Ohio Sports Betting - Best Legal Sportsbooks in Ohio December 2023

On Jan. 1, 2023, online sports betting was launched in Ohio. Presently, 20 sportsbooks are available in the Buckeye State. We have covered everything you need to know to kickstart your sports betting journey in Ohio, including the best sign-up promos available now.

How We Rated the Top Ohio Sports Betting Sites

At WSN, we understand the significance of thorough and hands-on testing when it comes to evaluating sportsbooks. As such, we invest considerable time and effort into trying out each platform ourselves before constructing our reviews. Personal testing is the only way to truly understand the ins and outs of a sportsbook, and relaying our experience is the most genuine way of informing our readers.  

Before our experts begin writing their reviews, we require them to commit a minimum of 2 hours to properly explore each of the following six areas: 

1. User Experience - We look for sportsbooks that provide a smooth and enjoyable experience. They must be easy to navigate, making it a breeze to explore the different features and sections. Additionally, they should look visually pleasing, as a well-designed and attractive platform contributes to your overall enjoyment. For both phones and desktops, we ensure to test this on different devices for a uniform experience.

2. Features - We dedicate time to thoroughly explore the features of a sportsbook, looking at the variety of sports and betting markets available, in addition to the live betting options, extra features like pick ‘em services or tips, and anything else.

3. Promotions - We personally opt into and try out the different promotions that are on offer, whether welcome bonuses, free bets, ongoing promotions, or loyalty schemes. We gain first-hand experience with how they work and explore all the terms and conditions. 

4. Deposits and Withdrawals - We consider a variety of convenient and secure payment methods. This goes for traditional options such as debit cards and bank transfers, or more modern methods like e-wallets and cryptocurrency. We access each payment method for deposits and withdrawals, evaluating factors such as processing time, limits, and fees. 

5. Customer Support - We understand the value of excellent customer service, so we dedicate time to test out how responsive and fast each customer support channel is. This includes sending emails to the team, evaluating the efficiency of the live chat, and even directly calling an agent. 

6. Responsible Gaming - We place a strong emphasis on the practice of responsible gaming ourselves. Therefore, we hold a sportsbook to the highest regard when they clearly advocate responsible gaming. This includes featuring links to helpful sites, hotlines, or specific features like deposit/wager limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion. 

Our team of post-publication editors ensures that our reviews are continually updated to ensure that the information is current and accurately reflects what is shown on the respective site. We allocate a total of five hours to this process monthly. 

Why You Should Trust Us

Our trustworthiness comes from the fact that our primary goal is to relay our experience to you, in order to improve your betting experience for the better. We have been part of the industry since the beginning, and as it has grown, so has our expertise. 

Our team carries out hands-on testing for sports betting sites, where we personally test, access, and compare multiple platforms to provide you with accurate information. Each piece is thoroughly researched and detailed, maintaining clarity, and impartiality, and receiving regular updates.

At the end of the day, we want to help simplify and improve your betting experience. The main driving force behind our work is to provide you with a reliable and authentic source of information.

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbooks in Ohio

1. FanDuel Sportsbook

Best for: Mobile app

In terms of total revenue, FanDuel was the most popular sportsbook in the US in 2022. If you want a tried and trusted sportsbook chosen by Americans nationwide, it’s perfect for you. 

As a leading sportsbook in the US, it is no surprise that FanDuel secures the top spot on our list of the best online Ohio sportsbooks. New players are welcomed to FanDuel with a generous offer of $150 in bonus bet and a 3-month NBA League Pass, after your first deposit of $5. Aside from the welcome bonus, FanDuel has an array of ongoing promotions that are consistently updated weekly and monthly. 

Entering the FanDuel site, you are greeted by a bright and well-organized platform that offers a user-friendly experience. It is easy to navigate and you will find a fantastic spectrum of sports and events to place your bets on, which is expected of a premium platform. When it comes to payment methods, the sportsbook has 9 options, but the standout feature is its withdrawal speed. It's among the fastest payout Sportsbooks in the US.

All of this can be enjoyed through FanDuel’s excellent mobile app, which has an impressive 4.8/5 on the App Store and 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store. It is widely regarded as the best sportsbook app in the US. 

Pros

• Frequent bonuses

• Most used sportsbook

• Fastest withdrawal times

Cons

• VIP scheme could be better

• No phone number

Check out our in-depth FanDuel Sportsbook review for more information.

• WSN rating: 10/10

• Sign-up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

Best for: Low deposit limits

DraftKings is a close competitor to FanDuel, with the two platforms constantly vying for the title of the best in the industry. If you are looking for a site that excels in terms of betting markets, promotions, and mobile compatibility, then it is a fantastic option to consider.  

After signing up, users can claim a great bonus of $150 in bonus bets after depositing and betting only $5. The bonuses do not stop there, with regular daily and weekly promotions up for grabs. A recent addition to the site is ‘DraftKings Dynasty', which is an exciting loyalty scheme where you have the chance to claim generous rewards. As you progress through the tiers, you are eligible for promotions such as priority customer support, dedicated VIP hosts, and special events. 

The platform itself is intuitive and logically designed, ensuring that your sports betting process is straightforward. Here, you will find not only a sportsbook, but an online casino, poker room (in legal states), daily fantasy sports, and pool services. Deposits and withdrawals are also a breeze at DraftKings with an extensive range of 13 payment methods, catering to any preference. In comparison to other platforms, it has a particularly low minimum deposit of $5. 

Pros

• $150 Welcome Bonus for only $5 wager

• Fantastic loyalty scheme

• Highly-rated mobile app

Cons

• No phone support

• Odds not as good as competitors

Take a look at our in-depth DraftKings Sportsbook review for a more detailed breakdown, and read more about DraftKings' promotions in Ohio.

• WSN rating: 10/10

• Sign-up offer: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. Caesars Sportsbook

Best for: Rewards club 

Caesars is a name that has become synonymous with gambling. If you are looking for a platform that has a rewarding loyalty club with real-world benefits, then Caesars Sportsbook is definitely worth checking out. 

As well as being a reputable brand in itself, Caesars’ parent company is William Hill, a titan within the betting industry for almost 100 years. 

Caesars Sportsbook has an impressive range of sports and bets for you to explore, presented on a sleek and attractive platform. It is an especially great choice for a beginner, since the betting process has been simplified and made especially user-friendly. Another excellent and convenient feature is customer service, which has several options, including phone, live chat, Twitter, email, and social media. 

The welcome bonus is great too. When you make your first bet of up to $1,000, and if it doesn't go your way, you get the full amount back in Caesars Bonus Bets. Along with this, you can receive 1,000 credits as part of the Caesars VIP program, which can be exchanged for prizes. In fact, the loyalty scheme is incredibly generous with rewards such as hotel stays, bonus credits, gift cards, and event tickets. If you are planning on visiting any of the Caesars resorts, this is an especially valuable feature.

 Pros

• Up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus bets

• Excellent customer service

• Best loyalty scheme

Cons

• Limited ongoing promotions

• High minimum deposit

Check out our in-depth Caesars Sportsbook review for more information.

• WSN rating: 9/10

• Sign-up offer: Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets & 1,000 Tier and Reward Credits

• App rating: 4.6/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

4. bet365 Sportsbook

Best for: Welcome Bonus 

A major player in the UK, bet365 has expanded its success by offering services in the US. If you are looking for a trusted brand that delivers an all-round experience, it is the perfect choice for an Ohio player.

It is clear to see why it is a top platform with a refined website, opting for a classic sportsbook look, while being effortless to navigate. You can find a healthy choice of betting markets on the website, from popular sports like basketball and football to niche options such as bowling or esports.

Bet365 offers the choice between two welcome bonuses to get you started on the site. You can either claim a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net, where if your bet loses then you can receive a refund in bonus bets, or you can bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets. It is great that there are two options and you can see which one suits you better.

When it comes to mobile betting, Bet365 knocks it out of the park with a fantastic mobile app. In fact, the app boasts an impressive 4.8/5 on iOS and 4.6/5 on Android devices. We found that the platform works just as smoothly on the phone as on a desktop. 

Bet365 is only available in Ohio, New Jersey, Colorado, Virginia, Iowa, and Kentucky, making it one of the more exclusive books on our list. 

 Pros

• Choice between two great welcome bonuses

• Trusted international brand

• Strong customer service

Cons

• Lower amount of betting markets overall

• Only available in six states

Check out our in-depth Bet365 Sportsbook review for more information.

• WSN rating: 8.5/10

• Sign-up offer: $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or Bet $5 and receive $150.

• App rating: 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

5. BetRivers Sportsbook

Best for: On-running promos

BetRivers is a simple platform that delivers a great betting experience, is straightforward, trustworthy, and easy to use. If you are a newcomer to the world of betting, then it is an ideal option to start your journey. 

After registering, you can claim a welcome offer of a Second Chance Bet up to $100, using the code ‘SPORTS’. Aside from this, you can find a whole host of promotions that are regularly updated so it is always worth checking this out. In fact, BetRivers really knocks it out the park when it comes to its bonuses, having special offers for most major sports.

BetRivers also has a great loyalty scheme called iRush rewards, which is definitely a favorite part of the platform. You can earn rewards from spinning the prize wheel to bonus money to free bets. As you become a VIP, you can receive highly lucrative prizes such as a VIP manager, thank you dinner, and luxury gifts. On the downside, the app has the tendency to have a few layout issues but generally works well.

Pros

• Easy-to-use platform

• Underrated choice

• Great loyalty scheme

Cons

• App design isn’t amazing

• No 24/7 live chat

Have a look at our in-depth BetRivers Sportsbook review for more information.

• WSN rating: 8/10

• Sign-up offer: 2nd Chance Bet Up to $100

• App rating: 4.4/5 (iOS); 3/5 (Android)

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Ohio

The full list of all 21 legal online sportsbooks that are available in Ohio: 

1. Bally Bet

2. Barstool 

3. Bet365

4. BetFred

5. BetJACK

6. BetMGM

7. BetPARX

8. Betr

9. BetRivers

10. BetWay

11. Caesars Sportsbook

12. DraftKings

13. ESPN Bet

14. Fanatics

15. FanDuel

16. Hard Rock

17. MVGBet

18. Prime Sportsbook

19. PointsBet

20. SuperBook

21. Tipico

Ohio Online Sports Betting Sites

Ohio Retail Sportsbooks 

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Ohio as of Jan. 1, 2023. You can find the list of 21 online sportsbooks that are available in the state above. 16 sportsbooks debuted on the first day of the year, while several others joined in the following months. 

How to Get Started

It is a simple process to register and make a bet at an Ohio sportsbook. We have summed it up into six straightforward steps, which is especially helpful if you are a newcomer to the betting world.

1. Choose a reputable sportsbook: Like the sites that we recommend, ensure that the platform is licensed and regulated. It is essential to select a sportsbook that is fully legal in Ohio to protect your personal and financial information.

2. Sign up for the sportsbook: Simply visit the website or app and register for your chosen platform. You will need to provide obligatory information such as your name, email, address, phone number, etc. 

3. Verify your identity: Some platforms may ask you to verify your identity for security reasons by submitting a photo of your ID or other documents.

4. Claim your bonus: Sportsbooks will have a welcome bonus for new players, which massively benefits you when signing up for the first time. You can claim these offers by simply signing up and making a deposit, or sometimes by using a promo code. Be aware of the terms and conditions of these bonuses. If you decide on one of our recommended platforms, look at our reviews for the specifics of how to claim. 

5. Deposit funds: You’ll need to make a deposit so you have some money to bet with or to activate your bonus. Choose your preferred payment option and follow the simple instructions, and be aware that this sometimes acts as the same method for withdrawals.

6. Make your first bet: You can then find your preferred sport and game that you wish to bet on. Then, choose the type of bet and the amount that you want to wager. Finally, you can add it to your betslip to place it. 

Keep in mind that sportsbooks change their deals often. If you're not finding something you like right now, don't worry—it's likely to change soon. Keep an eye out for promotions, especially around events like Black Friday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays. Sportsbooks tend to have great deals for both new and existing players during these times.

Ohio Sportsbook Promos

Below, we have clearly laid out for you the welcome bonuses of our recommended sportsbooks. This ensures it is easy for you to compare and choose the promotion that is best suited to your preferences and betting style. 

Sportsbooks tend to have many different types of promotions and bonuses, we have listed a few of the most common that you will encounter. 

Bonus Bet 

A bonus bet is a type of offer that can be received after registering, making a deposit of a certain amount, and making a qualifying bet. It is basically a form of bonus credit. For example, at DraftKings, you can receive a great amount of $200 in bonus bets for making a wager of just $5. 

Second Chance Bets 

A second chance bet allows you the opportunity to recover some or all of the wager if you lose your initial bet. The recovered amount will be in credits for the site or bonus bets, which you cannot simply withdraw without using to bet first. Caesars and Bet365 both have this type of bonus for new players. 

Deposit Match Bonuses 

With this bonus, a sportsbook will match the amount that you deposit up to a certain limit. Therefore, the more that you deposit, the greater the amount you will receive. Again, the matched portion of your deposit will be in the form of site credit or bonus bets.

No Deposit Bonuses 

A no-deposit bonus is as simple as its name. You do not need to deposit any funds or spend any money to receive this kind of bonus, which the sportsbook gives you in exchange for just creating an account. They are often small bonus bets of $10 or $20. 

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Ohio?

Every legal sportsbook in Ohio has a mobile app available. It is crucial that modern online sportsbooks are optimized to work on a phone and the convenience of accessing sites on the go from anywhere and at any time really adds to the experience. When selecting our best Ohio casinos, we choose those that deliver an unbeatable mobile experience. 

Here is a list of our top mobile sports betting apps that are available in the Buckeye State.

1. FanDuel - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

2. DraftKings - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

3. Bet365 - 4.8/5 (iOS); 4.6/5 (Android)

4. Caesars Sportsbook - 4.6/5 (iOS); 4.3/5 (Android)

5. BetRivers - 4.4/5 (iOS); 3/5 (Android)

What Betting Markets Are Available in Ohio?

Ohio has a vast range of sports betting markets, which allows you the opportunity to engage with the thriving sports culture of the state. If you are a newcomer to the world of sports betting, then the variety of betting types can seem daunting at first. We have simplified this for you, by clearly explaining each of the most popular betting types in Ohio.

Moneyline 

A straightforward type of wager where you must bet on which team or player will win a game or event. In moneyline bets, the team with the negative odds is considered the favorite. Using increments of $100, let’s take this example:

• Cleveland Browns (+205)

• Baltimore Ravens (-240)

For a bet on the Cleveland Browns, a $100 bet would make a profit of $205, with a total payout of $305 if they win. While for the Baltimore Ravens, a bet of $240 would be required to win $100, resulting in a payout of $340. 

Point Spreads

A point spread bet is where the sportsbook sets a ‘spread’ of points and you bet on whether it will be covered, effectively a bet on the margin of victory of the team. For example, if a team has a -6.5 point spread, they must win by 7 points or more. If, on the other hand, you bet on the opposing team, which has a +6.5 spread, your bet will be successful if they win the game or lose by fewer than 7 points. 

Totals

A totals bet, also called over/under, is where you simply predict whether the total score of the game will be over or under the amount that is set by the sportsbook. For instance, let’s say that the sportsbook has set the total at 38 points for the game between the Browns and the Ravens. 

If you have bet the ‘over’, and the two teams score a combined total of 39 points or more, then your bet wins. If you had bet the ‘under’, then you can only win if the total is 37 points or fewer. This kind of bet allows you to focus on the overall pattern of the game, rather than picking a winner.

Futures

A future bet is as the name suggests, where you guess the outcome of an event or championship at some point in the future. Normally, we think about futures in terms of the overall winners of competitions. Let’s suppose you are a fan of the Cleveland Browns and are confident that they can win the Super Bowl this year. You can place a future bet that they will win before the season begins, for premium odds. 

Prop Bets

This type of bet is unique in that it is based on specific actions, events, or performances of players or teams, including things that could have nothing to do with the outcome of the game. For example, you can bet on the number of assists or rebounds in basketball, or, in football, the number of passing yards or touchdowns. You can normally place prop bets on both teams as a whole and individual players.

Parlays

Parlays are a type of bet that allows you to combine various individual bets into a single ticket. All the bets must be correct to win a parlay. As such, there is a greater risk when making this kind of bet, but better odds. 

Teasers

Teasers are a kind of modified parlay bet, in which you can choose to adjust the point spread in favor of you winning, but the sportsbook will then reduce the payout. The most common teaser is a two-team, six-point football one. 

Live Betting

Live betting occurs when wagers are placed while the game is happening and developing in the moment. The odds change in real-time depending on score, game events, and other factors.  All Ohio sportsbooks have a dedicated live section, where you can see live updates for various events. 

What Can’t You Bet On in Ohio?

For Ohio betting, there are some restrictions to be aware of. 

• You cannot bet on events where more than 50% of the participating athletes are under the age of 18, for instance, high school sports.

• Bets on random determinations like coin flips or on items such as clothing or equipment are not allowed. Certain prop bets are not permitted, such as player injuries. 

• Making bets on the statistical actions of referees or officials is banned.

• Betting on entertainment award ceremonies is also banned.

• Gamblers may not bet on any political events.

Betting on College Sports in Ohio

Yes, Ohio has legalized betting on college sports. It is particularly popular within the state, with institutions like Ohio State having renowned collegiate programs. Here is a list of programs in the NCAA Division 1:

• Akron Zips

• Bowling Green Falcons

• Cincinnati Bearcats

• Cleveland State Vikings

• Dayton Flyers

• Kent State Golden Flashes

• Miami RedHawks

• Ohio Bobcats

• Ohio State Buckeyes

• Toledo Rockets

• Wright State Raiders

• Xavier Musketeers

• Youngstown State Penguins

Ohio Sports Betting Facts

• Ohio accounts for 4.2% of total US sports betting handle (based on trailing 12 months).

• The most popular sportsbook brand in Ohio is FanDuel, which has a 40% share of GGR.

• Ohio has a total of 21 online sportsbook brands.

How Does Ohio Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

In the first month of legalization in January 2023, Ohio reported more than $1 billion in wagers and $208 million in revenue. This surpassed every other legal state, other than New York, in that month. It is difficult to compare Ohio in detail to other more established sports betting states over the years, since it was only legalized in the state at the start of 2023. But it is clear that Buckeye State is heading towards becoming a major player in the industry.

Ohio has quite a high tax rate of 20% for sports betting in comparison to other states. For example, Arizona has a rate of 10% and New Jersey has 13%. 

College sports and esports are legal to bet on in Ohio, which are popular options. Many other legal states do not allow betting in these areas, like Massachusetts for instance, where esports betting is not legal. However, Ohio does have a few notable restrictions, such as high school sports, politics, and entertainment events.

Ohio Sports Betting Updates

Sports betting in Ohio has undergone a quick process since legalization was first proposed in May 2021. It took less than a year for the bill to be pushed through and, throughout 2022, the state quickly prepared for the official launch. We have made a comprehensive timeline of events that led to the legalization of Ohio sports betting:

• Nov. 14, 2023 - ESPN BET launches in Ohio.

• Sept. 13, 2023 - Prime Sportsbook becomes the 20th online sportsbook.

• Sept. 1, 2023 - Sports betting in Ohio reaches $4 billion in wagers.

• Aug. 30, 2023 - Bally Bet is the next addition.

• July 2023 - New legislation is passed that increases the tax rate on sports betting from 10% to 20%.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Ohio?

Yes, Daily Fantasy Sports is legal in the state of Ohio. You can find DFS features on DraftKings and FanDuel which are available for Ohio players. 

Sports Teams in Ohio

Ohio has professional teams in all four of the major US leagues, demonstrating its strong sports culture. Aside from the most popular listed below, notable teams include the MLS soccer teams Columbus Crew and FN Cincinnati.

• Cleveland Browns - The Browns have a dedicated fan base and a deep history, making them the most beloved team from Ohio. They boast four NFL Championships under their belt from the 1950s and 60s. 

• Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are Ohio’s other NFL team, who have managed several playoff appearances and reached the Super Bowl three times but with no wins.

• Cincinnati Reds - The Reds have won five World Series Championships, making them the most successful Ohio team. However, their most recent championship was in 1990.

• Cleveland Guardians - Another MLB team, the Cleveland Guardians have won two World Series back in 1920 and 1948. 

• Columbus Blue Jackets - The Blue Jacket’s are Ohio’s only NHL team. Established in 2000, they have never won the Stanley Cup.

• Cleveland Cavaliers - The only NBA team in the state, the Cavaliers have won the NBA Championship once in 2016. This success was thanks to the leadership and talents of NBA legend, Lebron James, who played for the Cavaliers from 2003 to 2010, and then in 2014 to 2018.

Ohio Sportsbook Partnerships

Ohio is home to eight major league teams, each of which has a thriving partnership with a sports betting company:

• In 2022, Cincinnati Reds announced BetMGM as their official partner, involving the opening of the sportsbook at their home stadium, American Ball Park.  

• Ohio’s other MLB team, Cleveland Guardians have a multiyear partnership with Bet365 as their exclusive mobile betting partner and Fanatics for retail gambling.

• Fanatics also has a retail sportsbook partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

• In terms of soccer, the official partner of Columbus Crew is Tipico, and is Superbook for FC Cincinnati.

• Caesars Sportsbook is the official betting partner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

• For Ohio’s NFL teams, Betfred has teamed up with the Cincinnati Bengals, although the betting platform has not yet launched in the state.   

• Recently, Bally's Bet has joined forces with the Cleveland Browns establishing a branded lounge at FirstEnergy Stadium. 

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Ohio

The Ohio Casino Control Commission is the regulatory authority that oversees sports betting in the state and is strongly committed to promoting responsible gambling. The OCCC offers a range of resources for individuals who are seeking support or information about the matter 

First, consider consulting the Ohio Responsible Gaming website, where you can read warning signs, tips, and other resources. If you are looking to speak directly to someone, you can call 1-800-589-9966 or use the live chat. They also have initiatives such as Change the Game Ohio, Get Set Before You Bet, Keep It Fun Ohio, and Voluntary Exclusion Program which are very helpful.

Ohio sportsbooks also have certain tools to manage your gambling behavior

• Deposit Limits/Wager Limits - You can set limits on how much you deposit and wager on your betting account.

• Time-Outs - This gives you the option of having a break from betting for a specific period.

• Self-Exclusion - You are excluded from betting for a set period or indefinitely.