When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Ohio sports betting is live in the Buckeye State with dozens of options available. These include both state-licensed sportsbooks and offshore platforms.
But do you know which Ohio sportsbooks have the best odds, the widest market coverage and the biggest bonuses? That’s exactly what we’re going to find out in this complete Ohio sports betting guide.
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- Show Full Guide
Ohio Sports Betting Sites Reviewed
As you can see from the list above, there are plenty of Ohio sportsbooks to choose from. But picking the best isn’t quite as easy as it semes.
That’s why we’ve gone ahead and chosen five of our favorites and reviewed them below.
1. BetOnline – Best Overall Ohio Sports Betting Site
- Payout time: 1-24 hours
- Established: 1991
- License: Panama
- Restricted Regions: NJ
Our Verdict: 9.9/10
BetOnline is our number-one ranked Ohio sportsbook and has a stellar reputation. The sportsbooks has been live for over 25 years. Making it one of the longest-serving sports wagering brands in the industry. Along with its comprehensive sportsbook platform, the site offers numerous other products that you can use under one single user account, including an online casino, poker room, esports facility and racebook for harness and thoroughbred horse racing betting.
The BetOnline website is professional and well-designed, allowing ease of use across multiple platforms, including desktop, tablet and smartphones. When navigating around the site, we found it easy and hassle-free due to the clear and concise menu and sub-menu system. This makes it easy to browse different sports so that you can view the available betting lines and odds, along with skipping between pages such as products, contests and promos. BetOnline currently offers a great selection of bonuses for new and existing sports customers, including a welcome bonus with cryptocurrency alternative, reload bonus, risk-free bets, odds boosters and a daily rebate.
When you’re betting on sports, you will find plenty of options to choose from, varying between major and niche sports in the US and around the world. Top sports at BetOnline include baseball, basketball, football, hockey, Formula 1, golf, martial arts, soccer and tennis. minor and niche sports include Aussie Rules, boxing, cricket, darts, handball, rugby, snooker, table tennis and wrestling. A noteworthy mention about the sportsbook is that it has recently undergone a revamp, making it more modern and streamlined so that you can find the bet-types that suit you most, including spread, moneyline, total, props, parlays and futures. Sports betting highlights include teaser bets, early lines, live betting with live streaming, market search and a prop builder.
Before you bet, you will find that there are a number of flexible and convenient payment methods to choose from for deposits and withdrawals. These include both traditional fiat money options such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, P2P and bank wire transfer. Along with modern cryptocurrency options for faster payments with lower fees, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Tether and Ethereum. The minimum deposit amount is $20 and withdrawals are processed within 1-24 hours. If at any point you need help with payments or other BetOnline account related issues, you can get in touch with the operator across a variety of channels, including live chat, telephone and email. There is also an extensive FAQ help center with generic Q&As available.
Features Overview
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.5/10
- User Experience: 9.5/10
- Payment Methods: 9.7/10
- Sportsbook: 9.7/10
- Customer Support: 9.6/10
Pros 
- Fast and free payouts within 1 hour
- Wide selection of sports to choose from
- Bet building tools and odds boosters
- Great range of bonuses and promotions
Cons 
- No downloadable mobile app to install
- Welcome bonus percentage is smaller for fiat currency
2. Bovada – Best Sportsbook For Markets
- Payout time: 48 hours
- Established: 2011
- License: Curacao
- Restricted states: DE, MD, NV, NJ, NY
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
Bovada is a top-rated online and mobile sportsbook in Ohio that has been live for more than ten years. The operator was rebranded over a decade ago and has since been serving bettors in OH and other states with a first-rate sports betting and gaming platform. Since 2011, the site has been home to more than 50+ sports and esports available to wager on from its offshore location in Curacao. It is completely secure and fully licensed by the Curacao Gaming Control Board for peace of mind and confidence. Additionally, you can use your Bovada account to access other services that are available on site, including an online casino, poker platform and racebook that is dedicated to thoroughbred horse racing.
The Bovada website has a simple and basic design with a functional layout and interface that is easy to familiarize yourself with. Although it lacks bells and whistles in terms of aesthetics, it is feature-rich and comes with some handy betting tools for you to utilize during your betting decisions and activities. This includes the bonus page, where you will find plenty of attractive offers ranging from a welcome bonus, crypto bonus and loyalty program. The loyalty program is a particular highlight of Bovada and provides you with plenty of rewards and incentives for being an existing customer. For every wager placed, you can earn points and perks that you can accrue and trade-in at a later date.
Whether you’re a fan of Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds or another sports team, you will find a wide selection of sports to bet on at Bovada. Accompanied by this, is the range of esports which are also available, including League of Legends and Rocket League. In total, there are more than 50+ different sports and esports markets available for you to browse, all of which come with deep lines and odds at all times of day due to the global coverage of the sportsbook. Top sports at Bovada include basketball, baseball, soccer, football, tennis and golf. The operator also focuses heavily on the live betting facility for real-time wagering on current events that are in-play. Additionally, you are able to bet on a selection of minor and niche sports that vary from cricket and motor racing to snooker and darts. Sports betting highlights at Bovada include a ‘request a wager’ feature, market search, trending events and a prop builder.
In terms of payments at Bovada, there are a number of options that are average for the betting industry. You can add and remove funds to and from your account using either fiat currency or cryptocurrency. Fiat currency methods include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and bank wire transfer. Cryptocurrency methods include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum and Tether. The minimum deposit at Bovada is $25 and withdrawals take around 48 hours on average. Customer support is readily available via live chat or by using the community forum on site.
Features Overview
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.1/10
- User Experience: 9.3/10
- Payment Methods: 9.1/10
- Sportsbook: 9.4/10
- Customer Support: 8.5/10
Pros
- Bigger promotions for cryptocurrency deposits
- Competitive odds on all sports and esports
- Excellent loyalty program with bonuses
- Very good mobile betting platform
Cons
- Smaller bonus for fiat money deposits
3. EveryGame – Most Modern Online & Mobile Sportsbook Platform
- Payout time: 24-48 hours
- Established: 1996
- License: Curacao
- Restricted states: DC, KY, LA, MD, MO, NJ, NY
Our Verdict: 9.7/10
EveryGame is one of the best Ohio sports betting sites in the industry and is a close second-place in our overall rankings. The operator is based in Antigua but also has offices in Curacao, in which it holds its license from the Curacao Gaming Control Board. Established in 1996, the brand has been a trusted name in the business for over 20 years and is active in many states across the US, including the Buckeye State. In addition to sports betting, EveryGame offers a number of other services including an online poker room, two different online casino experiences and a live betting platform for wagering in real-time during events.
The EveryGame website is ultra modern and is highly respected in the area of aesthetics and usability. Whether you are using a desktop computer or smartphone such as an iPhone, the browsing experience is smooth and quick, even on slower connections. When reviewing this Ohio sportsbook, we found that the site was very easy to navigate and the two separate menus for main products and sports allow you to pinpoint the exact markets you are looking for. There is also a dedicated page for promotions under the ‘Special Offers’ title, where you’ll find a very good selection of bonuses for new and existing customers. These include free bets, monthly competitions, event tickets, profit boosters and deposit bonuses.
Placing bets on the EveryGame sportsbook is an enjoyable experience and the functionality is excellent, including the pop-out menus and bet slip. You can bet on a great selection of sports from in the US and around the world. Although the selection is smaller than some other betting sites, all of the most popular options are covered, including soccer, tennis, basketball, ice hockey, football and baseball. You will also find betting options for boxing, UFC, cricket, darts, esports, handball, motor sports and rugby plus others. There is also a limited choice of horse racing betting options, albeit limited to other brands with dedicated racebooks. Sports betting highlights at EveryGame include soccer coupons, bet search, featured bets and next events taking place ordered by time / date.
Making payments to and from your EveryGame account is simple and straightforward. The site offers a compact selection of methods for both deposits and withdrawals, including conventional options and cryptocurrencies. Conventional options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Paysafecard, Payz and bank wire transfer. Crypto options include Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Lightning Bitcoin and Litecoin. The minimum deposit amount is $5, much lower than other sportsbooks on the market, and withdrawals are processed within 24-48 hours. To get support with any issues or queries you may have, you can contact EveryGame using the live chat facility in the main menu. Alternatively, there is a dedicated help center and ‘Rules’ section covering all major topics including betting limits and payments.
Features Overview
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.5/10
- User Experience: 9.8/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Sportsbook: 9.2/10
- Customer Support: 9.2/10
Pros
- Ultra modern and intuitive platform
- Good selection of prop bets available
- Strong odds on all major sports
- Excellent ongoing bonuses for existing customers
Cons
- Smaller selection of payment options than other sites
- Welcome bonus is a package split three ways
4. BetUS – One of the Biggest Sportsbook Welcome Bonuses in Ohio
- Payout time: 48 hours
- Established: 1994
- License: Curacao
- Restricted states: N/A
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
BetUS is one of the oldest online sportsbooks in the industry, with a history dating back to 1994. Not only this, but it is also one of the most popular in the US due to the high level of service and large customer-base. The operator is situated in Curacao and holds a valid license from the Curacao Gaming Control Board. Allowing it to serve sports betting enthusiasts in Ohio and other states. As well as an impressive betting facility, the site also offers an online casino, racebook and live betting platform for placing in-play bets backed by real-time statistics and match-tracking.
The BetUS website is intuitive and looks professional. Its stable design and functionality add to the overall experience you will receive when browsing sports and pages, including the dedicated promotions section. Within the second you will find one of the biggest sports betting bonuses in the business, which has helped the brand build up its popularity rating over the years by standing out from other sportsbooks on the market. Other notable promotions include reload bonuses, crypto bonuses, referral bonuses and a loyalty program, which offers tiered perks and rewards such as free payouts, tournaments and free-play bonuses.
Once you’ve made a deposit and claimed your welcome bonus, you can bet on a wide range of sports on site. In total, there are around 20+ sports to wager on, varying from major sports like football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer, through to niche sports such as MMA, boxing, rugby, cycling and esports. Sports betting highlights include live betting with stats and trackers, prop bets, guides and insights and last-minute bets. Whether you’re looking to use fiat money (dollars) or crypto, BetUS accommodates a range of deposit preferences. These include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and bank transfers, along with Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum. The minimum deposit is $10 and withdrawals are processed in 48 hours on average depending on your chosen method. If you need to get in touch with the operator, you can do so using telephone, email or live chat to speak directly with an agent within minutes.
Features Overview
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.4/10
- User Experience: 9.2/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Sportsbook: 9.4/10
- Customer Support: 9.5/10
Pros
- Great selection of major and niche sports
- Generous referral bonus scheme
- An excellent live betting facility
- Updated betting guides and insights
Cons
- Some bets do not contribute to bonus rollover
- No downloadable app to install
5. BetNow – Streamlined Sportsbook with Simple Registration
- Payout time: 24 hours
- Established: 2007
- License: Curacao
- Restricted states: DE, FL, HI, NV, NJ, NY, PA, WA
Our Verdict: 9.5/10
BetNow is an established online sportsbook in the Buckeye State. Since 2007, it has been providing betting and gaming services to residents in Columbus to Beavercreek, Kent and beyond. The operator is based in Curacao and holds a license from Curacao Gaming Control Board, enabling it to provide sports wagering services to OH and many other states across the US. You can bet on many top sports teams and leagues, including the NFL, along with playing games in the operator’s online casino and bet on horses in the racebook.
The BetNow website is uniquely designed in a color scheme of black, white and orange. When reviewing this OH betting site, we felt that it was appealing and easy on the eye, which comes in useful when spending a lot of time browsing markets and odds. Although parts of the site appear basic, it contains some handy tools and features that can assist you in your betting decisions, particularly on different available bet types such as moneyline, props and parlays. On top of this, you can also redeem an array of bonuses and promotions that are available to existing customers, including a deposit bonus, reload bonus, cash-prize contests and a sportsbook rebate.
When browsing the sportsbook, you will find that the operator covers all major sports in the US and on the international stage. Although the list of sports is on the smaller-side of the scale, there are deep lines available across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA. As well as covering the most popular sports, there is also a selection of niche sports available, including soccer, auto racing and tennis. Sports betting highlights include vig-free promotions, prize contests, rebates on sports and horses and a market search. Before betting, you can add funds to your account using various traditional and modern crypto methods, these include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Person2Person, Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash. The minimum deposit at BetNow is $10 and withdrawals are processed within 24 hours. Getting in touch with the operator is easy due to the multiple support channels available. These include email, telephone and live chat.
Features Overview
- Promotions & Rewards: 9.7/10
- User Experience: 8.5/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Sportsbook: 8.6/10
- Customer Support: 8/10
Pros
- Excellent bonuses for new and existing customers
- Simple and fast registration
- Competitive odds on pro sports
- One of the only sites to offer a sportsbook rebate
Cons
- Fewer customer support channels than other sites
- Smaller selection of sports to bet on
Ohio Online Sports Betting Overview
- 🧑⚖️ Retail Sports Betting Launch Date: January 1, 2023
- 🧑⚖️ Online Sports Betting Launch Date: January 1, 2023
- 💵 Wagering Options: Futures, moneylines, parlays, points spread, same game parlays, teasers, totals.
- ❓ Legal Gambling Age in Ohio: 21+
- 🏈 Sports to Bet On: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, MMA, NASCAR, NCAAF, NCAAB, tennis, golf, boxing, motorsports, cricket, and soccer.
- 🏦 Permitted Banking Options: Mastercard, PayNearMe, Neteller, PayPal, Play+, Skrill, Visa, Automated Clearing House (ACH), Bank and Wire Transfer
- 📝Ohio Gambling Regulator: Ohio Casino Control Commission
Ohio Mobile Sports Betting Bonuses
Whether you are wagering using betting apps in Ohio or online sports betting sites, there is a huge range of bonuses available to players in the state. The most popular types of promotions are listed below:
Welcome Bonuses
The majority of sports betting apps in Ohio offer welcome bonuses to new sports bettors when they open a sportsbook account. Most often, these come in the form of deposit match promotions, whereby a bettor will see his/her initial deposit matched up to a percentage, typically 50% or 100%. However, other welcome bonuses may be provided, such as the no-sweat bets.
Deposit Match Bonuses
As mentioned, deposit match bonuses increase your deposit up to a predetermined percentage, most often by 50% – 100%. Players then need to fulfill the wagering requirements within a specified time before they can withdraw the bonus.
Ongoing Promotions
Several Ohio sports betting sites offer a range of ongoing promotions for frequent players. These most often include cash reloads (which are similar to deposit match bonuses), rebates on losses, and first and second-chance bets.
Odds Boosts
The best sports betting apps on the market regularly promote boosted odds on select fixtures to get bettors to bite. Some sportsbooks will offer “Super Boosts,” meaning you get enhanced odds on a pre-selected parlay.
Parlay Insurance
A useful feature for Ohio sports bettors who like an accumulative wager, parlay insurance protects your stake should one leg of a four/five-leg wager fail.
Loyalty Bonuses
Several Ohio sports betting apps offer loyalty bonuses and/or rewards schemes. In general, these schemes equate to rewards the more you wager. Rewards can range from betting promotions such as those just mentioned (odds boosts, no-sweat bets, etc.) to real-world perks like money off dinners, cheap hotel stays, and free trips to stadiums to enjoy the big games.
How to Register with Ohio Betting Apps
In this next section, we will show you – step-by-step – how to register an account, claim a bonus, and begin betting at the best Ohio sports betting apps and desktop sites.
1. Visit the Ohio sports betting app of your choice
Click any link on this page to go to your preferred offshore sportsbook and then tap either ‘Register or ‘Sign Up’ to begin the registration process.
2. Fill in your personal details
Next, you will need to fill in your personal details and create a unique password for the site. These details might include your name, address, email address, and US social security number.
3. Claim a bonus
Next, you will need to tick the boxes to accept the relevant terms and conditions before joining, and enter any relevant promo codes.
4. Set deposit limits
Before making a deposit, some sportsbooks offer you a chance to set deposit and wagering limits, ensuring you do not risk money that you can’t afford. Once that’s done, add funds to your account and begin betting.
Pros & Cons of Ohio Betting Apps over Desktop
Let’s take a look at some of the main points of difference between Ohio betting apps and their desktop equivalents to help you decide which you prefer. Do remember, however, that most sports bettors simply use both methods depending on whether they plan to bet at home (desktop) or on the go (app).
Pros
- Convenience – All of your preferred sports, teams, and lines condensed together on an easy-to-see app screen that can be accessed from anywhere in the USA.
- Additional bonuses – Many of the best Ohio sports betting apps offer extra promotions and incentives for app users.
Cons
- Fewer sports betting markets – Apps are designed to be streamlined, and as such, some of the more niche betting lines may only be available via the desktop site.
- Memory Usage & Battery Draining – One sports betting app isn’t going to take up much space on your iPhone. However, start adding multiple apps and you may notice you run out of memory quickly. Having apps open on your mobile will also drain your battery faster.
Banking Methods Available in Ohio
Before you can start betting online in Ohio, you’ll need to add funds to your account. There are plenty of ways to deposit at Ohio sportsbooks, and we’ve summarized them all below for you.
- Credit/debit card. Just tap your card details in when prompted and the money will be transferred straightaway. You won’t usually find any fees and the safety features found at Ohio sportsbook apps, such as SSL encryption, ensure credit and debit card deposits are safe.
- Wire transfer. This depositing method allows you to fund your betting account directly from your bank account. While many prefer this thanks to the safety it provides, processing times can be lengthy.
- E-wallets. These include services such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. They act as a middleman between your bank account and the sportsbook, so they are exceptionally safe. On the downside, the fees charged by mobile sports betting apps can sometimes be high.
- Prepaid cards. These cards can be purchased in stores using cash or card and then redeemed at some online sportsbooks. No banking details ever need to be entered online, but purchasing vouchers can be inconvenient.
- Gift voucher. Gift vouchers can be purchased for many of the sportsbooks in Ohio. The recipient of the voucher can then redeem it at the specific sportsbook. Vouchers don’t usually have any fees attached to them.
How to Place a Bet at Ohio Sportsbook Apps
You can start sports betting in Ohio online in a few minutes by signing up with our recommended OH betting sites. Follow our step-by-step guide below to get started.
- Choose one of our recommended offshore online betting sites and click the links on this page.
- Press the button to sign up.
- Provide your full name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Once registered, visit the sportsbook’s cashier section and choose to deposit. Select your preferred payment method, and follow the instructions to deposit. Remember, if you want to claim a welcome bonus, ensure you meet the offer’s minimum deposit requirements.
- Your deposits should reach your account instantly. Head to the sportsbook’s list of markets, choose a bet you want to place and add it to your bet slip. Select your stake and place the wager.
- If you’re a lucky winner, revisit the cashier section and follow the withdrawal instructions. Before withdrawing, you must verify your identity by sending copies of your photo ID and proof of address to the sportsbook.
Who is Eligible to Bet in Ohio?
Players within Ohio’s borders aged 21 or older are legally allowed to bet, even if you don’t live in the state, you can bet from anywhere within OH borders.
You can’t place bets if you have a connection to a professional or college sports team or are employed by a sports governing body. You also can’t wager if you have a connection to the Casino Control Commission, are a member of a self-exclusion program, or are prohibited from betting on a state or federal level.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio
Ohio legalized sports betting in December 2021, when HB 29 was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine. The passage of legislation required a conference committee to break a deadlock between the Ohio House and Senate after the House refused amendments to the bill from the Senators.
The sports betting law passed means that up to 25 online sportsbooks could be present in OH at maturity. It created three types of Ohio sports betting licenses: Type A for online sportsbooks, with licenses granted to existing land-based casinos and sports teams. Type B for retail sportsbooks, and Type C for lottery retailers.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), the oversight body for sportsbooks, settled on regulations in June 2022 and awarded licenses to 16 online sportsbooks at 12 retail locations on launch day, which occurred on January 1 at 00:01. Nearly 12 million geolocation transactions were recorded at on the first two days of legal sports betting.
Ohio Sports Betting Background
Ohio has a long history with sports betting and launched its first pari-mutuel racing facility in 1933. The state has seven active racetracks, including Scioto Downs, Belterra Park, Dayton Raceway, and Mahoning Valley. In 2009, a referendum proposed building casinos in the state, with 11 opening within the next five years.
Given its history with pari-mutuel betting, the Buckeye State had many supporters of legal sports betting after the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA. In December 2021, lawmakers passed HB 29, which legalized sports betting. In January 2023, mobile and retail sports betting launched in OH.
Future of Ohio Sports Betting
Weeks after the launch of sports betting in Ohio in January 2023, Governor Mike DeWine proposed an increase in the sports betting tax rate in his executive budget to 20%. The current rate is 10%. The proposal would also limit promotional language used, such as “risk-free” and “free” bets, allowing the OCCC to suspend all promotions if they are found to be in violation.
Proposals will have to gain the support of both houses of the Ohio General Assembly to become law. Representative Bill Seitz summed up lawmakers’ feelings when he said, “I do not agree with this idea. Moreover, OH sports betting has only been legal for a little over a month. So we don’t even know what kind of money the regulated entities are making.”
Ohio Lottery Locations
Ohio betting law created three types of licenses for sports betting. A Type C license is reserved for Class D liquor licensees and lottery retailers. Any retailer that sells Ohio Lottery tickets can apply for a betting license with a sports betting kiosk. When sports betting launched in Ohio, 1,376 retailers were pre-approved for Type C sportsbook licenses, and 811, including lottery retailers, currently operate sports betting kiosks.
Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations
If you’re looking for pari-mutuel betting, Ohio has only one off-track-betting (OTB) location despite hosting many racetracks. In addition, you can place pari-mutuel bets at any racetrack. The Casino Control Commission oversees legal pari-mutuel horse racing betting and licenses the state’s only OTB.
| Off-Track-Betting Location | Address |
| Cedar Downs OTB Theater | 1935 Cleveland Road W., Sandusky, OH 44870 US |
In addition, Ohio provides a Type B license for sports stadiums to open retail sportsbooks. In the leadup to legalization, sports teams signed deals with sportsbook operators to open retail outlets in stadiums and arenas.
Ohio Responsible Gambling Resources
The OCCC is strongly committed to Responsible Gambling and operates a state-wide self-exclusion program, the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program. Problem gamblers can ban themselves from Ohio sportsbooks for a set amount of time, up to a lifetime.
A ‘Request for Voluntary Exclusion’ form must be completed with a trained staff member at an Ohio sportsbook app to enroll in the program. Alternative arrangements can also be made by contacting the OCCC or Lottery Commission.
In addition to this, Ohio online sports betting operators also direct players to third-party organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling, Gamblers Anonymous, or local organizations like GamblingHelpOhio.
Teams to Bet on in Ohio
Pro Sports
Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the National League (NL) Central Division and are a charter member of the NL. The Reds have won five World Series championships, nine NL pennants, and ten divisional titles.
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians are an MLB team that has competed in the American League (AL) Central Division since 1994. Cleveland won the World Series twice, in 1920 and 1948, and won six AL Pennants and 11 divisional titles. Since 1994, the team’s home ballpark has been Progressive Field.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, commonly known as the Cavs, is a National Basketball Association (NBA) member, playing in the Eastern Conference Central Division. The Cavs were inaugurated in 1970 as an expansion team and struggled in its early years before drafting LeBron James in 2003. James transformed the organization, and despite leaving in 2010, he returned in 2014. Two years later, Cleveland won its first NBA championship.
Cincinnati Bengals
Established as an expansion team in the American Football League (AFL) in 1968, Cincinnati Bengals is currently a member of the National Football League (NFL)’s American Football Conference North Division (AFC North). The team has yet to win a Super Bowl but reached the showpiece in 2021, led by former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a member of the NFL’s AFC North. The team was founded in 1944 by Paul Brown and businessman Arthur B. McBride as an All-American Football Conference (AAFC) charter member. Cleveland dominated the AAFC, winning the league’s four championship games. Despite that, it has yet to win a Super Bowl and was embroiled in a controversial relocation saga in 1995.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets play in the National Hockey League (NHL)’s Eastern Conference Metropolitan Division, having been inaugurated as an expansion franchise in 2000. The team struggled in its early years before reaching the playoffs for the first time in 2009. It has yet to win the Stanley Cup, a Conference Championship, or a divisional title.
College Sports
University of Akron Zips
Established in 1891, the University of Akron Zips (Akron) were the first team to move from NCAA Division I-AA (now Football Championship Subdivision or FCS) to Division I-A (now Football Bowl Subdivision or FBS) in 1987 as a Mid-American Conference (MAC) member. In 2015, Akron won its first-ever bowl game, beating Utah State University Aggies to win the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Zips basketball program is also successful and has had five appearances in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. In 2010, its men’s soccer team won a national championship.
Bowling Green State University Falcons
Bowling Green State University Falcons (Bowling Green) first sponsored football in 1919 and has been a MAC member since 1952. The school has won 17 conference titles, most recently in 2015. Bowling Green has played in 13 bowl games, with a record of 5-8, winning its last in 2014 when the school beat South Alabama University Jaguars to win the Camellia Bowl.
Miami University RedHawks
Known as the “Cradle of Coaches,” Miami University RedHawks is known for developing football coaching talent such as John Harbaugh, Woody Hayes, and, more recently, Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Sean McVay. The school is a member of the MAC and has won 22 conference titles. The RedHawks have played in 14 Bowl games, winning eight, most recently in 2021 when it beat the University of North Texas Mean Green in the Frisco Football Classic.
University of Toledo Rockets
The University of Toledo Rockets (Toledo) compete as part of NCAA Division I as a member of the MAC. The Rockets have a rivalry with nearby Bowling Green, with the two schools separated by just 20 miles. The annual college football game between the two schools each year is nicknamed the “Battle for the I-75,” and the two programs compete for the Peace Pipe.
Kent State University Golden Flashes
Kent State University Golden Flashes (Kent State) sponsors 19 athletics teams at the NCAA Division I level, notably baseball, football, and basketball. The school has been a member of the MAC since 1951. Its baseball team is its most successful, and it made its maiden College World Series (CWS) appearance in 2012 and won twelve conference titles. Its football team won its first bowl game in 2019, defeating Utah State Aggies in the Frisco Bowl. Finally, its Men’s basketball team reached the Elite Eight in 2002.
University of Ohio Bobcats
The University of Ohio Bobcats (Ohio) competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the Mid-American Conference. The Bobcats’ most successful teams are its basketball and football teams. Its football team has one claimed national title, the 1960 NCAA College Division (now Divisions II and III). Despite not winning a conference championship since 1968, it was undefeated in bowl games between 2017 and 2022. Its men’s basketball team has appeared in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament 14 times.
University of Cincinnati Bearcats
University of Cincinnati Bearcats (Cincinnati) is one of the oldest collegiate football programs, inaugurated in 1885. Cincinnati moved from the American Athletic Conference (The American) to the Big 12 in 2023. From 2005-2022, the team appeared in fourteen bowl games, won seven conference titles, achieved a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth in 2021, and had 38 NFL Draft selections. Its Men’s basketball team is the twelfth-winningest basketball program of all time.
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes (Ohio State) is one of only seven universities to win national championships in baseball, Men’s basketball, and football as a member of the Big Ten Conference. Its football team claims five national titles, most recently in 2014 when it won the CFP National Championship game against the University of Oregon. Its basketball and baseball programs have a single national championship, won in 1960 and 1966, respectively.
Dayton University Flyers
The University of Dayton Flyers (Dayton) competes in seventeen NCAA-sanctioned varsity sports, most notably Men’s Basketball, as a member of the Atlantic-10 Conference. Dayton has made 18 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appearances, most recently in 2017, and finished runners-up in 1967.
Xavier University Musketeers
Xavier University Musketeers (Xavier) sponsors 16 intercollegiate teams at the NCAA Division I level. Its Men’s basketball team is its most prominent, competing in the Big East Conference. The Musketeers reached the NCAA tournament 28 times, most recently in 2018. In 2009, Forbes listed Xavier as one of the 20 most-valuable college basketball teams.
How Does Ohio Compare to Other States?
Market Coverage
Ohio sportsbooks allow a wide range of markets on professional and collegiate sports, with some of the least restrictive rules for college sports betting in the US. It’s one of only 15 US states to allow prop bets on college athletes, and you can also wager on in-state college teams. Esports betting is also available.
Gambling Revenue
HB 29 set the sportsbook tax rate as 10% of gross gaming revenue, the same level as Colorado and West Virginia. With a much larger population than CO and WV and nearly 12 million geolocation transactions occurring in Ohio in the first two days of legal sports betting alone, the Buckeye State is expected to collect considerably more than the $34 million and $13 million Colorado and West Virginia has earned in gambling revenue respectively as of January 2023.
Betting Taxes in Ohio
Ohio considered gambling winnings as taxable income, subject to state income taxes. The tax rate varies from 2.85% to 4.797%, with five different brackets, although if you earn less than $21,750 per year, you don’t have to pay this tax.
You must also declare all betting winnings to the IRS. If you make more than $600 in bets, you must fill out a W-2G form. Sportsbooks may withhold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.
DFS in Ohio
Daily Fantasy Sports has been legal in the state of Ohio since December 2017. The House Bill to legalize DFS was named HB 132 and was signed into law by Governor John Kasich.
Who Oversees Sports Betting in Ohio?
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (or OCCC) oversees all gambling in Ohio, including legal sports betting. The commission consists of seven commissioners appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate.
Ohio state law established the OCCC in 2011 after the passage of Ohio’s Casino Control Law. After passing sports betting legislation in December 2021, the Ohio General Assembly expanded its functions to include oversight of sportsbooks. Its remit includes enforcing state laws, regulating and licensing sportsbooks, and establishing standards and procedures for Ohio sports betting.
Timeline for Sports Betting in Ohio
- June 21, 2023: The Ohio Senate proposes a historic doubling of revenue tax from 10% to 20% to be decided and signed by June 30. Though not uncommon, revenue tax increases are not usually as steep or as soon after an industry launch in the state.
- January 1, 2023: Legal sports betting launches in Ohio. Over 11.3 million transactions are processed in the first two days alone.
- December 21, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission confirms that 16 mobile sportsbooks and 12 retail books will launch on New Year’s Day.
- July 15, 2022: The OCCC opens sports betting applications for those looking to install betting kiosks in businesses such as bars, convenience stores, and supermarkets.
- June 15, 2022: The OCCC opens sports betting applications for online and retail venues, with many betting companies expected to apply.
- December 22, 2021: Gov. DeWine signs HB 29 into law, officially legalizing sports betting in the state.
- December 8, 2021: The Senate and House both pass HB 29, and the bill is sent to the governor to sign.
- February 2, 2021: HB 29, which proposes the legalization of mobile and retail sports betting, is introduced to the House.
Best Online Sportsbook in Ohio
There is a lot of competition for the best sportsbook in Ohio, but our experts recommend you check out BetOnline.
With many sports available to wager on at BetOnline, including, of course, NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, it offers great odds and good user experience.
Click the links on this page to sign up with BetOnline, or any of our other recommended offshore sportsbooks in Ohio.
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