Ohio is one of the largest regulated sports betting markets in the US. After a long legislative process, the state officially launched legal sports betting on January 1, 2023, giving millions of residents access to online and retail wagering options.
Today, Ohio bettors can legally place bets through licensed mobile sportsbooks and approved in-person locations across the state.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes. Online and retail sports betting are fully legal in Ohio.
Sports wagering was authorized under state law in 2021, with a formal launch at the start of 2023. The market is regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), which oversees licensing, enforcement, and consumer protection.
Who can bet on sports in Ohio?
To legally place a sports bet in Ohio, you must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum age: 21 years old
- Location: Physically located within Ohio state borders
- Verification: Identity and age verification required during signup
All online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to ensure wagers are placed inside Ohio.
Ohio sports betting rules explained
Ohio’s sports betting framework allows a wide range of betting options, with a few clear restrictions.
What you can bet on
- Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, golf, tennis, motorsports, and more)
- College sports, including Ohio-based teams
- Futures and season-long bets
- Live and in-play betting
- Parlays and same-game parlays
What you cannot bet on
- High school sports
- Youth or amateur sporting events
- Certain non-sport novelty markets
Unlike some states, college player prop bets are allowed in Ohio, making it a popular market for NCAA bettors.
Ohio online sportsbooks
Ohio launched with one of the largest sportsbook rollouts in the country, allowing dozens of operators to enter the market through different license types.
Here are the major online sportsbooks currently operating in Ohio:
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is one of Ohio’s most popular betting apps, offering a smooth mobile experience, competitive odds, live betting, and same-game parlays across major sports.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings provides deep betting markets, strong in-play wagering tools, and extensive coverage of professional and college sports.
BetMGM
Backed by MGM Resorts, BetMGM delivers a polished app, frequent odds boosts, and ties to MGM’s national rewards program.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars offers a straightforward betting platform with broad market coverage and integration with Caesars Rewards for eligible users.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics brings a unique rewards-driven model, allowing bettors to earn FanCash that can be used across the wider Fanatics ecosystem.
bet365
Known internationally for sharp pricing and strong live betting tools, bet365 adds depth in niche and in-game markets.
Retail sports betting in Ohio
Ohio also permits retail sports betting, which operates through:
- Casinos
- Racinos
- Professional sports venues
- Select bars and restaurants with approved kiosks
Retail locations offer in-person wagering, though mobile betting remains the most popular option statewide.
Taxes and regulation in Ohio
For bettors:
- Sports betting winnings may be subject to state and federal taxes, depending on total annual earnings.
For operators:
- Online and retail sportsbooks are taxed at 20% of adjusted gross revenue
- Licensing and enforcement are managed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission
How to place a sports bet in Ohio
Getting started with sports betting in Ohio is straightforward:
- Choose a licensed Ohio sportsbook
- Create an account and verify your identity
- Deposit funds using an approved payment method
- Select your sport and betting market
- Enter your wager and confirm
Withdrawals are typically processed through the same payment method used for deposits, subject to sportsbook policies.
Responsible gaming in Ohio
Sports betting should always be treated as entertainment, not a way to make guaranteed income. Ohio sportsbooks are required to provide responsible gaming tools such as deposit limits, betting limits, and self-exclusion options.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with gambling-related issues, confidential help is available.
Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-589-9966