NHL Betting: The Best Online Sportsbooks in Ohio for Hockey

Ohio is home to the Columbus Blue Jackets and passionate hockey fans across the state. Ohio legalized sports betting through HB 29 in December 2021, and online betting launched on January 1, 2023, making the Buckeye State one of the newest major sports betting markets in the nation. Today, Ohio offers 15 licensed online sportsbooks competing for action, one of the deepest markets in the nation.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio legalized sports betting when Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 29 into law on December 22, 2021. Online sports betting launched on January 1, 2023.

Quick facts:

You must be 21 or older and physically located within Ohio when placing wagers. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) regulates all sports betting activity. Ohio currently has 15 licensed online sportsbooks: FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, Fanatics, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Hard Rock Bet, Betway, Tipico, Bally Bet, SuperBook, betPARX, and PointsBet (approved but not yet launched). Full remote registration allowed, no need to visit physical locations. Ohio permits betting on college sports, including in-state teams like Ohio State, Cincinnati, and Case Western. However, college player prop bets are prohibited as of February 2024.

Read more: Best Sports Betting Bonuses and Promos in Ohio

Advertising note: The OCCC has strict advertising regulations. The commission issued cease-and-desist notices to BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings for advertising violations. BetMGM was fined $150,000 in 2025.

Legal, regulated betting with 15 operators creating ultra-competitive pricing.

Top Sportsbooks for NHL Betting in Ohio

Ohio's loaded with options. Here's where to bet hockey based on what matters most.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Ohio Status: Live since January 1, 2023

FanDuel is the dominant sportsbook nationally and is top choice in Ohio. Sharp puck line pricing, extensive player props, responsive live betting, and the best NHL same-game parlays. Phenomenal mobile app with real-time goalie and injury updates.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if your first bet wins.

Best for: All Ohio hockey bettors, FanDuel is the default choice.

Shurzy Tip: FanDuel's SGP builder is clutch for Blue Jackets games. Stack player props with game outcomes, anytime goal scorer + team moneyline + over/under. Build your edge in one bet.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Ohio Status: Live since January 1, 2023

DraftKings excels at player props (drawing on DFS expertise). Shots on goal, assists, blocked shots markets are deep. Flash Bets allow rapid in-game wagering. Shared wallet between DFS and sportsbook.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets + 3 months NBA League Pass.

Best for: Prop-focused bettors and DFS players.

Shurzy Tip: DraftKings' Flash Bets are clutch for live betting. Quick one-tap wagers during power plays or momentum shifts, no fumbling through menus while the game's moving.

Caesars Sportsbook

Ohio Status: Live since January 1, 2023

Caesars offers sharp NHL pricing and the industry's best loyalty program (Caesars Rewards). Daily odds boosts on select NHL markets. Live streaming of select games available. 24/7 customer support.

Welcome offer: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets (code SBO20X).

Best for: Bettors seeking loyalty rewards.

Shurzy Tip: Caesars' 20 profit boosts are money. Use them on Blue Jackets moneylines or player props, double your winnings on bets you'd make anyway. Stack these during playoff pushes.

BetMGM

Ohio Status: Live since January 1, 2023

BetMGM is one of the best Ohio sportsbooks for parlay betting. Aggressive promotional calendar with NHL-specific boosts. "One Game Parlay" feature is excellent for hockey SGPs.

Welcome offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win.

Best for: Parlay enthusiasts.

Note: BetMGM was fined $150,000 in 2025 for advertising violations.

bet365

Ohio Status: Live since January 1, 2023

bet365 is globally renowned for its best-in-class live betting platform. NHL in-game odds update in real-time with exceptional speed. Live streaming of select events, early cash-out options, and deep futures markets.

Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + 10 Golden Chips.

Best for: Live-action bettors and futures-focused players.

Shurzy Tip: bet365's live betting platform is the best in Ohio. If you're watching Blue Jackets live and want to bet momentum shifts during power plays or after goals, bet365 updates faster than anyone else.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Ohio Status: Live since January 1, 2023

Fanatics offers the FanCash rewards program, earn cash back on every bet. Strong same-game parlay markets, daily odds boosts, and comprehensive NHL coverage. Modern platform design.

Welcome offer: Bet and Get up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.

Best for: High-volume bettors seeking rewards.

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

NHL Bet Types in Ohio

Ohio sportsbooks offer the full spectrum of NHL bets. Here's what you can play.

Moneyline Betting

Pick the winner, straight up. Shop for best pricing across Ohio's 15 books, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and bet365 maintain particularly competitive lines.

Puck Line (-1.5 / +1.5 and alternates)

Hockey's spread with alternative lines available. Favorites must win by 2+ goals (-1.5), underdogs get a 1.5-goal cushion.

Shurzy Tip: With 15 sportsbooks in Ohio, puck line shopping is mandatory. A -110 at FanDuel might be -105 at bet365. Over a season, those nickels compound into real money. Don't be lazy, shop aggressively.

Total Goals (Over/Under with alternatives)

Usually set between 5.5 and 6.5 goals per game with alternative totals.

Player Props

The fastest-growing NHL market. Anytime goal scorer, shots on goal (extensive ranges), assists, saves (goalies), power play points, blocked shots. DraftKings and Caesars offer the deepest menus.

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

Period Betting

Bet specific periods: 1st-period moneyline, 1st-period total, 2nd-period total, 3rd-period moneyline.

Shurzy Tip: Period betting is underrated for tight games. If you're expecting a defensive slugfest, bet the first-period under instead of the full game. You dodge empty-net chaos and overtime coin flips.

Team & Game Props

Team total goals, both teams to score, overtime (yes/no), winning margin. Available across all major Ohio books.

NHL Parlays & Same Game Parlays

Standard and SGP options available. FanDuel leads on NHL SGPs with extensive customization.

NHL Futures Betting

Stanley Cup winner, Conference winners, division winners, Hart/Vezina/Calder Trophy odds. Available on all major Ohio books.

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

NHL Betting Bonuses & Promos in Ohio

Ohio's ultra-competitive market drives aggressive promotions. Here's what to watch for.

• Welcome Bonuses: All 15 sportsbooks offer new customer promotions. Current highlights include FanDuel's Bet $5, Get $150 if your bet wins, DraftKings' Bet $5, Get $200 + NBA League Pass, Caesars' double winnings on next 20 bets, BetMGM's up to $1,500 back if first bet loses, bet365's Bet $5, Get $150 + 10 Golden Chips, and Fanatics' up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash.
• Blue Jackets-Specific Promotions: FanDuel and DraftKings frequently offer Columbus Blue Jackets odds boosts and promotions during the NHL season.
• Parlay Profit Boosts: 3+ leg parlays regularly receive 25-50% payout boosts across multiple books.
• Playoff Specials: Stanley Cup Playoffs bring enhanced promotional activity across all books.

Shurzy Tip: Ohio's 15-operator market is ultra-competitive. Check multiple sportsbook promotion tabs daily for best promotional value. Blue Jackets promos pop constantly during the season, don't sleep on those.

Expert NHL Betting Tips for Ohio Bettors

Here's how to bet smarter on hockey in Ohio's ultra-competitive market.

1. Leverage Blue Jackets Knowledge: Ohio bettors following the Blue Jackets have an edge. Use knowledge of roster changes, goalie workload, team momentum before national markets adjust.
2. Watch Goalie Announcements Closely: A backup goalie can flip a line 2-3 goals instantly. Ohio's sharp books update quickly, check official team sources 30 minutes before puck drop.
3. Consider Back-to-Back Situations: Teams playing consecutive nights face fatigue. The team on night two of a back-to-back allows more goals. Factor this into totals and puck lines.
4. Shurzy Tip: Back-to-backs hit differently in hockey. If a team's on the second night and traveling, fade them hard. Books price it in somewhat, but casual bettors sleep on this edge, especially late season.
5. Track Pace & Expected Goals (xG): Raw win/loss records can mislead. Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality and predicts future performance. Free resources: Natural Stat Trick, Evolving Hockey.
6. Home-Ice Advantage Isn't Massive: NHL home advantage is modest, roughly 3-4% edge in win percentage. Nationwide Arena (Blue Jackets) provides some advantage, but don't overweight home teams.
7. Look for Underdog Value: NHL's low scoring creates frequent underdog wins. Moneylines and +1.5 puck lines often offer value overlooked by casual bettors.
8. Shop Ohio's Ultra-Deep Market: With 15 sportsbooks competing, check at least 3-5 books before betting. Price discrepancies are significant in Ohio's ultra-competitive market.
9. Use bet365 for Live Betting: bet365 offers the best live betting platform in Ohio. Use it for in-game NHL wagering when you're watching live.

How to Start Betting on NHL Games in Ohio

Getting started is simple. Here's the play-by-play.

• Pick a licensed sportsbook from any of Ohio's 15 licensed operators. Create an account by downloading the app or visiting the website with accurate info (full name, DOB, address, SSN). Must be 21+.
• Full remote registration, no physical location visit required. Verify identity by uploading your driver's license or passport. Deposit funds via multiple methods (cards, e-wallets, bank transfers).
• Claim promotions by checking the "Promotions" tab for NHL-specific offers. Navigate to NHL/Hockey to find upcoming games. Compare odds across multiple Ohio sportsbooks (3-5 minimum in ultra-competitive market). Place your bet through the app or website. Track results and refine your strategy over time.
• Beginner-friendly bets: Anytime goal scorer (lower variance), puck lines (better payouts), first-period unders (less chaotic).

Safe, Responsible Hockey Betting in Ohio

The Ohio Casino Control Commission ensures all 15 licensed sportsbooks comply with consumer protection laws and strict advertising standards. Your funds are protected, and identity verification prevents underage gambling.

All Ohio sportsbooks offer deposit limits, wager limits, time-out periods, and self-exclusion options. Use these tools proactively.

Responsible Gambling Resources:

• Ohio Problem Gambling Help Line: 1-800-589-9966
• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• Problem Gambling Network of Ohio
• Ohio for Responsible Gambling
• Gamblers Anonymous: Meetings throughout Ohio

If betting ever feels like a burden, reach out. Ohio's resources are confidential and free.

Never bet money you can't afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses. Track your bets. Stick to a plan. Separate betting funds from your everyday account.

Final Thoughts: Ohio's Best for NHL Betting

Ohio is one of the most competitive sports betting markets in the nation, with 15 licensed online sportsbooks all competing for your attention. The market launched on January 1, 2023, and has quickly become one of the deepest and most aggressive markets in America.

FanDuel stands as the top overall choice, best SGPs, sharp pricing, user experience. DraftKings excels for prop-focused bettors. Caesars offers loyalty rewards. bet365 dominates live betting. Fanatics has the best rewards program. BetMGM is best for parlay betting (note: fined for advertising violations in 2025).

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