NBA Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Ohio for Basketball

Ohio legalized sports betting on January 1, 2023, when the state launched one of the nation's most competitive markets with simultaneous retail and online launch. Home to the Cleveland Cavaliers and passionate basketball fans, Ohio built a robust sports betting market with 15+ licensed operators providing exceptional NBA betting options. The state generates exceptional sports betting revenue, with approximately 97% of wagers placed online/mobile. If you're watching the Cavs or betting on national TV games, Ohio's got you covered.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio legalized sports betting on December 8, 2021, when Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 29. Both retail and online betting launched on January 1, 2023 at 12:01 a.m.—a coordinated dual launch.

Here's what you need to know:

• Governing body: Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). They regulate everything.
• Licensed operators: 15+ online sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, Fanatics, bet365, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, Bally Bet, betPARX, Prime, MVGBet, Betr, BetJack; Underdog approved but not yet launched).
• Retail locations: 14+ retail sportsbooks plus 900+ sports betting kiosks.
• Minimum age: 21. No exceptions.
• Tax structure: 20% (doubled July 2023; 40% increase rejected June 2025).
• Licensing structure: Up to 40 online licenses available through casino and professional sports team partnerships.
• College betting rules: Ohio permits college sports betting including in-state teams (Ohio State, Cincinnati, etc.). However, college player prop betting is prohibited as of February 2024. High school betting is banned. Weather-related betting is prohibited.
• Geolocation requirements: Every app uses GPS tech to confirm you're in Ohio before accepting bets. Cross state lines and your app won't work.
• Responsible gambling alert: 97% of Ohio sports bets are placed online/mobile. Problem gambling helpline calls increased significantly since the January 2023 launch. Approximately 255,000 Ohio adults have gambling disorders (20% of the adult population are at-risk or problem gamblers).
• Offshore sites: Avoid them. Stick with Ohio's 15+ licensed operators.

Shurzy Tip: Ohio has 15+ sportsbooks, which makes it one of the best states for line shopping. The difference between FanDuel offering Cavaliers -3 and DraftKings offering Cavaliers -2.5 could be the difference between a push and a loss. Open accounts with 4-6 books, check odds before every bet, and always grab the best number. Your bookie hates this, but your bankroll loves it.

Read more: NBA Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Basketball Season

Top Sportsbooks for NBA Betting in Ohio

Ohio has 15+ licensed sportsbooks. Here are the best for NBA betting:

FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio

FanDuel ranks as Ohio's top sportsbook by handle and app ratings (4.9 Apple, 4.7 Google Play). Exceptional live betting interface with real-time odds updates.

Best for: Live in-game betting, single-game parlays, highest-rated app

DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio

DraftKings delivers comprehensive NBA betting with industry-leading daily odds boosts and Same Game Parlay builder. Partnership with NBA League Pass delivers premium streaming. 4.8 Apple, 4.3 Google Play ratings.

Best for: Same game parlays, daily odds boosts, player props, NBA League Pass

BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio

BetMGM offers the largest welcome bonus providing substantial protection. Strong odds and extensive props. Partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers creates local advantage.

Best for: Cavaliers partnership, comprehensive NBA markets, largest welcome bonus

Caesars Sportsbook Ohio

Caesars combines extensive NBA betting markets with the valuable Caesars Rewards program applicable to casinos nationwide. Regular profit boosts on basketball games.

Best for: Rewards program, profit boosts

Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio

Fanatics lean into their merch dominance. The FanCash rewards system lets you earn credits toward official NBA gear with every bet.

Best for: Merch rewards, FanCash program

bet365 Sportsbook Ohio

bet365 brings international expertise to Ohio with competitive NBA odds. Early cash-out options and extensive live betting markets make them a favorite among sharp bettors.

Best for: Cash-out options, live betting depth

ESPN BET, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, Bally Bet, betPARX, Prime, MVGBet, Betr, BetJack

Additional 10+ operators provide robust competitive alternatives for Ohio basketball bettors.

Shurzy Tip: BetMGM has an official partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which means they push Cavs-specific promos hard during games. If you're betting Cavaliers games regularly, BetMGM's local partnership translates to better team-specific promotions and faster updates on roster news.

Best NBA Betting Bonuses in Ohio

Ohio sportsbooks throw money at new users. Here's how to grab it:

• BetMGM: Up to $1,500 First Bet Offer. Largest welcome bonus in Ohio. Drop $1,000 on an NBA spread, and if it loses, you get $1,000 in bonus bets back.
• DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $200 + 3 Months NBA League Pass. Multiple bonus pathways. Bet $5 on any NBA game, get $200 in bonus bets if it wins, PLUS three months of NBA League Pass.
• Fanatics: Bet & Get Up To $2,000 in FanCash. Largest initial offer with FanCash rewards toward Cavaliers gear.
• FanDuel: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins. Clean, straightforward offer from the market leader.
• bet365: Bet $5, Get $150 or $1K Safety Net. Flexible offer structure with competitive odds.
• Caesars: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 20 Bets. Lowest entry point in Ohio. Extended value across multiple weeks of NBA action.

Shurzy Tip: Ohio launched in January 2023, which means the market is established but still competitive. Sportsbooks are fighting for market share with 15+ operators. Stack bonuses across multiple books immediately while the promotional competition stays fierce.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Ohio

NBA Bet Types You'll Actually Use

Ohio sportsbooks offer every NBA bet type imaginable. Here are the ones that matter:

• Moneyline Bets: Pick which team wins straight up. Cavaliers -200 vs. Wizards +160 means you bet $200 on Cleveland to win $100, or bet $100 on Washington to win $160.
• Point Spread Bets: The most popular NBA bet. If the Cavaliers are -5.5 favorites, they need to win by 6+ for your bet to hit. If you bet the Wizards +5.5, they can lose by 5 or fewer (or win outright) and you cash.
• Totals (Over/Under): Bet on the combined score. Cavaliers vs. Wizards total is set at 218.5? Bet the over if you think both teams combine for 219+ points.
• Player Props: Points scored (Donovan Mitchell Over 26.5 Points), rebounds (Jarrett Allen Over 10.5 Rebounds), assists (Darius Garland Over 7.5 Assists), threes made (Max Strus Over 2.5 Threes), double-doubles, blocks, steals. Remember: No props on college athletes in Ohio (as of February 2024), only pros.

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

• Team Props: First team to score 20 points, highest-scoring quarter, first basket scorer, halftime leader, winning margin ranges.
• Same Game Parlays (SGPs): Combine multiple bets from one game. Example: Cavaliers Moneyline + Donovan Mitchell Over 26.5 Points + Game Total Over 220.
• Futures: NBA Finals champion, conference winners, MVP candidates, team win totals.
• Live In-Game Betting: Odds update in real time during games. Bet on the next team to score, quarter winners, adjusted spreads.

Shurzy Tip: Ohio permits college betting (including Ohio State, Cincinnati), but college player props have been prohibited since February 2024. You can bet moneylines, spreads, and totals on college games, but no props. Use your college hoops knowledge when those players reach the NBA.

How to Start Betting NBA Games in Ohio

Here's the step-by-step:

• Step 1: Pick a licensed sportsbook. Choose from Ohio's 15+ licensed platforms. Open accounts with 4-6 to stack bonuses and compare odds.
• Step 2: Register. Download the app or visit the site. You'll need your full legal name, date of birth (21+), last four digits of your SSN, Ohio address, email, and phone number.
• Step 3: Verify your identity. Upload a government-issued ID. One-time verification.
• Step 4: Deposit. Fund your account with debit/credit card, bank transfer (ACH), PayPal, or e-wallets.
• Step 5: Claim your promo. Activate any welcome bonuses before placing your first bet.
• Step 6: Find NBA markets. Open the basketball section. Browse games, odds, and bet types.
• Step 7: Place your bet. Add picks to your bet slip, enter your stake, confirm.
• Step 8: Withdraw winnings. Request payouts through the app. Most Ohio sportsbooks process withdrawals in 24-72 hours (e-wallets) or 2-3 business days (bank transfers).

NBA Betting Strategies That Actually Work

1. Line shop across all 15+ books. A half-point on a spread or 10 cents on a moneyline compounds over 82 games. Check multiple apps before every bet.
2. Track injury reports religiously. Star players missing games change everything. Follow official reports every afternoon. Cavaliers injuries (Mitchell, Garland, Allen) move lines.
3. Bet unders in defensive matchups. When two top defensive teams play (Cavaliers vs. Heat, Celtics vs. Knicks), totals tend to stay under.
4. Manage your bankroll. Bet 1-2% per game. Never chase losses. This is CRITICAL in Ohio where 255,000 adults have gambling disorders.
5. Use advanced stats. Check offensive/defensive ratings, pace factors, net ratings. NBA.com/stats and Cleaning the Glass provide free data.
6. Respect line movement. When lines shift significantly, sharp money is behind it. Understand why before betting against it.
7. Leverage college basketball knowledge. Ohio permits betting on in-state college teams (Ohio State, Cincinnati). Use insights from the college season to understand player development when those players reach the NBA.

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

Bet Responsibly (For Real)

Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-589-9966 (call/text 24/7) or TEXT: 4HOPE to 741741. Voluntary Self-Ban through Time Out Ohio program allows 1-year, 5-year, or lifetime self-exclusion from Ohio casinos, racinos, and sports betting. CRITICAL: Approximately 255,000 Ohio adults have gambling disorders (20% of the adult population at-risk or problem gamblers). Helpline calls increased substantially since the January 2023 launch. All Ohio sportsbooks offer deposit limits, loss limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, and reality checks. Betting should make games more fun, not create stress.

Final Word

Ohio stands as one of America's most competitive sports betting markets with 15+ licensed operators, exceptional promotional competition, and strong basketball engagement driven by Cavaliers fanbase and regional Eastern Conference preferences. However, rising problem gambling calls and population estimates of 255,000 Ohioans with gambling disorders create an urgent need for responsible wagering discipline. Set predetermined limits, employ 1-2% unit sizing, never chase losses, and seek help immediately if gambling becomes uncontrollable. Line shops aggressively across multiple platforms and bet smarter all season.

Too lazy to research? You're in the right place. Now go bet smarter.

‍