Sports Betting in Ohio: Legalization, Regulations, and Current Landscape

Legal Status of Sports Betting in Ohio

As of January 1, 2023, sports betting is fully legal in the state of Ohio. The legalization was made possible by House Bill 29, which was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine in December 2021. The bill authorized both online and retail sports betting, making Ohio one of the largest U.S. markets to offer regulated sports wagering.

Regulatory Authority

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is the primary regulatory body overseeing all sports betting operations in the state. This agency is responsible for licensing operators, ensuring compliance with state regulations, auditing operations, and protecting bettors through responsible gambling initiatives.

Types of Legal Sports Betting

Ohio permits three primary types of sports betting licenses:

Type A Licenses – Online Operators:
These are for mobile sportsbooks and online platforms. Companies such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are among the major operators that received licenses to offer online sports betting in Ohio.
Type B Licenses – Retail Sportsbooks:
These are physical sportsbook locations located in casinos, sports stadiums, and select bars or restaurants. Many of the state’s casinos and racinos have established retail sportsbooks.
Type C Licenses – Kiosk Betting:
This type of license allows for limited sports betting via kiosks in bars, restaurants, and other approved establishments with liquor licenses. The Ohio Lottery Commission supports this aspect of the market.

Who Can Bet?

To legally place a sports wager in Ohio, an individual must:

Be at least 21 years old
Be physically located within the state’s borders at the time of placing the bet
Use a licensed operator (either online, retail, or kiosk)

Sports and Events Allowed for Betting

Ohio law permits betting on a wide range of professional and collegiate sporting events, including but not limited to:

NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL
NCAA football and basketball
Soccer (domestic and international)
Golf, tennis, motorsports, MMA, and boxing
Olympics and other sanctioned events

However, certain restrictions apply to betting on high school sports and specific proposition bets on college games, to protect amateur athletes.

Taxation and Revenue

Ohio levies a 20% tax on sports betting revenue. A significant portion of this revenue is allocated to the Sports Gaming Revenue Fund, which supports education, addiction services, and youth sports programs. Additional fees and taxes collected from licensees also contribute to state initiatives.

Responsible Gambling Measures

The state mandates that all operators provide responsible gambling tools such as:

Deposit limits
Time limits
Self-exclusion programs
Helpline access

The Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) allows individuals to exclude themselves from all forms of gambling in the state for periods of one year, five years, or a lifetime.

Economic and Social Impact

The legalization of sports betting in Ohio has led to:

Increased job creation in both retail and technology sectors
Additional revenue streams for local businesses and hospitality venues
Funding for public services via tax revenue
Concerns around problem gambling, which are actively addressed through education and intervention programs

The Future of Sports Betting in Ohio

The market continues to grow rapidly, with more online platforms launching and new retail locations opening. Innovation in betting technology, partnerships with professional sports teams, and enhanced consumer protections are expected to shape the next phase of Ohio’s sports betting landscape.

Ohio’s embrace of legal sports wagering represents a significant shift in the state’s gaming industry and sets a framework that other states may emulate.