Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?
If you’re asking “is online sports betting Ohio legal right now?” the answer is yes. Ohio launched both mobile and retail sports betting on January 1, 2023, making it one of the most successful sports gambling legal states in the U.S. Today, players can bet online through licensed sportsbook apps, in-person at casinos, or even at kiosks in bars and grocery stores. With NFL betting, college hoops, and live in-game options, Ohio has quickly become a major hub for sports betting legal activity.
Online Sports Betting Ohio: The Launch
The journey began with House Bill 29, signed in December 2021. This bill authorized online sports betting legal across the state and gave regulators the authority to license apps, retail sportsbooks, and lottery-based kiosks.
On January 1, 2023, Ohio went live with dozens of options at once. It was one of the biggest launches in online sports betting USA history. Within the first year, billions of dollars were wagered.
Read more: Looking for the ultimate guide to NFL betting this season? We've got you covered right here!
Is Sports Betting Legal Online in Ohio?
Yes. Sports betting legal online is available throughout Ohio. Anyone 21 or older can sign up for a licensed sportsbook app and place bets, as long as they are physically located in the state.
Geolocation ensures that bettors must be inside Ohio’s borders. You don’t need to be a resident, so visitors can also download online sports betting apps and wager while in the state.
Online Sports Betting Apps in Ohio
Ohio has one of the largest selections of sportsbook apps in the country. More than 15 licensed operators are live, including:
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- ESPN BET
- Fanatics Sportsbook
Example: A Browns fan in Cleveland can open FanDuel, deposit $50, and parlay Nick Chubb over 80 rushing yards, the Browns to cover +3, and the total score going under. That wager is legal, easy to track on the app, and settled in real time.
This level of access puts Ohio ahead of many other sports gambling legal states.
Online Sports Betting How To in Ohio
Getting started with online sports betting Ohio is simple:
- Pick a licensed sportsbook app from the official list.
- Download the app or sign up on the website.
- Verify your identity and confirm you’re 21+.
- Deposit funds using debit card, PayPal, or online banking.
- Browse sports betting markets like NFL betting, NBA spreads, or college hoops.
- Place your wager and track the results instantly.
Unlike some states, Ohio did not require in-person registration, so sign-up is fully remote.
What You Can Bet On in Ohio
Bettors in Ohio enjoy a wide variety of markets, including:
- NFL betting, NBA moneylines, MLB totals, NHL props.
- Soccer, golf, tennis, and international leagues.
- Futures, parlays, live betting, and player props.
Restrictions do apply. Starting in March 2024, college player props are banned. You can still bet on college games, but not on individual athlete performances. This change was made to protect student athletes from pressure.
Ohio Compared to Other Sports Gambling Legal States
Ohio is one of the most open markets in the U.S. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Michigan: Online sports betting apps are legal, but fewer kiosks in public venues.
- Pennsylvania: Strong online market, but fewer operators than Ohio.
- Indiana: Popular, but smaller overall handle.
Ohio’s combination of apps, retail sportsbooks, and kiosks makes it one of the most accessible online sports betting USA states.
Online Sports Betting Example: Bengals Game Day
Imagine it’s Sunday, and the Bengals are hosting the Ravens. A fan in Cincinnati can open DraftKings, place $25 on Joe Burrow over 2.5 passing touchdowns, add Ja’Marr Chase anytime touchdown, and parlay it with the Bengals to win.
That same-game parlay is built in minutes, tracked live, and paid out instantly if it hits. Online sports betting Ohio has made game day wagers seamless for fans statewide.
Taxes and Market Revenue
Ohio’s sports betting market is massive. Operators pay a 20% tax on revenue, doubled from the original 10% rate. Licensing fees add another $1 million per sportsbook, renewable every five years.
By mid-2025, Ohio had handled more than $17.5 billion in wagers. About 97% of bets came from online sports betting apps. In July 2025 alone, sportsbooks saw over $532 million in handle, generating nearly $60 million in revenue.
Retail and Kiosk Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohio goes beyond apps. Players can also place bets in person at:
- Retail sportsbooks inside casinos, racinos, and stadiums.
- Type C kiosks at hundreds of bars, restaurants, and even grocery stores.
This widespread access makes sports betting legal more visible in Ohio than in most states.
Responsible Gambling in Ohio
The Ohio Casino Control Commission regulates online and retail sportsbooks. Bettors have access to self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and 24/7 helplines.
By taxing operators heavily, Ohio also funds responsible gaming initiatives and state programs.
The Future of Online Sports Betting Ohio
The state is already a top-five market in the U.S., but growth continues. Features like micro-betting, new sportsbook apps, and expanded live markets will keep Ohio competitive.
Pressure from fans could lead to changes in college betting restrictions, but for now, the ban on college player props remains.
Final Thoughts on Online Sports Betting Ohio
Online sports betting Ohio is legal, live, and thriving. Bettors can choose from more than 15 sportsbook apps, wager at retail sportsbooks, or use kiosks in bars. With NFL betting, NBA action, and March Madness fueling demand, Ohio is one of the strongest online sports betting USA markets today.
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