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Legal Ohio sports betting unlocked one of the country's most competitive markets. Operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars have doled out over $8,000 worth of Ohio sportsbook promos and bonuses. We'll walk you through the best sign-up offers available.

Top Ohio sportsbook promos

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

#1

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of $5+ and get $150 in Bonus Bets win or lose (within 72 hours).

Features

  • Top-tier app experience.
  • Same Game Parlays and SGP+.
  • Extensive promos and odds boosts.

FanDuel Review

FanDuel reigns supreme right now as the No. 1 betting site in America. And it has largely earned that spot on the strength of superior brand recognition, an easy-to-use product, an overwhelming number of markets for North America’s most popular sports, and representation in every state in which it is permitted to offer legal sports betting.

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

Features

#2

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Features

  • Earn Caesars Rewards from betting activity.
  • Live streaming of NFL games.
  • User-friendly mobile app.
Bet Now

Caesars Review

The welcome offer for new U.S. customers is a $1,000 first bet on Caesars. Ensure you use the active Caesars promo code — SBRBONUS1000 — to claim the offer.  

Features

#3

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Features

  • Extensive live betting options.
  • More markets than any other sportsbook.
  • One of the best apps in the industry.
Bet Now

bet365 Review

Terms and conditions: Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

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

Features

#4

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets

+$25 in FanCash 🧢

Features

  • Live in 19 states
  • Extremely powerful brand history and recognition
  • FanCash reward system is great for sports fans

Fanatics Sportsbook Review

Fanatics Sportsbook has launched its app in almost 20 states already, with plans to expand to more in the near future. Fanatics is poised to be a major player in the sports betting industry.

Features

#5

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

+ No Sweat SGP Every Day of NBA Playoffs 🏀

Features

  • Lots of promos and odds boosts.
  • Wide range of sports and bet types.
  • Seamless integration with DFS.

DraftKings Review

New customers with DraftKings can place an initial deposit and wager of $5 or more on any sports market to receive $200 in bonus bets, win or lose. The reward will be delivered as eight (8) $25 bonus bets that are non-withdrawable, non-transferable, non-refundable, and will expire after seven days.

Additionally, you're eligible to garner a No Sweat token every day one is offered for SGP/SGPx bets.

Check out our resource for the latest DraftKings promo code. The offer is available until Feb. 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

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

Features

#6

Up to a $100 Second Chance Bet

Features

  • Competitive odds across all markets.
  • Live betting section is well organized.
  • Earn iRush Rewards from betting activity.

BetRivers Review

BetRivers is in Ohio! BetRivers has a welcome bonus of up to $100 on a second-chance bet. Use promo code SBRBONUS upon sign-up to claim.

Must be 21+. Available in OH only.  If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 

Features

#7

Up To $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

Terms and conditions apply. 

Features

  • Some of the best live-betting odds.
  • Great deposit options.
  • Earn MGM Rewards from betting activity.
Bet Now

BetMGM Review

BetMGM is live in Ohio, and new customers who register are eligible for the $1,500 first bet offer.

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

Features

Affiliate Disclosure:

Full list of Ohio sports betting promos and bonuses

The best Ohio sportsbook promos range in maximum amounts from $50 to $1,500, although the true value of each varies depending on its attached terms and conditions. For example, a $1,000 reward containing hefty playthrough requirements — how many times you have to bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw it — and odds restrictions may ultimately be less beneficial to you than a $150 offer with neither of those limitations. Always ensure you examine the best sportsbook promos closely before deciding to redeem them.

As for Ohio sportsbook promo codes, most of the best sportsbooks in the state do not require one to cash in on sign-up bonuses. Instead, you'll either have to opt into the bonus, or it will be automatically applied post-registration. The only online sports betting sites that currently require you to input a promo code are bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, and SuperBook. See the table below for exclusive promo codes that will unlock the biggest bonuses.

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

Ohio sports betting promos summary

🚀 OH apps launch dateJan. 1, 2023
➡️ Legal betting age21+
📱 Online bettingYes
🎫 Sports betting kiosksYes
🔔 OH regulatorOhio Casino Control Commission
🏆 Best OH bonusDraftKings
💰 Biggest OH bonusBetMGM: Up to $1,500 First Bet Insurance
▶️ Sports betting sites19
🎰 Online casinosNo
🃏 Online pokerNo
☎️ Problem gambling hotline1-800-589-9966
ℹ️ Gambling addiction counselingYes

1. DraftKings OH welcome offer 👑

One of the premier Ohio sports betting promos from one of the premier sportsbooks, DraftKings tenders new Buckeye State players $200 in bonus bets when they make an initial wager of $5 or more on any sports market. No DraftKings promo code is required here. 

In addition, DK users, new and existing, can use their no sweat SGP for every NBA playoff game.

  • Once you've set up your new sportsbook account, you must deposit $5 or more.
  • Make your qualifying wager of at least $5 on any sports market you wish.
  • Regardless of whether your initial bet wins or loses, you’ll get $200 in bonus bets.
  • The $200 will be delivered as eight (8) $25 bonus bets, and each must be used within seven days.
  • You cannot withdraw the $200 bonus, and it will not be part of any real-money winnings you earn via bonus bets.
  • Act fast: The offer expires on May 6, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Looking for additional expert insight on the sportsbook? Read our complete DraftKings review.  

Screenshots of the DraftKings Sportsbook iOS app.
DraftKings iOS app

DraftKings promo pros and cons

ProsCons
✔️ Low wagering requirement of $5❌ Maximum bonus amount may be low for experienced bettors
✔️ Great for first-time bettors❌ Expires quickly
✔️ Terms and conditions easily accessible on app❌ Bonus bets cannot be combined into a larger, single bet

What does the DraftKings sign-up promo mean for you?

DraftKings' offer is one of the top Ohio sportsbook promos — a point in its favor in the FanDuel vs. DraftKings debate — because it’s easy to understand and perfect for new players learning to use the mobile app. All you do is sign up, make a minimum deposit, wager $5 on any sport, and instantly get $200 in bonus bets. From there, you can use the bonus funds to learn the ropes of the site and place more wagers.

How much money can you earn with the DraftKings sign-up promo?

DraftKings does not set odds limits on its bonus bets. So, the amount of money that can be earned depends on your risk appetite and eagerness to be aggressive (more money if it hits) or conservative (less money if the bet cashes).

Remember that you only get to keep the profits of wagers made with bonus bets. So if you use your bonus bets to pick heavy favorites, you will ultimately come out with less than $200 in total profit.

Why is DraftKings’ bonus better than the others?

DraftKings' Ohio sportsbook bonus makes it easy for new players and helps them build a solid bankroll right away without needing a monster deposit. If you do earn some profit with your picks, DraftKings is one of the fastest payout sportsbooks, ensuring you can get your money quickly.

What is DraftKings best known for?

Aside from having a terrific welcome bonus, DraftKings is known for having plenty of ongoing promotions to keep existing players interested. You'll frequently find daily bet boosts and No Sweat Bet tokens that you can use to increase your bankroll. If you're looking for some Super Bowl betting promos, DraftKings has some great options. 

Aside from the promos, DraftKings offers competitive odds and a vast sports betting market, giving you the chance to bet on almost anything you could think of. 

2. Caesars OH welcome offer 🏛

An industry leader, Caesars Sportsbook has come to play in the Buckeye State, providing new bettors with one of the most lucrative Ohio sportsbook bonus offers — up to a $1,000 first bet. Use the active Caesars Sportsbook promo code — SBRBONUS1000 — to unlock the reward.

  • Following registration, make a minimum initial deposit of at least $10.
  • Place your first bet of any amount on whichever sports market you prefer. Should it fail, Caesars will reimburse your stake, up to $1,000, as a bonus bet.
  • The single bonus bet can only be used on one wager. It will arrive in your account within 48 hours of your qualifying wager settling as a loss.
  • If you do not use the bonus bet within 14 days, it will expire.
  • You cannot withdraw the up to $1,000 bonus, nor will it be part of any real-money winnings you earn via bonus bets.

To discover more about the sportsbook's platform, check out our full Caesars review.  

Screenshot of Caesars Sportsbook for Android. 
Caesars Android App

Caesars Sportsbook promo pros and cons

ProsCons
✔️ High-value bonus❌ First bet must lose to activate
✔️ Only a $10 minimum deposit❌ Short expiry window
✔️ Best for more experienced bettors

What does the Caesars sign-up promo mean for you?

It means Ohio sports bettors can risk more on their initial wager, and Caesars will provide insurance on the bet up to $1,000. So, if you wager $1,000 on the first bet and it loses, Caesars Ohio will reload your account with $1,000. Remember, no bonus credits will be awarded if your first bet wins.

How much money can you earn with the Caesars sign-up promo?

There is no odds limit on this Ohio sportsbook bonus. So, a $1,000 wager using bonus funds at odds of +200 could earn you $2,000.

Why is Caesars’ bonus better than the others?

Few of the other Ohio betting promos can match Caesars' offer when it comes to maximum value, and a mere $10 deposit gets you started.

What is Caesars best known for?

Caesars is a top-tier online sportsbook with one of the highest valued welcome bonuses. However, they are arguably best known for having one of the greatest rewards programs around. Consistent players will earn plenty of Caesars Rewards points, which can be redeemed for a huge selection of prizes, including perks at Caesars-branded hotels and casino resorts across the country. 

3. FanDuel OH welcome offer 🔵

FanDuel sets the bar for quality Ohio sports betting promos. New customers can garner a bet $5, get $150 welcome offer without the use of a FanDuel promo code. Here are the details:

  • Register and download the mobile app to make your first deposit of at least $10.
  • Place your initial wager of at least $5 on any available betting market.
  • Win or lose, you'll receive $150 in bonus bets. They arrive within 72 hours.
  • The bonus bets cannot be cashed out and expire in seven days.

Sift through our unbiased FanDuel review to discover more about the sportsbook.

Screenshot of the FanDuel Sportsbook app for Android. 
FanDuel Android App

FanDuel promo pros and cons

ProsCons
✔️ Low initial risk❌ Can only be claimed in app
✔️ Bonus can be broken into smaller bets❌ Expires quickly

What does the FanDuel sign-up promo mean for you?

This FanDuel offer is relatively simple. Just download the app, make a new account, deposit some funds, and bet at least $5 on any moneyline market. Win or lose, FanDuel will reward you with $150 in bonus bets.

How much money can you earn with the FanDuel sign-up promo?

Bonus bets must be used to make more bets, although any winnings will not include the amount of bonus bets you risked. The amount you can ultimately earn from this promo depends on the size of your first bet and how you choose to risk your potential bonus bets.

Why FanDuel’s bonus is better than the others

FanDuel provides a reward that can be split into smaller wagers, something you won't find with some of the other top Ohio sportsbook promos. That kind of flexibility provides incredible value to the customer. 

What is FanDuel best known for?

FanDuel boasts a terrific all-around sportsbook product, particularly regarded as one of the best prop betting sites on the market. 

However, they are likely best known for their dedicated mobile app. Available on both iOS and Android devices, the FanDuel app is easily the best sports betting platform around. It's quick, responsive, and easy to navigate. You can quickly search for any sport you're looking for and make your bets with ease. 

4. BetMGM OH welcome offer 🦁

Those new to BetMGM can claim one of the more uncomplicated Ohio sportsbook promos — up to $1,500 back in bonus bets. Just be sure to use BetMGM bonus code SBRBONUS when registering.

  • After you have fabricated your BetMGM OH account, make your first deposit of $10 or more.
  • Put down your qualifying wager on whichever sports market you prefer. If it goes down in flames, the sportsbook will issue you a refund, up to $1,500, in bonus bets.
  • The bonus bets will be broken into 20% denominations on wagers of over $50. If you bet under $50, you will acquire one bonus bet.
  • The reward will reach your account within 24 hours, and you will have seven days to use it.
  • You cannot withdraw the $1,500 bonus, nor will it be part of any real-money winnings you earn via bonus bets.

Read our BetMGM review to get a big-picture look at what the sports betting platform has to offer.

Screenshot of BetMGM Sportsbook app on Android.
BetMGM Android App

BetMGM promo pros and cons

ProsCons
✔️ Only requires a minimum deposit of $10❌ Initial wager must bomb for bonus to activate
✔️ Built-in flexibility❌ Expires quickly
✔️ Solid maximum bonus amount

What does the BetMGM sign-up promo mean for you?

Even the most conservative sports bettor can take more risk on their first wager because BetMGM is staking your loss up to $1,500. So, if your first wager is for $750 and it loses, BetMGM will refund your account with $750 in site credit. Remember to place your bonus funds wager within seven days of receipt.

How much money can you earn with the BetMGM sign-up promo?

The amount that you can earn with your Ohio sportsbook bonus depends on how successful your wagers are. For example, if you wager $1,500 and get five (5) $300 bonus bets, you won't garner any profits should they all lose. On the other hand, if any of them win, the earnings can be withdrawn at once.

Why BetMGM’s bonus is better than the others

While some Ohio welcome promos demand you wager your entire bonus bet at once, BetMGM's comes in five equal segments, providing you with myriad opportunities to profit.

5. bet365 OH welcome offer 🟢

New bet365 users can take advantage of one of Ohio's best bonuses, a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets offer. Use the bet365 promo code SBRBONUS when registering to qualify for this generous offer.

  • Register at bet365 Ohio and make sure to use our unique SBRBONUS promo code.
  • Make a deposit of at least $10, which is the minimum deposit limit.
  • Make a wager of at least $5 on any market, as long as its odds are -500 or better.
  • Win or lose, you'll receive $150 in bonus bets.
  • The bonus bets can be used all at once, or split into smaller chunks.
  • Bonus bets cannot be withdrawn as cash, they must be used to make additional wagers.
  • Bonus bets don't expire, but will be removed from your account after 90 days of inactivity.
  • Winning wagers made with bonus bets don't include the original stake amount in the payout.

Alternatively, you can redeem bet365's other new-player offer instead — a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. Remember: You can only claim one sign-up bonus with bet365.

  • After registering and entering the promo code, deposit $10 or more within seven days of claiming the offer.
  • You must claim the bonus within seven days of registration.
  • Place your first bet of any amount on any sports market.
  • Should your qualifying wager lose, you'll get your money back, up to $1,000, in bonus bets.
  • The bonus bets will appear in your account within one hour of your initial wager settling.

Read our bet365 review to get a big-picture look at what the sports betting platform has to offer.

Screenshot of bet365 Sportsbook app in iOS.
bet365 iOS app

bet365 promo pros and cons

ProsCons
✔️ Only requires a minimum bet of $5❌ -500 odds or better
✔️ First bet doesn't have to lose❌ Bonus bets can't be cashed out
✔️ Guaranteed bonus bets

What does the bet365 sign-up promo mean for you?

Simply put, this sign-up promo means you get $150 in bonus bets for the bare minimum risk. There's no catch. Just bet $5, and you'll reap the rewards. The $150 worth of bonus bets is a great head start for your bankroll, giving you the freedom to make additional bets and get a better feel for the bet365 mobile app. 

How much money can you earn with the bet365 sign-up promo?

On paper, the total amount is $150. However, you can't withdraw that amount as cash, so the true amount of money you can make with this promotion depends on how your bets do. If you consistently pick winners with your bonus bets, you can make more than $150. If you hit a cold streak of losing bets, you could end up with much less. 

Why bet365’s bonus is better than the others

bet365 offers you the best value in terms of risk vs. reward. You only have to wager $5 to activate this offer, and you don't even have to lose your first bet in qualify.

What is bet365 best known for?

bet365 is only in a handful of legal betting states so far, but they are working hard towards being available in more locations. Despite not having the same reach as more popular sportsbooks, bet365 is every bit as good (if you have access to it).

Their best feature is the sheer number of daily bet boosts and pre-built SGPs, giving fans a quick way to score boosted odds on the day's most popular sporting events. Speaking of popular sporting events, bet365 is one of the best Super Bowl betting sites. The sheer number of creative betting options that it has for the Big Game is impressive. 

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

How we rate and review Ohio sports betting promotions

Our betting experts consider several factors when rating and reviewing Ohio sports betting promos. Here are some of them:

  • The maximum dollar amount value of the bonus: Even though the highest valued promos aren't always the best value or easiest to claim, some bettors will want to squeeze out every dollar possible.
  • Whether or not a promo code is needed to unlock the offer: Many sites don't require a promo code, although there are still a handful that do. It's an extra step that you won't want to forget about.
  • Whether or not you need to make a minimum deposit: Most bonuses require a minimum deposit (and maybe even a minimum first wager). There aren't many no deposit bonuses kicking around Ohio.
  • Whether or not there are odds requirements: Some bonuses have odds restrictions, meaning you can't bet on heavy favorites in an effort to unlock bonus funds with ease. The best Ohio sportsbook promos don't have any odds requirements at all.
  • What is the bonus' expiry date: Bonus funds frequently only last in your account for seven or 14 days. Occasionally, a sportsbook will give you 30 or 90 days to use your bonus funds. The longer, the better, since it gives you more time to pick the best way to utilize your bonus funds.
  • What playthrough wagering requirements must be met to withdraw funds: Most bonus bets only need to wagered through one time (1x) to qualify for withdrawal. Other bonuses, like deposit matches, sometimes require a 5x or 10x playthrough requirement, making them harder to fully unlock.

The bonuses are only a small part of a larger equation used to evaluate the overall strength of Ohio’s best online legal sportsbooks and sports betting apps.

Types of Ohio betting sign-up bonuses

The three most common Ohio sportsbook bonus welcome offers are deposit matches, bonus bets, and first bet insurance. We put together a brief breakdown of each:

Deposit match bonus

Operators are fighting for your business. So, to entice you to choose their betting sites, they’ll match a percentage of your first deposit. For example, an online sportsbook that offers a 100% deposit match on a $500 deposit, you would double your account bankroll to $1,000.

Review the playthrough requirements on that $500 bonus, though, since you might not get to withdraw it until specific terms and conditions are met. However, your $500 to wager is now valued at $1,000, thanks to the deposit match welcome offer.

Bonus bets

Anybody who has been poking around Ohio sports betting apps knows some top-tiered operators are promoting bonus bets to first-time players. All you need to do to earn them is make a small first-time deposit or wager.

For example, many sportsbooks are embracing a "Bet and Get" style welcome bonus. Once you make your first wager of $5 or more, you could get a $100 or $200 in bonus bets. Sometimes you are required to win your first bet in order to collect the bonus, but some books give out the bonus bets regardless. 

First bet insurance

These second-chance bets are great for some new players but require a real-money wager to get welcome bonus wheels in motion. For instance, let’s say you earned a $500 no-sweat first-bet insurance offer. First, if you want to have a shot at that $500 insurance bonus, you must deposit and wager $500 on that first bet.

If you win, great, but there's no further compensation. If you lose, the operator will add $500 in site credits to your bankroll. It will likely come with some terms that require you to bet the entire bonus amount again before any of the $500 bonus funds can be withdrawn as cash.

Referral bonus

Sportsbooks will occasionally offer a referral bonus. The terms are usually fairly simple. You will be given a referral code or specific link to share with your friends. If your friend uses the code/link to create a new account and make a real-money deposit, you will earn a bonus.

The amount is usually fairly small — under $100 in bonus bets or cashback. The good news is that often you and your friend will both earn the reward, depending on the exact terms and conditions of the offer. To find out which platform provides the best sportsbook referral bonus, be sure to check out our guide.

Ohio sports teams to bet on

The state of Ohio has plenty of professional sports teams that attract betting attention, not to mention some of the largest NCAA Division I athletic programs in the county. With two NFL teams in the state, it's hardly surprising that many of the best NFL betting sites have launched in Ohio. 

Football isn't the only game in town, though. Ohioans pride themselves in loving many different sports. Basketball is another top choice in the state. Luckily, all the best NBA betting sites and March Madness betting sites operate legally in Ohio. 

If you want to make some picks on the hometown team, here are your choices in the Buckeye State:

NFL 🏈MLB ⚾NBA 🏀NHL 🏒MLS ⚽
Cleveland BrownsCleveland GuardiansCleveland CavaliersColumbus Blue JacketsColumbus Crew
Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati RedsFC Cincinnati

In addition to those "Big Five" pro teams (yes, we're including soccer), Ohio has a score of minor baseball and hockey teams. The other biggest draw, however, is Ohio's eight Division I NCAA programs, with the Buckeyes at the top of the mountain in terms of fandom and betting interest. 

College player prop betting was banned in a Feb. 2024 decision by the state gaming regulator. A number of past incidents, including vicious online player harassment, let to the decision. Game prop and all other forms of college sports betting is still allowed in Ohio.

NCAA Div. I SchoolTeam NameFootball DivisionConference
University of AkronZipsFBSMid-American
Bowling Green State UniversityFalconsFBSMid-American
University of CincinnatiBearcatsFBSBig 12
Cleveland State UniversityVikingsHorizon
University of DaytonFlyersFCSAtlantic 10
Kent State UniversityGolden FlashesFBSMid-American
Miami UniversityRedHawksFBSMid-American
Ohio UniversityBobcatsFBSMid-American
Ohio State UniversityBuckeyesFBSBig Ten
University of ToledoRocketsFBSMid-American
Wright State UniversityRaidersHorizon
Xavier UniversityMusketeersBig East
Youngstown State UniversityPenguinsFCSHorizon

Ohio online sportsbooks

When Ohio sports betting became legal on Jan. 1, 2023, 16 online sports betting sites and mobile sports betting apps launched at midnight. While some industry leaders are among the group, like DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and FanDuel, Ohio is a market that offers some unique operators like Betfred, Ohio-based betJACK, and micro-betting site Betr backed by Jake Paul. We expect several more Ohio sports betting apps to launch in the first half of 2024.

There are now 19 legal online betting sites in the state.

Ohio online and mobile sportsbooks

OH sportsbook 🏆Best known for 🚀
Bally BetExclusive odds boosts
bet365Live video streaming
BetfredWide range of betting markets
betJACKLive betting
BetMGMKing of Parlays
betPARXModern style
BetrMicrobetting
BetRiversLow deposit minimums
BetwayDaily odds boosts
CaesarsCaesars Rewards
DraftKingsBest in class user experience
ESPN BETPersonality-driven promos
Fanatics SportsbookFanCash rewards system
FanDuelAccepts Venmo
Hard RockSame-game parlays
MVGBetLive betting
Prime SportsbookSharp odds, high limits
SuperBookFirst to market odds
TipicoFast payments

Latest Ohio sports betting news

Apr. 3, 2024: The Ohio Casino Control Commission releases its February 2024 earnings report. Betting activity was up slightly year-over-year but saw a steep drop off from January 2024.

Mar. 15, 2024: BetMGM switches its OH welcome bonus, now offering new customers up to $1,500 in first-bet insurance. 

Mar. 4, 2024: The Ohio Casino Control Commission releases its January report, making Ohio the 11th state to officially surpass $1 billion in cumulative sports betting handle. The $810.4 million in January wagers make it the fourth-highest month in terms of betting activity.

Feb. 22, 2024: The Ohio Casino Control Commission announces a new ban on college player prop betting in the state, as per the NCAA's request. 

Feb. 6, 2024: Residents of Ohio wagered $7.65 billion in sports betting last year, their first year of legal online betting.

Dec. 22, 2023: After one full year of legal sports betting in Ohio, mobile operators are seeing 90-to-95% of the bets, according to John Jose, VP of BetSkyBox.

Dec. 13, 2023: State regulators announce they have discussed several initiatives to curb online harassment directed at college and professional athletes from disgruntled bettors.

Nov. 22, 2023: The Ohio Casino Control Commission sets a June 30, 2024, deadline for up to 15 different betting entities that initiated launch plans but have failed to emerge.


Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET officially launches in Ohio, along with 16 other states, for the first time.

Oct. 3, 2023: Ohio reports a monthly handle in August of $378.8 million. Of that total, DraftKings accounted for roughly a third of all OH betting, with $133.8M of total bets by itself.

Sept. 28, 2023: Neighboring state Kentucky launches legal online sports betting. Interestingly, KY's legal betting age is 18+ instead of Ohio's 21+, which could see young bettors crossing state lines to make legal picks.

Sept. 13, 2023: Prime Sportsbook launches its platform in Ohio, becoming the state's 20th sportsbook (at the time, at least).

Sept. 1, 2023: The Ohio sports betting handle surpasses $4 billion for the year.

Aug. 30, 2023: Bally Bet launches in Ohio, becoming the state's 19th active sportsbook.

Aug. 16, 2023: Fanatics officially launches in Ohio, after previously operating in beta testing mode for a limited customer base.

July 25, 2023: Fanatics announces plans to open a retail sportsbook, in partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets, near Nationwide Arena.

July 20, 2023: Hard Rock Sportsbook announces a national rebrand, opting to use the name Hard Rock Bet for its sports wagering business.

July 5, 2023: Gov. Mike DeWine announces that the 2024-25 state budget will double the tax rate that sports betting operators will pay, from 10% to 20%.

June 2023: BetMGM pulls out its sportsbook from Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds.

May 26, 2023: The University of Cincinnati fires two members of its men's baseball coaching staff, citing gambling-related integrity violations.

May 17, 2023: Ohio betting regulators crack down on some fantasy sports operators who offer contests too closely resembling actual sports betting.

March 15, 2023: The Ohio Casino Control Commission fines BetMGM $150,000 for not following the guidelines related to responsible gaming messages on its advertising.

Ohio betting resources

Ohio’s sports betting promos are only a piece of the puzzle. New players will want to do their due diligence by checking out these other Buckeye State betting resource pages, including the best Ohio sports betting apps and the latest news and updates on Ohio sports betting

Once you're up to date and have signed up with your favorite sportsbooks, you can check out the best football betting promo codes or college football betting sites.

Responsible sports betting with Ohio promos

The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates Ohio’s sports betting industry. The OCCC's responsibilities are not only to review applications, grant licenses, ensure fair play, investigate operators, and enforce laws but to provide players with gambling addiction resources.

New players enticed by welcome bonus funds still need to wager responsibly. The sports betting experience should be a positive one, but for those that require assistance, the OCCC provides several support outlets:

  • You can call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966.
  • Or call the National U.S. Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
  • Voluntary Exclusion Programs (must be completed in person).
  • There are 10 counseling and gambling addiction treatment centers in Ohio.
  • Proceeds from annual tax revenue is earmarked to assist these departments.

Also, the OCCC works with operators to set betting limits of various levels. Players can opt-in under their settings to limit monthly gambling amounts or lock their accounts for a certain amount of time should limits be eclipsed.

Ohio sportsbook promos and bonuses FAQs

What’s the best sports betting bonus in Ohio?

When it comes to evaluating the best sports betting bonus in Ohio, results may vary. Some players want the most money upfront, no matter the playthrough requirements. For others, they may want a little less cash but no wagering requirements. For newbies, they may want a guaranteed bonus bet promotion.

Which verified Ohio sportsbook promos are the best value?

Best value promos are subjective to the player because to each their own. However, you can make a strong case that when you combine its welcome bonus with ongoing promotions and aggressive marketing to provide value to future wagers, DraftKings and bet365 provide the best bang for the buck.

How old do I need to bet on sports in Ohio?

Ohio sports bettors must be at least 21 years old to wager at online sportsbooks, on sports betting apps, and at retail sportsbooks. This is verified by operators when you provide your social security number at sign-up.

How many sign-up bonuses can I claim in Ohio?

Ohio residents may claim one sign-up offer, also known as a welcome bonus, per online sports betting site. It is illegal to create more than one user account at any Ohio online sportsbooks and that is why players must provide their social security number when registering a new account.

Do all Ohio sportsbooks provide sports betting promo codes?

No, most Ohio online sportsbooks and sports betting apps do not require promo codes or bonus codes to acquire welcome bonuses or any sportsbook promotions offered after sign-up. The player simply “opts in” to the bonus and reads through the terms and conditions of accepting the promotion.

What are the playthrough requirements on legal online sportsbooks in Ohio?

Ohio online sportsbooks and sports betting apps that offer a welcome bonus and various promotions typically provide a link to their terms and conditions as it pertains to playthrough requirements. This helps provide clarity as to what each player needs to do before and after a bonus of any kind is accepted. For example, sometimes future wagers need to be placed before bonus funds can be withdrawn.