‍Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Ohio

Ohio sports betting launched with the biggest bang in history. The Buckeye State went live with 16 online operators and 13 retail sportsbooks at midnight on New Year's Day 2023, making it the largest simultaneous sports betting launch ever. GeoComply recorded 11.3 million geolocation transactions in Ohio's first 48 hours, more than any other state at launch, and identified 784,000 unique betting accounts. Between FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Fanatics, Caesars, and bet365, Ohio bettors can claim over $8,400 in combined welcome bonuses.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

Yes, sports betting is fully legal in Ohio if you're 21 or older. Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law on December 8, 2021, setting up the framework. The Ohio Casino Control Commission spent 2022 reviewing licenses and approving operators. On January 1, 2023 at 12:01 AM, 16 online sportsbooks and 13 retail locations launched, the largest coordinated sports betting launch in U.S. history.

Here's what you need to know:

• Must be 21+ and physically in Ohio (geolocation confirms this automatically)
• Can bet on pro sports and college games (Ohio State, Cincinnati)
• No player props on college games (banned as of February 22, 2024 after NCAA President Charlie Baker's request)
• Ohio taxes sportsbook revenue at 20% (doubled from 10% in July 2023)

Ohio originally allowed college player props at launch but banned them on March 1, 2024. The ban affects 2.2% of available wagering options and eliminates $104.6 million in annual handle. Governor DeWine proposed raising the tax to 40% in 2025, but lawmakers rejected the increase.

Read more: NFL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Football Season

Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Ohio

Ohio has 14 active sportsbooks as of November 2025, down from 16 at launch. Here are the top six.

1. BetMGM Ohio - $1,500 First Bet Offer (Code: COVERS)

BetMGM brings the biggest welcome bonus in Ohio. Sign up using promo code COVERS, deposit at least $10, and place your first bet of $10 or more. If it loses, you get back up to $1,500 in bonus bets delivered as five equal 20% portions. Bonus bets expire in seven days. BetMGM has retail locations at Northfield Park in Cleveland and Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. The app covers all major sports, offers same-game parlays, live betting, and solid odds boosts. You'll join M life Rewards automatically.

Best for: Biggest safety net bonus and MGM Rewards.

2. Caesars Sportsbook Ohio - Up to $50,000 in Profit Boosts

Caesars launched in Ohio with retail locations at Scioto Downs in Columbus and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland (though the Cavs arena sportsbook closed in October 2024). The mobile app remains available statewide. Caesars typically offers 20 profit boost tokens that double your winnings, each worth up to $2,500. That's $50,000 in potential value. Each token is valid for 14 days. You'll auto-enroll in Caesars Rewards.

Best for: Highest potential value through profit boosts.

3. DraftKings Ohio - Bet $5, Get $300 + 3 Months of NBA League Pass + $1,000 Deposit Match

DraftKings delivered the second-highest handle in Ohio's first year with $2.4 billion behind only FanDuel's $3.9 billion. The operator offers three separate welcome bonuses: $300 in bonus bets (twelve $25 tokens) if your first $5 bet wins, three free months of NBA League Pass, and a 20% deposit match up to $1,000 through December 31, 2025. Bonus bets expire in seven days. DraftKings covers all major sports and offers deep betting markets.

Best for: Maximum combined value with three bonuses.

4. FanDuel Ohio - Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins

FanDuel dominates Ohio sports betting, generating $50 million in revenue in January 2025 alone, nearly double DraftKings' $26 million. FanDuel processed $351 million in handle in November 2024 compared to DraftKings' $329 million. The app is clean, fast, and loaded with options. FanDuel has a retail location at Belterra Park in Cincinnati. Sign up, deposit $10, and place your first $5 bet. If it wins, you'll get $150 in bonus bets within 72 hours. Bonus bets expire in seven days.

Best for: Market leader with best app and fastest payouts.

5. Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio - Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash

Fanatics partnered with the Columbus Blue Jackets for market access. Sign up and get up to $2,000 in FanCash through a series of no-sweat bets over 10 days. If any bet loses, you get up to $200 in FanCash per day. Use FanCash to place more bets or redeem it for Fanatics gear. The app is clean, fast, and built for long-term rewards.

Best for: Long-term rewards and merchandise perks.

6. bet365 Ohio - Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose (Code: COVERS)

bet365 is a global betting giant. Sign up using promo code COVERS, deposit at least $10, and place your first $5 bet. You'll get $200 in bonus bets guaranteed, win or lose. Bonus bets expire in seven days. bet365 offers deep betting markets, early payout promos, and a 30% profit boost on same-game parlays. If you'd rather have a safety net, swap for the First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000.

Best for: Guaranteed bonus with no risk.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

How to Choose Your Ohio Sportsbook

With 14 active sportsbooks, picking the right one comes down to what you value most:

• Compare welcome bonuses. BetMGM offers the biggest safety net at $1,500. Caesars stacks up to $50,000 in profit boosts. DraftKings delivers the most total value across three offers.
• Check market dominance. FanDuel leads Ohio with $50 million in monthly revenue and the smoothest app. DraftKings follows with deep markets and props.
• Look for loyalty perks. BetMGM's M life Rewards and Caesars Rewards turn your bets into hotel stays, meals, and free play.
• Match your sports. If you're into football and basketball, DraftKings and FanDuel dominate. Soccer or international leagues? bet365 is your move.
• Shop lines. Even small differences in odds can change your payout. Apps like FanDuel and bet365 often post sharper lines on big games.

Shurzy tip: Sign up for three or four apps. Most welcome bonuses are first-bet offers, so testing multiple platforms gives you more shots at winning.

How to Claim a Sportsbook Bonus in Ohio

Claiming your bonus takes minutes. Here's the breakdown:

• Step 1: Pick a licensed sportsbook. Choose from BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Fanatics, or Caesars.
• Step 2: Create your account. Visit the sportsbook's website or download the app. Enter your name, address, date of birth, email, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN.
• Step 3: Enter promo codes (if needed). For BetMGM and bet365, use code COVERS. FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, and Caesars don't require a code.
• Step 4: Fund your account. Most books require $5 to $10 to qualify. Use a card, PayPal, Venmo, or online banking.
• Step 5: Place your qualifying bet. Follow the bonus terms. Some promos require minimum odds or a specific bet type.
• Shurzy tip: Bonus bets usually expire in 7 to 14 days. Don't let them sit. Use them on a line that actually excites you.

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

Sports Betting Tips for Ohio Bettors

Ohio's sports betting market is massive. Here's how to navigate it smart:

• Watch for prop betting changes. Governor DeWine wants to ban all player props, not just college props. If you love prop betting, take advantage now while it's still available.
• Leverage FanDuel's market dominance. FanDuel processes the most handle in Ohio, which often means better odds on popular games due to higher liquidity.
• Stack Caesars' profit boosts strategically. With 20 tokens worth up to $2,500 each, don't waste them on random bets. Save them for games where you have strong conviction.
• Explore retail locations for big events. Northfield Park, Great American Ball Park, and Belterra Park offer in-person betting during major games for a different vibe.
• Track Ohio State and Bengals betting trends. These are Ohio's best teams. Line movements can be sharp, so get in early if you like a side.

Shurzy tip: Ohio launched with historic numbers and remains a top-five market. Don't get caught up in the hype. Stick to your budget and bet what you know.

Responsible Betting in Ohio

The Ohio Casino Control Commission and Ohio Lottery Commission oversee responsible gaming programs. All regulated sportsbooks must offer deposit limits, wager limits, loss limits, session time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options.

If you need help, contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966, available 24/7. Text 4HOPE to 741741. Call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Visit GamblingHelpOhio.org to connect with treatment options. Gambling treatment is free or low-cost through the Ohio Gambling Telehealth Network.

Final Take

Ohio launched with the biggest bang in sports betting history and quickly became a top-five market. Ohio bettors can claim over $8,400 in combined welcome bonuses. Sign up for multiple accounts, claim the bonuses, and shop for the best lines. If you're betting on the Browns, Bengals, Buckeyes, or Cavs, keep it simple: use the best bonus, play responsibly, and enjoy the action.

Shurzy tip: No spreadsheets, no stress. Just fast picks, good promos, and wins you can flex. That's the Shurzy way.

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