Sports Betting in Ohio: Legalization, Regulations, and Market Overview

Legal Status of Sports Betting in Ohio

Sports betting is legal in Ohio. The state officially launched both retail and online sports betting on January 1, 2023, following the passage of House Bill 29, which was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2021. This marked a major milestone for Ohio, aligning it with the growing number of U.S. states embracing regulated sports wagering.

Oversight and Regulatory Bodies

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is the primary regulatory authority overseeing the sports betting industry in the state. The commission is responsible for licensing operators, enforcing compliance, and ensuring the integrity of all sports betting activities. Additionally, the Ohio Lottery Commission plays a limited role in retail kiosk-based betting.

Types of Legal Sports Betting in Ohio

Ohio offers three types of sports betting licenses:

Type A: For online sportsbook operators (e.g., FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM).
Type B: For retail sportsbooks at physical locations like casinos, stadiums, and racetracks.
Type C: For bars, restaurants, and small businesses hosting betting kiosks under the Ohio Lottery.

Each license type has specific requirements and operational boundaries to ensure fair competition and accessibility.

Online Sportsbooks in Ohio

As of 2025, Ohio residents can legally place bets using a variety of licensed online sportsbooks. Some of the most prominent platforms operating in the state include:

DraftKings
FanDuel
BetMGM
Caesars Sportsbook
Bet365
Barstool Sportsbook
PointsBet

These platforms offer a range of betting options, including moneylines, spreads, parlays, live betting, and futures markets. Most also provide mobile apps for iOS and Android, making wagering highly convenient.

Retail Sportsbook Locations

Ohio boasts several high-profile retail sportsbook venues. These are located at casinos, professional sports stadiums, and racetracks across cities like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. Notable partnerships include:

Caesars Sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse (Cleveland Cavaliers)
BetMGM at MGM Northfield Park
Fanatics Sportsbook at Nationwide Arena (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Who Can Bet on Sports in Ohio?

To legally place a sports wager in Ohio, individuals must:

Be at least 21 years old
Be physically located within Ohio state lines at the time of placing the bet (online operators use geolocation technology to enforce this requirement)

Athletes, coaches, officials, and certain gaming employees may be restricted from wagering due to potential conflicts of interest.

Taxation and Revenue

Ohio imposes a 20% tax on gross sports betting revenue from operators. The revenue is allocated to several state-funded initiatives:

K-12 education
Problem gambling assistance programs
Administrative costs for regulation
Youth sports programs

The legalization of sports betting has brought a substantial boost in tax revenue and economic activity, supporting both public services and local businesses.

Responsible Gambling Measures

The state of Ohio has implemented various responsible gambling initiatives, including:

Self-exclusion programs managed by the OCCC
24/7 problem gambling helplines
Operator requirements for responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and reality checks
Funding for mental health and addiction services

These measures aim to protect vulnerable populations and maintain the integrity of the newly legalized industry.

Popular Sports and Betting Markets

Ohio sports bettors can wager on a wide range of events, including:

NFL (Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals)
NBA (Cleveland Cavaliers)
MLB (Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds)
NHL (Columbus Blue Jackets)
NCAA football and basketball
International soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, and more

However, Ohio has imposed some restrictions on betting related to high school sports and specific in-game college player prop bets.

Conclusion

The legalization of sports betting in Ohio has transformed the state into a major player in the American sports wagering landscape. With strong regulatory oversight, a wide range of legal operators, and a commitment to responsible gambling, Ohio offers a safe and competitive environment for both casual and serious bettors. As the market continues to mature, further innovations and partnerships are likely to enhance the sports betting experience in the Buckeye State.