators in Ohio, with five more approved to launch later in 2023. We are waiting for betPARX and WynnBet to launch in the Buckeye State soon.

To date, 21 Ohio sports betting sites have received and met the required conditions for launch. Sixteen of these operators launched legal Ohio sports betting sites on Jan. 1, 2023. 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. Sixteen (16) 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 require 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'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 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.

Responsible sports betting in Ohio

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.

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