Ohio Sportsbooks: Our Picks for the Best Sports Betting Apps and Promotions 

Current status of sports betting in Ohio: Online and in-person betting is legal as of January 1, 2023.

After over a year of delays, legal sports betting officially arrived in the state of Ohio, and just in time for the start of the NFL Playoffs. Ohio legislators promised to get legal gambling live in The Buckeye State by January 1, 2023 and kept that promise with a successful January 1 launch. The timing of this move makes sense for several reasons.

Ohio Sports Betting Bill

The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced that sports gambling would launch in Ohio on January 1, 2023. Governor Mike DeWine House Bill 29, which set the regulatory framework for legal Ohio sports betting this past January.

As with any newly signed bill, there were plenty of amendments and revisions as the Ohio casino authorities worked to make sure that all of the rules were properly implemented.

At the time of publication, 12 sportsbooks have been granted licenses in Ohio, including some of the more prominent mobile sports betting apps: PointsBet, Caesars Sportsbook, bet365, SuperBook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetFred.

We expect that more may be added over time, but these five will provide a good start for those looking to bet legally in the state.

Ohio Sports Betting Fact Check

Find out all of the latest info about Ohio sports betting in the table below. With major cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland, the state of Ohio should do a ton of sports betting handle once the sportsbooks are up and running.

Find All the Best Bonus Offers in Ohio Right Here

We knew that FanDuel and DraftKings would launch their bonus offers early in Ohio, and they came through with two great promotions! With each of these offers, Ohio users can register on the app to receive bonus bets in addition to whatever deposit bonus is available.

There is no downside to registering for both of these offers as each provides bonus bets with very little deposit required. However, you can find the details and compare the terms for each promotion below.

DraftKings Ohio Bonus Offer Details

The Ohio bonus offer from DraftKings Sportsbook includes $200 in bonus bets after you make a $5 wager. Simply visit the DraftKings Ohio page and register using our link.

Come see why we voted DraftKings as the sportsbook with the best bonus offer in Ohio! You won't be disappointed! And unless you've been living under a rock, you know that DraftKings is one of the best sports betting apps and is expected to be one of the best Ohio sports betting sites.

DraftKings also offers a ton of player prop betting options for folks in Ohio! This can make watching your favorite teams even more fun!

FanDuel Ohio Bonus Offer Details

FanDuel Sportsbook was the first to announce a signup bonus in Ohio. New players that sign up will receive a Bet $5, Get $150 deal.

These new customer offers are the only time you will get bonus money from sportsbooks with only a small deposit! This is a great way to test multiple Ohio sportsbook apps to decide which are your favorite.

And, just like DraftKings, FanDuel is also one of the leading sports betting sites in the industry.

FanDuel also gets our vote for one of the best Ohio sports betting apps! The app is easy to operate, and it processes wagers and sports bets in record time. You won't have to worry about any annoying lags!

BetMGM Offers Ohio Sports Bettors a $1,500 First Bet Deal

Speaking of killer new user bonuses, BetMGM Sportsbook just announced one that'll knock your socks off! BetMGM will give every new sports bettor in Ohio a $1,500 first bet offer. If your first bet does not win, BetMGM will give you your bet back!

Simply click the Claim Offer button at the top of this page and enter your personal info. When prompted, be sure to use promo code EWBET1 to get your bonus bets!

New sports bettors in Ohio will quickly learn that there's a lot to like about BetMGM. They have a phenomenal app, and they offer access to some of the lowest juice in the business. This bonus offer is just the icing on the cake.

Bet Up to $1,000 on Caesars in Ohio

Caesars Sportsbook just threw its hat into the ring in Ohio as well. Right now, sports bettors can bet up to $1,000 on Caesars after they sign up for a new account. If your bet doesn't win, Caesars will give you Bet Credits to cover the loss.

All that's required is a small $20 deposit to take advantage of this fantastic bonus offer! Also, be sure to use promo code BV1000 when signing up. That'll ensure you get the best offer from Caesars in Ohio this November.

Caesars is one of the biggest names in gambling, and folks in Ohio will love their favorable odds on player prop bets. They'll also love getting access to Caesars Rewards, which is arguably the best loyalty program in online gambling.

First 12 Ohio Sportsbook Licenses Awarded

The Ohio Casino Control Commission awarded the first 12 sportsbook licenses in Ohio (10 proprietor licenses), with very few surprises. As expected, Fanatics SportsbookSportsbook made its debut when sports betting went live in the Buckeye State on January 1st. Of course, the big 4 sportsbooks were included in this announcement.

Not only did Fanatics get a digital/retail skin through a partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but were also approved as the retail partner for the Cleveland Guardians.

Best Live Betting in Ohio: BetRivers

Have you ever bet on a game as it's happening? It's called live sports betting. It's one of the best adrenaline rushes in online sports betting!

For new Ohio online sports bettors, there's no better place for live sports bets than BetRivers!

We picked BetRivers as the best sportsbook for live betting for two reasons: speed and simplicity! The app is always fast and live sports bets are processed in a matter of a few seconds.

Also, the overall layout of the app makes it easy to find the sport or event you want to bet on. It has an intuitive design that even novice users can understand. The response rate is seamless and that makes it a great app for live betting.

BetRivers has a stellar reputation in the sports gaming industry. They also have a top-notch rewards program called iRush Rewards. Folks in Ohio will love BetRivers! If you haven't already, be sure to register for an account with BetRivers and take advantage of the live betting!

Best Rewards Program in Ohio: Caesars

Speaking of rewards programs, Caesars Sportsbook takes the cake in that category!

This company has been in the gambling world for quite some time so they know how important free perks are to keeping customers happy! Whether it is bet credits, cash backs, or special rewards for loyalty, they have it all!

Each time you place a bet on the Caesars Sportsbook app, you are rewarded with a certain number of Tier Credits and Rewards Credits. You can cash these credits in for Bet Credits, Free Hotel Stays, or Free Meals at any Caesars property! Between the fine dining and fun activities at any of Caesars' properties, you have the perfect excuse to plan a weekend getaway!

There's a lot to like about the Caesars Sportsbook in Ohio. However, we think their best feature is their Caesars Rewards program! Bet more, get rewarded more! It's that simple! It's one of the main reasons to choose this sportsbook app for your online sports betting needs.

Best Odds Boosts in Ohio: BetMGM

Is there anything better than boosted odds? They put more money in your pocket when you win, which is the name of the game in sports betting! After all, the more you win, the happier you are!

For the best daily odds boosts in any of the sports betting markets, choose the BetMGM sportsbook app!

These folks offer a ton of daily odds boosts as well as their signature Lion's Boost. This boost comes with up to 50% more winnings when you hit the bet correctly!

Even on a day with a lower amount of games, BetMGM will still provide anywhere from 5 to 10 boosts to take advantage of. Players interested in Ohio online sports betting should definitely consider signing up with BetMGM. That is, if you want to take advantage of the best odds boosts on the market!

Ohio is Surrounded by States with Legal Sports Betting

All of the states that share a border with Ohio already have legislation in place legalizing sports betting. This includes Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Keep in mind, if you want to take advantage of all the great sports betting products that Ohio has to offer, be sure to create an account with each of the online sports betting apps listed above and gamble legally and responsibly.

Popular Ohio Sports teams

Ohio is the country's seventh-largest state by population and is a state that clearly loves its sports (and apparently Ohio sports betting sites as well). Here is a closer look at all of the Ohio sports teams. Each of these squads has a dedicated fanbase, which should only mean more sports betting revenue for the state of Ohio.

The state also offers legal daily fantasy sports which was actually signed into law in 2018 and has allowed gambling on horse racing since 1933. So, seeing as how Ohio has traditionally been a gambling-friendly state, it only makes sense to make sports betting legal.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL and they have an incredible fanbase known as The Dawg Pound. New Ohio sports bettors will love betting on their beloved Browns. With top-notch players like Myles Garrett, Elijah Moore, and Amari Cooper, fans and sports bettors are expecting a big season out of the Browns in 2023. Since NFL betting is known as the king of the sports betting industry, look for lots of money to be wagered on Browns games.

Cincinnati Bengals

Wow! What a run it was for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals last season. They may have come up just short in their quest for a Super Bowl ring, but they had a respectable run. Now that online sports betting is legal in Ohio, look for folks to put loads of cash down on the Bengals at all of their favorite Ohio sports betting apps.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers finished last season with a solid 51-31 record before losing in Round 1 of the playoffs to the Knicks. Things could be much brighter for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, especially since Donovan Mitchell will be more comfortable in his 2nd season.

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds are one of the most beloved professional sports teams in Ohio, and they have a ton of young prospects. Great American Ball Park continues to be one of the top venues in baseball. With a slew of talented young prospects and a solid first baseman like Joey Votto, the Reds should be able to build on the momentum they gained in 2024.

Cleveland Guardians

No matter how many stud players they trade away, the Cleveland Guardians continue to be a solid squad. Since online sports betting is now live in Ohio, hardcore fans of the Guardians can start to capitalize on their favorite team's string of success. With Jose Ramirez in the middle of the lineup and a strong pitching staff, nobody should sleep on the Guardians. Go to any of the major Ohio sports betting sites and place some bets on the Guardians.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets have been going through a bit of a rebuild, but that may change in 2023-24. They've drafted a lot of fresh young talent and recently signed Johnny Gaudreau to a huge contract. That signing alone will result in more sports betting dollars being wagered on this team.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the most popular college football teams in the country. Some folks in the college sports betting world think that Marvin Harrison Jr. could win the Heisman Trophy and that this year's Buckeye team could win a national title. The betting odds at most online sportsbooks have the Ohio State Buckeyes just behind Georgia for the 2023-24 national championship. With a storied program like Ohio State and the rest of their college sports, college football betting will be massive in Ohio.

Kroger and Acme Fresh Market To Offer Sports Betting Kiosks in Ohio

Thanks to Kroger and Acme Fresh Market, sports bettors in Ohio will soon be able to utilize sports betting kiosks to place bets while at the supermarket.

How cool is that?

Just imagine a grocery list with bananas, oatmeal, ground beef, and the Browns plus the points (lol)! Ohio online sports betting will only get easier and easier with time.

This will soon be a reality in Ohio once the Ohio Casino Control Commission develops the regulations! 42 Kroger stores have already been preapproved to have sports betting kiosks. Acme Fresh Market will have kiosks at nine of its locations.

Ohio Sports Betting Launch Overview

So, when will legal sports betting officially be available to Ohio online bettors? State legislators have been pushing to legalize sports betting by the end of 2022, but recent changes to the SB 176 have moved the proposed start date back to January 1, 2023.

The reason for the proposed delay with the sports betting bill, according to Kirk Schuring, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Gaming, is to allow all Ohio sportsbook operators to begin on equal footing when the market opens. This news was a win/loss for the state as they expanded the total number of sports betting licenses (both online and retail) but did so at the expense of the 2022 NFL season.

Thankfully, the Ohio Casino Control Commission has been working hard to get things up and running for bettors in the state. As for now, we are happy to report that legal betting in Ohio went live on January 1, 2023.

New Sportsbooks Set to Launch in Ohio

One of the more exciting pieces of news coming out of Ohio is that Underdog Sportsbook and Fanatics Sportsbookare among the operators that have applied for a license in the Buckeye State. With the same group of 6-7 sportsbooks operating in most sports betting states, the potential for two new apps has many in the industry excited for the start of legal betting in Ohio.

Best New Sportsbook: Fanatics Sportsbook

We have known for some time that Fanatics was working on a sportsbook app, with plans to enter the space and compete against leading brands like FanDuel and DraftKings. It wasn't until recent days that we learned that Fanatics Sportsbookhas already applied for a license in Ohio so they can start developing their Ohio sports betting app.

This news indicates that the company believes it will have its Ohio sports betting app ready for launch on January 1st. Fanatics has the brand power and financial backing to be a real player in this industry, so we expect big things out of their initial sports betting offering. Fanatics has been a big hit in Ohio so far!

Learn more about Fanatics Sportsbook >

Best New Mobile App: Underdog Sportsbook

Underdog has grown from a relatively unknown fantasy startup to one of the biggest names in the industry. That is a fairly sizable leap in the sports betting app industry.

Underdog announced in 2021 that it was preparing a sports betting app for a 2022-23 launch, and we learned earlier this month that they were one of 25 sportsbook operators to apply for a license in Ohio. Keep your eye out for this Ohio sports betting app.

What should Ohio players expect from Underdog? If their fantasy product is any indication, we should expect a world-class app that looks great and is packed with innovative features. With that we'd also expect one of the best Ohio sports betting sites as well.

Learn more about Underdog >

Retail Sportsbooks in Ohio

While we don't have an exact count on how many retail sportsbooks will be available in Ohio, we do know that all four retail casinos will offer a brick-and-mortar sportsbook at some point. It's also a safe bet that the seven racetracks in Ohio will also offer retail sportsbooks since they already offer a form of sports betting and can easily get their online sports betting licenses.

While some may argue that the best Ohio sports betting is on the Ohio betting sites because you can get bonus bets and other perks, some simply prefer a retail sportsbook.

Here is a current list of Ohio sportsbook locations.

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati

Hard Rock got into the sportsbook business some time ago and their mobile app is now live in six states. You can bet (pun intended) that Hard Rock will have a retail sportsbook at this location in Cincy once the sports betting bill goes into effect!

Hollywood Casino: Columbus & Toledo

With locations in two of the largest cities in the state, Hollywood Casino should do a ton of in-person business. They have already partnered with Barstool and BetRivers so they'll be ready to roll on January 1, 2023.

Jack Casino Cleveland

As the only major casino in Cleveland, Jack should have no problem writing tickets. They already have a simulated sports betting platform up and running called BetJack Training Camp.

MGM Northfield Park

This racetrack is a natural fit for BetMGM, which is one of the best online sportsbooks in the country. Folks in Ohio will love the advantageous bonuses that BetMGM gives out!

Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs

Caesars Sportsbook has partnered with this racetrack but there has been no word whether a retail sportsbook will be available.

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse

This is the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have recently struck a deal with Caesars to put a retail sportsbook inside the arena. That's a huge win for Cavs fans!

Starting January 1st, 2023, Ohio residents can now legally place their bets on their favorite sports thanks to the latest legislation. With a plethora of sportsbook options available to Ohio bettors, finding the perfect app can be a daunting task.

To help ease the burden of researching each individual sportsbook, our staff has conducted comprehensive reviews of every Ohio sportsbook available, weighing the pros and cons of each. Check out the launch dates, current bonus offers, and more details for each sportsbook below.

How to Signup at an Online Sportsbook in Ohio

A lot of folks may be worried that signing up for an online sports betting account in Ohio will be cumbersome. Let us point your mind at ease. Most of the online betting sites in Ohio have been in the industry for quite some time, so they have all the kinks ironed out. Here's a quick guide on how to register:

• Download the Ohio sports betting app of your choice or head to one of the many sports betting sites

• Copy the bonus code that is found on the top of this page

• Fill out all relevant registration info so that the online sportsbook can verify that you are in Ohio

• Paste the promo code into the appropriate box when prompted

• Enjoy the bonuses offered at each Ohio sports betting app

Ohio Sports Betting News

The Buckeye State has only had legal sports betting for a few months, but it's been a smashing success for far. Ohio has done over $4.5 billion in overall sports betting handle through August of 2023. Needless to say, that's one heck of a start!

So far in 2023, Ohio ranks 5th in overall betting volume, which is flat-out insane for a new market. The state has enjoyed a revenue of over $700 million, thanks to a nice 14.1% hold.

FanDuel narrowly beat out DraftKings for the state's largest sportsbook in August. Both of the industry conglomerates combined for more than 68% of the market share in Ohio.

Ohio bettors have been eagerly awaiting the start of legal sports betting in their state for the better part of three years. Since online sports betting hasn't been in Ohio for very long, new bettors will need to become familiar with how sports betting works, as well as the rules and regulations that will apply to their state.

The FAQs below address the majority of the major questions and concerns a new bettor may have. As more Ohio sports betting news becomes available, we'll update with all of the details.

21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-877-770-7867(CO), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-877-770-STOP (7867) (LA), Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

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