08/17/2025
Ohio has emerged as one of the most dynamic sports betting markets in the United States since legalizing the industry. The state offers a wide range of retail and online sportsbooks, regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The legal framework ensures fair play, consumer protection, and competitive market conditions, attracting both national operators and regional brands. This has provided Ohio residents and visitors with numerous opportunities to place wagers on various sports events, from professional leagues to collegiate competitions.
The legalization of sports betting in Ohio took effect on January 1, 2023. The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees licensing, compliance, and operational standards for all sportsbooks. The law allows for three primary types of licenses: retail sportsbooks located at casinos, racinos, and sports venues; online sportsbook operators partnering with licensed entities; and kiosks available in certain bars, restaurants, and lottery retailers. The state imposes a regulated tax rate on sports betting revenue, with proceeds allocated to education, responsible gambling programs, and public services.
Ohio’s competitive market features a combination of major national brands and locally affiliated sportsbooks. Prominent operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, and Barstool Sportsbook. Each platform offers unique promotions, loyalty programs, and betting options to attract and retain customers. Many professional sports teams in Ohio, such as the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Cavaliers, have official sportsbook partnerships, further integrating betting into the state’s sports culture.
Online and mobile wagering forms the core of Ohio’s sports betting landscape. Licensed operators provide mobile apps and websites that offer convenient access to betting markets, competitive odds, live streaming, and in-play wagering. Geolocation technology ensures bets are placed within Ohio state lines, while integrated tools promote responsible gambling through deposit limits, time tracking, and self-exclusion options.
Ohio sportsbooks offer extensive betting markets, including moneyline, point spread, totals, parlays, teasers, and proposition bets. The most popular sports for wagering include NFL football, NBA basketball, MLB baseball, NHL hockey, college football, and basketball. Additionally, sports betting fans can explore markets for tennis, golf, mixed martial arts, and international soccer events, providing year-round opportunities for engagement.
Retail sportsbooks in Ohio deliver a social and immersive experience. These venues often feature large video walls, comfortable seating, dedicated betting counters, and self-service kiosks. Many are located in entertainment hubs, combining sports betting with dining, drinks, and live game viewing. Events such as watch parties and special promotions add to the excitement, making retail sportsbooks an attractive option for casual and dedicated bettors alike.
Ohio places significant emphasis on responsible gambling. The state provides access to the Problem Gambling Helpline, voluntary exclusion programs, and educational campaigns aimed at preventing gambling-related harm. Licensed operators are required to integrate responsible gambling tools into their platforms and staff are trained to identify and assist at-risk individuals. Revenue from sports betting taxes funds several public health and addiction prevention programs.
Sports betting in Ohio has generated substantial tax revenue since its launch, benefiting public education, youth sports programs, and addiction services. The competitive operator landscape has also created jobs and boosted the state’s economy through marketing, hospitality, and technology partnerships. This economic impact has solidified sports betting as a valuable and sustainable addition to Ohio’s entertainment and leisure industry.
Ohio’s sports betting market has quickly become one of the most robust and well-regulated in the nation, offering residents and visitors access to a diverse array of retail and online sportsbooks. With strong oversight, responsible gambling measures, and a competitive environment, Ohio stands out as a model for other states seeking to establish a thriving and sustainable sports betting industry.