Ohio Sees Second-Largest August Sports Betting Handle in US

The Buckeye State continues to establish itself as one of the country’s largest sports betting markets. 

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has reported a sports betting handle of $662,760,428 for August. This led to over $72 million in revenue for operators and over $14 million in taxes for the state. The impressive total was an increase of almost 21% compared to August 2024, and was the second-highest handle in the country.

Ohio’s strong month further established the market as the second-largest in the US, trailing only New York. The state’s 20% tax rate is around the national average, while its 16 online sportsbooks make it one of the most competitive markets in the country.

A range of factors led to a busy August, including an incredible late-season run by the Cleveland Guardians. The state also marked the start of the college football season, with Ohio State aiming to defend its national championship title in 2025. 

The strong month will lead Ohio to overtake Michigan and possibly Indiana in total handle. That’s a fantastic sign of the market’s strength, as it launched four years after those neighbors. Ohio could also soon surpass Illinois, which has been the busiest Midwest market since its launch in 2019.

NFL Season Brings Test for Ohio Market

As impressive as Ohio’s August numbers are, the market’s actual test will come during the NFL season. The league, along with college football, sees more wagers than any other season. This usually leads to massive handles, but that might not be the case in 2025.

Prediction market operators, such as Kalshi, have begun to offer more betting markets for the NFL, resulting in a significant increase in volume. That has many industry experts wondering how many sportsbook customers will switch to sports prediction markets as a result. With the NFL season starting in September, we’ll have an early answer to that once those numbers are reported.

The state’s two NFL teams, the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, are among the worst in the NFL early this season. That could lead to fans keeping more money in their pockets, resulting in a drop compared to 2024.