Sports Betting For Ohio Residents

Getting started with sports betting in Ohio may seem complicated but it's really simple. Although there are many online sports betting options in Ohio, none of them are regulated by the state, as they're all based in international countries and accept Ohio residents. Traditional sports wagering methods via in-person sportsbooks should be available soon, since lawmakers passed a bill to legalize sports betting in December of 2021. For those unsure of where to start, don't worry, we are here to take the guesswork out of the whole affair and explain the Ohio sports betting laws.

Best Ohio Sports Betting Sites - 100% Trusted MyBookie Safe
#1
Bovada Sportsbook50% Up To $250VISA + Wire Transfer
#2
BetOnline Sportsbook50% Up To $1,000 VISA, Bitcoin, Cash Wire
#3
MyBookie Sportsbook50% New Member Bonus!VISA, Bitcoin
#4
Xbet Sportsbook100% Up To $300 VISA, Bitcoin
#5
Sportsbetting Sportsbook50% Up To $1,000 Bitcoin, Wire Xfer, VISA

Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Ohio Residents

Ohio sports bettors have numerous legal online sportsbooks to choose from when looking to bet on the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Bovada, SportsBetting, and XBet have been accepting Ohio sports betting players for decades. If looking to bet on the NBA, MLB, or NFL legally, these three betting sites have all you need and more.

Bovada - Get The Latest Odds On All Sports

Bovada SportsbookIf you are wondering how you can get into Cleveland Browns betting or how to make bets on any of your favorite teams, then you need to head over to Bovada. Bovada is the industry leader when it comes to online offshore sportsbooks. This sportsbook has the best odds on all your favorite teams. To make it even better, signing up is completely free and this website is the number one pick for residents in Ohio.

And there is more motivation now more than ever for you to sign up for a Bovada account. The reason for that is because of the Welcome Bonus that the sportsbook has for new users. If you sign up for your account today, Bovada will give you a 50% match bonus for up to $250 on your first deposit. No bonus code is needed and your bonus will be credited to your account an hour after you make your first deposit.

SportsBetting - Legal In Game Betting On NFL Games

SportsBetting SportsbookSportsBetting is the online offshore sportsbook where you will want to be if you are wanting to get into Ohio State betting. Heck, the website has odds on all sorts of teams and games. If you are a fan of football, basketball, boxing, cricket, darts, handball, and a whole other selection of sports, SportsBetting has you covered on all fronts. You might even find a sport you never heard of while you are here.

Over and over again, we are going to suggest you use cryptocurrencies while you are on SportsBetting. Not only because they are secure and fast, but they also net you the most bonuses as well. For the first time, you deposit cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, or Litcoin, you will receive a 100% bonus on your first deposit for up to $1,000. Just use the promo code 100CRYPTO when you deposit at the cashier and let the bonus flow in.

BetOnline - Jump Into The World Of Sports Betting

BetOnline SportsbookIt doesn’t matter if you are in Cincinnati or Cleveland, if you ask anyone in Ohio about BetOnline, they will tell you exactly why it’s their sportsbook of choice. There are odds on all of Ohio’s greatest teams, along with teams from other parts of the world you might be a fan of. The live betting section keeps the action going while games are in play and no one does it better than BetOnline.

If you want to get into live betting but you aren’t sure if you want to risk your own money on it, then this bonus was made for someone like you. On the very first bet, you make during a live bet, it is free to play for up to $25. That means if your live bets turn out to be a loss, you can email BetOnline to get a refund. Of course, if you win, then you just get your winnings and be on your merry way. It is an excellent way to get started with live betting.

MyBookie - One Of The Most User-Friendly Options In Ohio

MyBookie has all of the sports betting options that Ohio users could possibly want, and then some. With odds on all of the major sports teams, and many that some Ohioans don't even know about! Many online sportsbooks are clunky and not quite right for users, but MyBookie's website is super easy to use and is also quite easy on the eyes. Check out what makes MyBookie one of the most popular sportsbooks in Ohio.

Not only known for their design and betting options, MyBookie sets the gold standard for deposit bonuses in the industry. They've got some bonuses that are only offered once per week and other bonuses that can be used any time. MyBookie offers a fantastic 100% match on users’ first deposits, which is a great way to practice and grow a bankroll for beginners!

XBet - A Top Rated Sportsbook, Casino, And Racebook

XBet is a great option that covers all the sports, casino games, and horse races that anyone could ever want. With a wide-ranging sportsbook that offers over 20 different sports and all of their accompanying leagues, it is nearly impossible to find a sporting event that XBet doesn't offer!

Another top reason that Ohio sports bettors choose XBet is because of their bonuses. XBet offers all users a 50% match on their first deposit, and that bonus only comes with a seven times rollover. Compared to other industry-leading online sportsbooks, XBet's bonuses offer some of the best value and rollover requirements on the market.

How To Place A Bet Using An Online Sportsbook In Illinois

  • Find The Right Sportsbook: When finding the right online sportsbook for you in Illinois the key things to look for are banking options, your desired betting options, and a trustworthy history. Nearly all online sportsbooks will look great at surface level, but doing research into each of them can help find you the perfect sportsbook.
  • Sign Up And Choose A Bonus: Thankfully for Illinois residents, they no longer have to go to a brick-and-mortar sportsbook just to sign up for a sportsbook. Signing up for sportsbooks online is easy and shouldn't take long at all. Most sportsbooks offer sign-up bonuses, but make sure to understand how they all work before choosing one.
  • Bet: Now to the truly fun part. When placing a bet, it is important to compare betting odds across different sportsbooks to ensure you are getting the largest possible payout.

Ohio Gambling Laws - Is Sports Betting Legal In Ohio?

Yes. Lawmakers pushed through a bill to legalize an Ohio sports betting market in December of 2021. Ohio residents must be 21 or older in order to place sports wagers. The repeal of PASPA allowed for Ohio to decide if they would allow state-sponsored sports betting or not, and in November of 2020 Ohio residents voted to legalize the hobby. Thanks to H.B. 29 and the outspoken support of governor Mike DeWine, Ohio could see state-sponsored sportsbooks by mid to late 2023.

Other gambling activities such as horse racing are popular in Ohio. Betting on horses was permitted by Chapter 3769 in the Ohio code while also establishing a racing commission. The next other legal gambling activities in Ohio are the lottery, daily fantasy sports, and casinos.

Legal Gambling Age For Ohio Residents

Ohio residents are able to begin sports betting no earlier than 21, which is when online sportsbooks accepting Ohio residents will begin accepting Ohio bettors. This age limit is strictly enforced. Failure to adhere to this restriction could end up with you having your bankroll confiscated. Seeing as how legislation is still being discussed, it's unknown what the final age limit for state-sponsored sports betting would be, but SB-176 proposes an age limit of 21.

Land Based Gambling In Ohio

Casinos in Ohio don’t currently offer retail sportsbooks, but they do offer blackjack, and poker among other classic table games. Other land-based gambling opportunities in Ohio include horse racing, the lottery, and daily fantasy sports. Still, sportsbooks in Ohio will be found in a variety of major cities.

Future Of Sports Betting In Ohio

Getting a launched legally regulated sports betting market in Ohio has been a seemingly off-and-on again situation. Sports betting is a hot topic of discussion among lawmakers in Ohio right now, and that’s a positive sign for all stakeholders wanting to legalize the hobby. Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine had previously stated that the legalization of sports betting was inevitable, and he backed that statement up when he signed HB29. HB 29 legalized sports betting in Ohio, with the hopes to launch by January 1st, 2023.

Deposit And Withdrawal Methods When Using Online Sportsbooks In Ohio

Sportsbook Deposit Methods Withdrawal Methods
Bovada Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin SV, Player Transfer, MatchPay, and Voucher Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Player Transfer, MatchPay, Voucher, and Check by Courier
BetOnline Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Chainlink, Dogecoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Solana, Tellar, USD Coin, Player Transfer, Money order, Wire Transfer, and Person to Person Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Chainlink, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Solana, Stellar, USD Coin, Player Transfer, Money Order, Wire Transfer, Person to Person, Check by Courier
MyBookie Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Moneygram Bitcoin, Wire Transfer, and ECheck
XBet Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Moneygram Bitcoin, Wire Transfer, and ECheck
Sports Betting Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Chainlink, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Solano, Stellar, Tether, USD, Person to Person, Money Order, Cashier's Check, and Wire Transfer Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano, Chainlink, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Solano, Stellar, Tether, USD, Person to Person, Money Order, Bank Wire Transfer, Check by Courier
BetUS Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Check by Courier

Best Legal Sportsbook Sign-Up Bonuses In Ohio

Sportsbook Percent Bonus Maximum Bonus Rollover
Bovada 75% $750 5
BetOnline 100% $1,000 14
MyBookie 100% $1,000 10
BetUS 200% $2,500 15
XBet 50% $500 7
SportsBetting 100% $1,000 10

Betting On The NFL In Ohio

The NFL is the most bet on sport in Ohio throughout the year. Thanks to the popularity of NFL teams like the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals, there's a robust sports environment permeating throughout Ohio. The Super Bowl promises to be the best day of the year in terms of sports betting, with odds available on everything about the game, from the result to the color of Gatorade poured on the winning coach. Betting on the NFL in Ohio has never been easier, and Super Bowl betting will confirm that.

Mobile Sports BettingOhio Sports Betting Apps

Betting from an Android or Apple device is quickly becoming one of the common ways sports bettors in Ohio place their wagers. Ohio has yet to launch a regulated sports betting market but that doesn’t prevent many gamblers from still using their mobile devices to place sports bets. Using an online sports betting site like Bovada or MyBookie allows bettors in Ohio to never miss an opponent to bet on their favorite teams. The best part about mobile betting at Bovada or MyBookie is that there is no need to download an app as the entire array of gambling odds is brought to you from any phone, laptop, or tablet’s internet browser.

Best Legal Sportsbook Sign-Up Bonuses In Ohio

Although state-sanctioned sports betting has yet to be launched, many Ohio residents want to know which online sportsbooks will have apps available when that day comes. Some of the most likely sportsbooks to launch apps in Ohio are Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fox Bet, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, JACK Entertainment, PointsBet, TwinSpires, and WynnBett.

Ohio Gambling Laws - Is Sports Betting Legal In Ohio?

Yes. Lawmakers pushed through a bill to legalize an Ohio sports betting market in December of 2021. Ohio residents must be 21 or older in order to place sports wagers. The repeal of PASPA allowed Ohio to decide if they would allow state-sponsored sports betting or not, and in November of 2020 Ohio residents voted to legalize the hobby. Thanks to HB 29 and the outspoken support of governor Mike DeWine, Ohio could see state-sponsored sportsbooks by mid to late 2023.

Understanding The Main Points Of House Bill 29:

There are 25 different Type A licenses available, which allow sportsbooks to launch on mobile devices. Casino and sports teams may apply for a second skin, but only if there is a clear economic benefit to Ohio.
40 retail sportsbook licenses (Type B) will be available, but they will be distributed based on population requirements. Counties with fewer than 50,000 residents are ineligible, counties with populations between 50,000 and 99,999 residents and that can show they have over 5 million tourists per year are eligible for one license, counties with populations between 100,000 and 399,999 are eligible for one without having the tourism requirement, counties with a population between 400,00 and 799,999 residents are eligible for three licenses, and any county with a population greater than 800,000 is eligible for five.
Class D liquor licenses businesses are eligible to apply for a Type C sports betting license that would allow them to have sports betting kiosks.
The sports betting tax will be 10%, and 2% will go to problem gambling assistance.

Other gambling activities such as horse racing are popular in Ohio. Betting on horses was permitted by Chapter 3769 in the Ohio code while also establishing a racing commission. The next other legal gambling activities in Ohio are the lottery, daily fantasy sports, and casinos.

History Of Sports Betting In Ohio

  • 2022: Ohio voters and the Ohio Casino Control Commission have had many different votes to establish rules for when sports betting launches.
  • 2021: Newly elected Ohio State Senator Kirk Schuring proposed a new sports betting bill, SB176 The bill would eventually get through the Senate but stalled in the House of Representatives. Schuring then moved the sports betting portion of the bill onto HB29, which would eventually pass through Ohio's Senate and House of Representatives and get signed by Governor Mike DeWine.
  • 2020: Neither Eklund's or Greenspan's bills garnered enough support when Ohio met for their 2020 legislative sessions. John Eklund and Dave Greenspan would lose re-election campaigns, opening the door for new sports betting bills in 2021.
  • 2019: State Senator John Eklund introduced SB111 and House Representative Dave Greenspan introduced HB194, both of which would have brought sports betting to Ohio. The two bill's effectively split the vote. Senator Williams Coley and the Legislative Service Commission favored HB194 and Governor Mike DeWine supported S111. The bills received eight hearings from the House Finance Committee, but the hearings were not very productive and delayed the process. Greenspan's HB194 eventually won out in a ninth hearing and advanced through the House Finance Committee.

Most Popular Sports To Bet On In Ohio

Ohio has a professional sports team in all four of the major sports and is also home to some dominant collegiate sports teams. Ohio is also home to both the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati of the MLS.

Betting On The NFL In Ohio

Two AFC North foes can be found in Ohio, the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. The Bengals are coming off an appearance in the Super Bowl and appear built to last as contenders as long as Joe Burrow is around. In their franchise history, the Bengals have been to the playoffs 15 times and have lost in all three of their Super Bowl appearances.

Cleveland Browns fans are surely not feeling too bad for any Bengals fans, as the franchise has never appeared in the Super Bowl. Browns fans look back fondly on their eight NFL Championships but look poised to contend in the coming years because of a strong rushing attack and dominant defense.

For more:

Cincinnati Bengals Betting

Cleveland Browns Betting

Betting On The NBA In Ohio

The Cleveland Cavaliers have one of the most exciting young cores in the entire NBA. Built around young All-Stars Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, the Cavaliers are seen as a team on the rise that should contend as Garland, Allen, and the superb Evan Mobley continue growing together. The Cavalier's debut season was in 1970, making the playoffs 22 times since then with one championship in 2016.

Recent Ohio Sports Betting News

  • April 2022: JACK Entertainment launched the betJACK app that allows bettors to learn the ins and outs of sports betting. It is a free app that allows users to not only learn about sports betting but also place bets with free tokens.
  • March 2022: Ohio residents got to vote on sports betting rules such as B3R2 which set up the rules for Type C licenses for sports betting through the state's lottery, B4R2 establishing house rules, and B5R2 which was about mobile and retail licensing/procedure.
  • February 2022: Fubo Gaming and the Cleveland Cavaliers announced a partnership which made Fubo Sportsbook an official mobile betting partner and the odds provider of a 3,000 square foot sports betting lounge which will be located inside the Cavalier's arena, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cleveland Cavalier also announced a second sportsbook would be located in Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, but through a partnership with Caesars Sportsbook .
  • January 2022: Voting began on Ohio's voluntary exclusion program and the Type C licenses. The first and second round of voting also began on general provisions for Ohio sports betting laws.
  • December 2021: House Bill 29 passed through the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives, and was eventually signed by Governor Mike DeWine, which legalized sports betting in Ohio.

Betting On The MLB In Ohio

Both the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians are MLB franchises that were established way back in the 1800s. Despite their lengthy histories, neither team has lacked recent success in the World Series. The Reds last took home the World Series pennant in 1990, while Cleveland hasn't won a World Series since 1948.

Betting On The NHL In Ohio

Columbus's only professional sports team amongst the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB is the Columbus Blue Jackets. They have made the playoffs six times since their franchise debut was made during the 2000-2001 season. Their franchise leaderboard is headlined by Rick Nash who is the all-time leader in games played, goals, assists, and points in Blue Jacket's history.

Betting On The NCAA In Ohio

In terms of dominance in their respective sport, Ohio State Betting has been the cream of Ohio's crop. In Ohio State's football history they have won eight National Championships (1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, 1970, 2002, and 2014) and have had six different Heisman Trophy winners (Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Hoard Cassady, Archie Griffin (2X), Eddie Gorge, and Troy Smith). Other frequently bet on college teams in Ohio include the Cincinnati Bearcats, Xavier Musketeers, Dayton Flyers, Ohio Bobcats, and Miami RedHawks.

Daily Fantasy Sports In Ohio

Ohio officially regulated Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) back in 2018 when House Bill 132 was passed. The law set the annual licensing fee at $10,000 and doesn't take any of the operators. DraftKings, FanDuel, Yahoo!, and Fantasy Draft are the primary DFS operators within Ohio.

How To Use An Online Sportsbook In Ohio

Setting up an online sportsbook account in Ohio is incredibly easy and can be done in minutes. The steps to do so are not complicated, but it is important to understand what they are. Another important note is that a lot of people create accounts on multiple sportsbooks so that they always get the best odds on any game that they are betting on.

Creating An Account: Most online sportsbooks need simple information to set up your account. That information will most likely include name, age, and possibly address to ensure that you are playing in a legal state.
Choose Your Bonus: The trickiest part about choosing an online sportsbook is finding the right bonus for you. Look into the minimum deposits to qualify, the maximum possible bonus, and how many times you have to rollover that bonus before it is eligible to be withdrawn. Bonuses are a great way to add to your bankroll, but doing research is key to finding the right one. Some sportsbooks require promo codes for bonuses, while others just require an opt-in button to be checked. Don't miss out on your bonus!
Deposit In Your Account: Top online sportsbooks have tons of depositing options for new and existing users. Using cryptocurrencies has become the main method of depositing because they are fast, safe, and secure. They also typically come with bigger bonuses.
Understand Your Bet: Once you are all set up with your account you are ready to place your bets. Focus on the betting options that you understand, only bet what you can afford, and don't assume that any bet in sports is a lock.

Different Types Sports Betting Options In Ohio

  • Moneyline Bets: Bets on who wins are called moneyline bets. Bets on the moneyline do not require either team to win by a certain amount, they just require them to win. Moneylines are not all the same as the odds are adjusted based on how likely each team is to win.
  • Point-Spread Bets: Sportsbooks handicap sporting events by assigning a favorite by a specific point amount (the spread). Betting on the favorite to cover the spread means that you think they will win by at least that many points and therefore cover the spread. For the underdog to cover the spread they must either win outright or lose by less than the given amount of points.
  • Point Totals: Often done because of a lack of preference between either team, betting on either the over or under of a given combined total is a great way to stay interested in the game. Bets on the point total can be done on either a single team or the combined score of a game.
  • Parlay Betting: When bets are all placed together on one bet slip to get an increased payout, that is called a parlay. For a parlay to be deemed successful, every single outcome (leg) must be correct. If a single leg of a parlay loses, the entire bet is a loss. Sports bettors will often parlay favorites as a way of getting more favorable odds of seemingly likely outcomes. Parlays can be made up of moneyline, point-spread, and point totals. Some online sportsbooks will even allow parlays on player prop bets.
  • Round Robin Betting: A subset of parlay betting, placing a round robin bet is a quicker way that some sportsbooks will allow users to place multiple parlays at once. Users choose to go with round-robin parlays as a way of hedging against a single outcome ruining their parlays. An example of this would be if you had a seven-team bet slip and decided to place a round-robin six-team parlay, which would be six different combinations of those seven teams.
  • Proposition Bets: Proposition bets, often called prop bets, are bets on a specific outcome within a game. Prop bets can be on any number of outcomes, but can be player focused (i.e. passing yards, three-pointers, hits) or can be totally random (i.e, Gatorade color dumped on coach, color of a tie, who is mentioned first in a postgame speech).

History Of Casinos In Ohio

Retail casino gambling has only been legalized in Ohio since 2012. Ohio legalized retail casinos as a way to raise revenue during the Great Recession without having to put even more financial pressure on residents. The four casinos in Ohio are Hollywood Casino Columbus (Penn National Gaming), Hollywood Casino Toledo (Penn National Gaming), Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati (Hard Rock International), and Jack Casino Cleveland (Jack Entertainment). The seven racinos (a racetrack and casino) in Ohio are Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center (Boyd Gaming), Scioto Downs Racino (Eldorado Resorts), MGM Northfield Park (MGM International Resorts), Miami Valley Gaming (Churchill Downs/ Delaware North), Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway (Penn National Gaming), Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course (Penn National Gaming), and Jack Thistledown Racino (Jack Entertainment).

FAQ About Online Sports Betting In Ohio

1) My sportsbook says I only have to be 18, but you say 21. Why?

State rules require you to be 21, so you cannot play regardless of the age limit by the betting site.

2) What are the repercussions of gambling underage?

The repercussions of gambling underage are heavy, and in some states such as North Carolina, they can even result in lifetime bans from casinos. If found gambling underage not only will your betting account and everything in it be confiscated but bettors could also face fines or jail time.

3) Is Bovada legal in Ohio?

Yes. You can legally play the games available in the state of Ohio, and you do not have to worry about being banned from Bovada's impressive sportsbook.

4) Where are the actual Ohio gambling laws listed?

You can find the laws related to wagering directly through the state's legislature website.

5) If the UIGEA curtails financial processes, how can I cash in my winnings?

Your payouts should not be stymied by the UIGEA, as the rules of law are generally used to keep banking institutions accountable for processing payments from unregulated websites. The online offshore sportsbooks we recommend will have several payment options that allow you to avoid this law altogether.

6) The Wire Act states that transmitting betting information over the Internet is a crime, why am I exempt from arrest?

You will not be arrested because the Wire Act pertains to those who operate gambling business inside of the U.S. and not the players patronizing the businesses.

7) If my credit card is declined, will I be able to get it to work?

You may have to find another card or an alternative deposit method. E-wallets and wire transfers are both viable alternatives.

8) Where can I find information on how to read odds and bet on sports?

If you are a newbie to the wagering world, you will probably want to check out the information each of these sportsbooks that welcome US players has to offer.

9) What happens if Ohio writes a law banning online sports gambling?

We will update our site accordingly and share the information with our readers.

10) I have heard of some gambling sites getting shut down, is this likely with any of your sportsbooks?

It is important that you do all the research you can to make sure that you are not breaking any laws. All of these sportsbooks accepting Ohio residents have been in business for several years and they are not going anywhere. The worse that should ever happen would be that one of these sites stop accepting US residents, including those from Ohio.