Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.us, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.
Sports Betting Locations in Ohio
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer at Betting.us
Updated: December 14, 2023
Welcome to our guide to in-person sports betting in Ohio. With sports betting only recently legalized there's a lot of information to cover. We'll delve into the legal side of things and also list all the betting venues that provide visitors with the chance to wager on different games in the Buckeye State.
Map of Retail Sports Betting in Ohio
With the relatively recent legalization of sports betting in Ohio, you will probably be eager to find the top retail sports betting venues in the state. That's why we've compiled a map of the top locations from Cincinnati to Columbus, including casinos and racetracks that allow for various pari-mutuel bets.
Our Recommended Ohio Betting Locations
In the table below, we've shared our top suggestion for betting in Ohio. If you're unsure where to start, this location is a great choice.
| Name | Type | Website | Full Address | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGM Northfield Park | Racetrack, Off-Track | mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com | 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA | Read Review |
Types of Retail Sports Betting Locations
We've categorized all operating betting establishments in the state. All of these establishments are absolutely licensed and promise excellent services, entertainment, and a number of amenities. For those who do not wish to travel to a physical location to wager, online sportsbooks are available in Ohio as an alternative.
At this point, there are seven racinos, four fully-developed casinos, and seven off-track betting facilities. Just to clarify, racino is a term that refers to a racetrack that also provides gaming facilities within the construction. Additionally, there is one casino resort that features a huge gaming area, several restaurants, and guaranteed first-class accommodations.
Casino Resorts
Ohio had several casino resorts that offer a combination of casino gaming, entertainment, dining, and accommodation options. A casino resort combines casino gambling with various other amenities such as hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping. These resorts are designed to provide guests with a comprehensive entertainment experience, often in a single location.
The primary attraction of a casino resort is the casino itself, which offers a range of gambling options. This may include slot machines, table games (such as blackjack, roulette, poker, and craps), and sometimes sports betting. Casino resorts are typically designed to cater to a wide range of visitors, including gamblers, tourists and business travelers.
Racetracks
Ohio is great for horse racing fans as there's a total of seven racetracks to visit. These tracks are open throughout the year and provide thoroughbred, harness and quarter-horse racing. Many also feature gaming areas with slot machines and table games. Plus every racetrack in the Buckeye State allows simulcast wagering – which we'll describe in more detail later.
It's worth noting that the legal age for betting on a horse race is 18 in Ohio. Whereas playing casino games requires players to be 21 or older. One of the most popular racetracks in the state is also the oldest, the Jack Thistledown Racino, which was founded in 1924. See the full list below:
| Racetracks | Types of Racing | Review link |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway |
Harness Racing
|
Read Review |
| Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course |
Horse Racing
|
Read Review |
| Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs |
Harness Racing
|
Read Review |
| MGN Northfield Park |
Harness Racing
|
Read Review |
| Miami Valley Gaming |
Harness Racing
|
Read Review |
| Jack Thistledown Racino |
Horse Racing
|
Read Review |
| Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment |
Horse Racing
|
Read Review |
Off-Track Betting
Off-Track Betting (OTB) in Ohio refers to the practice of placing bets on horse races at locations other than the actual racetracks where the races are taking place. OTB facilities are designed to allow bettors to watch and wager on live and simulcast horse racing events in a convenient and comfortable setting.
These off-track betting facilities are equipped with huge TV screens and comfortable seats so that every punter can enjoy a memorable experience. You'll find the largest ones located in Northfield and Dayton, respectively. You can read the individual reviews of each below to decide which you want to visit
Cruise Ships and Riverboats
Sadly, gambling cruise ships and riverboats are not allowed in Ohio. The law currently only allows for land-based gambling houses. However, Ohio residents can travel to neighboring Indiana, which does allow betting on cruise ships and riverboats.
List of Legal Land-Based Sportsbooks in Ohio
There are some great options for sports betting in Ohio. Since March 2022 sports betting has been allowed at brick-and-mortar venues. Bettors can now place wagers on professional, college and esports. We also appreciate that all the racetracks in the state feature separate gaming areas complete with slot machines and table games.
What's more, all Ohio casinos are excellent and deliver a huge assortment of classic casino games, such as slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, and keno. Below, you can find additional information about each wagering facility in Ohio.
Search for Sportsbooks in Ohio
| Casino Name: | Address: | Secure Link: | City: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati | |||
| Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center | 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230, USA | ||
| Cleveland | |||
| Jack ThistleDown Racino | 21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 44128, USA | ||
| Cedar Downs | 1935 Cleveland Rd W, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA | ||
| MGM Northfield Park | 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067, USA | ||
| Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course | 655 N Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515, USA | ||
| Columbus | |||
| Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs | 6000 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207, USA | ||
| Dayton | |||
| Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Dayton, OH 45414, USA | ||
| Miami Valley Raceway | 6000 OH-63, Lebanon, OH 45036, USA | ||
History of Sports Betting in Ohio
The history of gambling in Ohio begins in 1933 when the state legalized betting on horse racing. The Ohio Lottery was established in 1973 and is run and operated by the Ohio Lottery Commission. Casinos came later, becoming legal in 2009.
In regards to sports betting this is a more recent development, and was a long time coming. Ohio residents can now bet on professional, college and esports! Check out the timeline below for a full overview of the history of gambling and betting in Ohio.
| Year | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | Approval of Horse Race Betting | Betting on horses in Ohio became legal. A few years later, off-track betting locations were established, as well. As of 2023, there are now seven racetracks in the state, and betting on horse racing is one of the most popular gambling activities. |
| 2009 | Casinos Legalized | Casinos were legalized this year after four previous failed initiatives. It took a few years for the first land-based casino to open, in Cleveland in 2012. There are now 11 casinos in Ohio – four fully-developed gambling houses and seven racinos. |
| 2018-2019 | PASPA Overturned by The Supreme Court | The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which effectively allows states to begin legalizing and regulating sports betting. Ohio lawmakers begin discussions on sports betting legalization but none are passed into law. |
| 2021-2023 | Sports Betting Bill Passed | Finally sports betting was legalized in December 2021 after the General Assembly passed House Bill 29. Betting was officially launched on January 1, 2023. Both in-person and online options are now allowed. |
About Ohio
Ohio, located in the Midwest region of the United States, is known for its diverse landscape, rich history, and vibrant cities. When it comes to gambling and sports betting, Ohio was in the process of considering legislation to expand its gambling offerings for a while, including legalizing sports betting.
Legal sports betting eventually launched in January 2023 and so far has brought in a lot of revenue. It's estimated that Ohio has made $578.8 million in revenue so far.
| Capital | Columbus |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Columbus |
| Population | 11.69 million |
| Area | 116,096 km² |
| Time zone | GMT-4 |
| State Nickname(s) | The Buckeye State |
| Motto | With God, all things are possible. |
Helping Hand for Gamblers in Ohio
Residents of the state have a valuable resource at their disposal should they find themselves grappling with the challenges of gambling addiction. The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers a lifeline to individuals in need. Notably, this service comes completely free of charge, and its lines remain open around the clock, ensuring that assistance is accessible whenever needed.
Moreover, for those who prefer to seek help through digital channels or written communication, The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio extends its helping hand. You can readily reach out to them via email or by utilizing the phone number provided below. As always, it's important to remember to gamble responsibly.
Help for Compulsive Gambling in Ohio
- Hotlines National Problem Gambling Helpline www.ncpgambling.org/chat 1-800-522-4700
- Help centres The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio info@pgnohio.org 614-750-9899
Sports Betting Lawyers in Ohio
- James F. Fang 216-622-8563www.calfee.com
FAQ
Is there a list of every retail sportsbook in Ohio?
Yes, there is. We've compiled a list of all betting locations in Ohio. Each is fully licensed and provides a great service. The list includes casino resorts and racetracks.
What type of sports betting locations are there in Ohio?
There's good variety when it comes to betting locations in Ohio. We've broken down the different types, to make it easy to find what you're looking for. Ohio is particularly known for its racinos, there's currently seven.
How much revenue does betting generate in Ohio?
Sports betting has only been legal in the Buckeye State since January 2023, but it is already bringing in a huge amount of revenue. This is only expected to increase.
What is the history of sports betting in the state of Ohio?
Ohio has an interesting history with sports betting and gambling. It starts in 1933 when horse race betting was legalized. Find out more about the new exciting changes that happened from 2021 – present day in our history overview.