Sports Betting

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Ohio for Football

Ohio represents one of America's newest and fastest-growing sports betting markets. Sports betting officially went live statewide on January 1, 2023, after Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law. Since launch, Ohio has become a top-5 betting market nationally with 15 licensed online sportsbooks competing aggressively for player action. Legal sportsbooks give Buckeye State bettors safe, regulated platforms with combined welcome bonuses exceeding $8,400. No fluff, no jargon. Just picks you can flex.

NFL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Ohio for Football

Is NFL Betting Legal in Ohio?

Yes, NFL betting is fully legal in Ohio for online and retail sportsbooks. Ohio legalized sports betting in December 2021 via House Bill 29 and launched statewide online and retail betting on January 1, 2023.

Key Legal Facts:

Regulatory body: Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC)
Licensed operators: 15 active online sportsbooks as of November 2025
Age requirement: You must be 21 years old or older to place sports bets in Ohio
Remote registration: Yes, you can register online from anywhere and place bets when physically located in Ohio
Retail locations: Sportsbooks are available at approved casinos, racetracks, sports venues, and retail kiosks at bars and restaurants statewide (particularly popular in Hamilton County)
College sports: Yes, you can bet on college sports in Ohio, including Ohio State, Cincinnati, Ohio University, and other in-state teams

Best Online Sportsbooks for NFL Betting in Ohio

Ohio features 15 premier licensed sportsbooks offering comprehensive NFL betting options. Here are the top platforms:

1. BetMGM Ohio

BetMGM ranks among Ohio's top sportsbooks with the highest welcome bonus ($1,500 First Bet Offer) currently available. The platform excels with extensive NFL markets, a powerful Parlay Builder tool, and edit-my-bet functionality for customization. BetMGM is the official sportsbook partner of the Cincinnati Reds, offering Reds-focused markets and boosts at Great American Ball Park. The platform's MGM Rewards program provides nationwide perks.

Best for: Bettors who go big on their first play.

2. DraftKings Ohio

DraftKings provides competitive NFL odds, extensive parlay options, and a comprehensive stats hub for data-driven bettors. The platform offers "Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if You Win + 3 Months of NBA League Pass" (issued as 8 x $25 bonus bets). DraftKings excels with same-game parlays, live betting, and injury-adjusted markets. DraftKings pioneered DFS in Ohio; the platform still dominates fantasy contests.

Best for: Bettors who love variety and live action.

3. FanDuel Ohio

FanDuel dominates Ohio alongside DraftKings, offering one of the most comprehensive NFL betting experiences available. The platform features extensive prop markets, rapid odds updates, and live betting. FanDuel's offer is "Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if You Win". FanDuel also offers daily fantasy sports alongside traditional sportsbook betting.

Best for: Everyday players who want smooth, simple betting.

4. Caesars Sportsbook Ohio

Caesars delivers premium NFL betting with world-class odds and unique offerings. The platform provides "Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets" (up to $50,000 in total bonus value). Caesars Rewards members enjoy exclusive perks nationwide.

Best for: Players who want strong bonuses and extra rewards.

5. bet365 Ohio

bet365 brings its global reputation with elite in-play betting, early-payout features, and one of the deepest betting menus available. The platform offers two welcome promos: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (win or lose) OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in bonus bets. The platform excels with automatic early payouts and extensive live betting.

Best for: Live bettors and sharp players.

6. Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio

Fanatics emphasizes transparent Fair Play policies and a FanCash rewards program allowing bettors to earn credits toward official NFL merchandise. The platform provides "Up to $2,000 in No Sweat FanCash" over 10 days for new users.

Best for: Sports fans who love merch rewards.

7. ESPN BET Ohio

ESPN BET stands out with guaranteed $150 in bonus bets on any bet (a rare win-or-lose format). The platform features ESPN integration, daily odds boosts, and personalized specials. ESPN BET's promo is particularly appealing due to its simplicity and guaranteed value.

Best for: Fans who live on ESPN content.

8. BetRivers Ohio

BetRivers features unique offerings including the $1 million Beat the Spread Challenge and 20% parlay profit boosts on multi-leg NFL wagers. The platform also offers a $100 second-chance bet and fast RushPay withdrawal system.

Best for: Contest players who want extra chances to win big.

Best NFL Betting Bonuses in Ohio

Ohio sportsbooks collectively offer over $8,400 in combined new-user bonuses, the highest in any state. Here are the best current offers:

Welcome Bet & Get Offers: FanDuel offers "Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if You Win". DraftKings provides "Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Months NBA League Pass". bet365 offers "Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose" OR "First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000". ESPN BET delivers "Bet Any Amount, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed" (a unique no-minimum format).
Highest Welcome Bonus: BetMGM leads with "$1,500 First Bet Offer" structured as bonus bets issued at 20% increments of your qualifying stake (up to 5 bonus bets).
Profit Boosts: Caesars Sportsbook provides "Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets" (up to $50,000 in total bonus value).
Multi-Day Bonuses: Fanatics provides "Up to $2,000 in No Sweat FanCash" over 10 days, with each daily bonus expiring at 11:59 p.m. the day of issuance.
Odds Boosts: All 15 OH sportsbooks feature daily NFL odds boosts on point spreads, player props, and same-game parlays, especially during primetime and Sunday games.

Shurzy tip: Don't overthink it. Setting up your account takes less time than ordering wings before kickoff. Just make sure you use your bonus on a line that actually excites you.

Popular NFL Bets You Can Make in Ohio

Ohio sportsbooks offer every NFL betting option available. Here's what you can wager on:

Moneyline: Pick which team wins the game straight up, no point spread. Example: Bengals -215 means you risk $215 to win $100 if Cincinnati wins.
Point Spread: The most common NFL bet. Sportsbooks set a margin of victory. Example: Bengals -5.5 means Cincinnati must win by 6+ points to cover against Cleveland.
Totals (Over/Under): Bet whether the combined score exceeds or falls short of the sportsbook's total. Example: Bengals vs. Browns set at 47.5 points. Bet over or under that number.
Player Props: Wager on individual performances like passing yards, rushing touchdowns, receptions, or anytime touchdown scorer. Ohio allows college player props as well.
Team Props: Bet on team-specific outcomes like first-half points, team total score, or which team scores first.
Same-Game Parlays (SGP): Combine multiple outcomes from a single NFL game with enhanced odds. Example: Bengals moneyline + over 47.5 points + specific receiver to score touchdown.

Shurzy tip: Don't bet on the Browns or Bengals just because you're from Ohio. The best bettors separate hometown fandom from bankroll management. If you want to ride with your team, keep it small and keep it fun.

How to Bet on the NFL in Ohio: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose a licensed sportsbook from the 15 regulated operators.
Step 2: Create your account with your personal information.
Step 3: Verify identity and age (you need to be 21+ and physically located in Ohio). SSN is required for tax documentation purposes.
Step 4: Make a deposit using credit/debit cards, PayPal, or other approved methods. Ohio sportsbooks typically have low minimums ($5-$10).
Step 5: Claim available bonuses and enter promo codes if required.
Step 6: Navigate to NFL betting, browse upcoming games, odds, and bet types.
Step 7: Place your bet, confirm your bet slip, and monitor your wager through settlement.
Step 8: Withdraw winnings through regulated banking (Ohio withdrawals typically process within 24-48 hours).

Responsible Gambling in Ohio

Ohio provides comprehensive responsible gaming resources. All sportsbooks offer deposit limits, session time limits, self-exclusion options, and loss limits. Ohio's "Time Out Ohio" program allows individuals to ban themselves from all Ohio casinos, racinos, and sports gaming for 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime periods.

Get Help: If you or someone you know struggles with problem gambling, contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 800-589-9966, available 24/7, free, and confidential.

Gambling should be entertainment, never income. Set limits, understand when to walk away, and never wager more than you can afford to lose.

Final Take: Ohio's NFL Betting Scene Is Elite

Ohio stands as one of America's fastest-growing sports betting markets with 15 licensed sportsbooks competing for your action through exceptional bonuses exceeding $8,400 (the highest in any state). If you're a Browns or Bengals fan seeking sharp NFL lines, a serious bettor line-shopping across all 15 platforms, or a casual fan looking for best-in-class bonuses, Ohio delivers exceptional value.

Choose from platforms like BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, or bet365 for a world-class 2025 NFL betting season with the nation's most generous welcome bonus packages.

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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