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.
Best Ohio Betting Sites – Top OH Online Sportsbooks 2024
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer at Betting.us
Updated: February 20, 2024
Top-Rated Ohio Online Sportsbooks for 2024
When there are so many online sportsbooks to choose from, knowing which ones to pick can be confusing. Lucky for you, we hand-pick the best Ohio online sports betting sites using tried and tested conventions such as betting odds, payment methods, and variety of markets.
Here are the best OH online sports betting sites for 2024:
| OH Online Sportsbooks | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Top Sports | Site Rating | Secure Link | Payments | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | 1000 | Ice Hockey Soccer MMA | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here |
|
Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Football Box Golf | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here |
|
Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Superbook | Up to $250 Bonus | Not Needed | MMA Tennis Boxing | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Betway | Bet $50, Get $200 In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Tennis Basketball Soccer | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetRivers | Up to $100 2nd Chance Bet | SPORTS | Basketball Football Baseball | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
|
Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | 20% up to $1000 First Deposit Bonus | Not Needed | Basketball Baseball Tennis | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here |
|
Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
The Best Online Sportsbooks in Ohio by Category
| 🥇 #1 OH Online Sportsbook | BetMGM |
| 🏈 #1 NFL Betting Site | Caesars |
| 🏒 #1 NHL Betting Site | DraftKings |
| 🎾 #1 Tennis Betting Site | Caesars |
| 🎁 Top Sports Betting Bonus | Caesars |
| 🆕 New OH Sportsbook | DraftKings |
| 🔝 Best Sports to Bet On | DraftKings |
| 🏅 Best Types of Sports Betting | Caesars |
| 📱 Best Sportsbook App OH | BetMGM |
| 🚫 No Deposit Sportsbook | DraftKings |
No two sports betting fans are the same. Everyone has their preferences.[3] That’s why we break down the best betting sites into categories, so you can easily find what you’re looking for and an Ohio sportsbook to suit your needs.
Perhaps you want a site that boasts the top sports betting bonus, or the option to choose from a variety of sports. Betting on the go might be critical for you, so you’ll need one of the best Ohio sports betting apps. Having access to the best sports to bet on might also be crucial.
The legalization of sports betting in Ohio is relatively new, but the main body overseeing gambling in the state is The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). It hands out licenses to sportsbooks and ensures they follow the rules.
The process of legalizing sports betting began back in 2019. However, it wasn't until 2022, that the OCCC started accepting applications for sports betting licenses. On January 1, 2023, several sports gambling websites and physical sports betting locations went live.
Criteria to Pick the Best Betting Sites in Ohio
When settling on the best Ohio online sportsbook, we considered multiple factors. First and foremost, security and licensing. This is always our top priority, as we want to ensure your money and data will be in safe hands, and we would never recommend a dodgy site.
Security & Licensing
Live Betting
Ohio Betting Bonuses
OH Sports Betting Apps
Payments and Payout Times
When we examine the top OH online sports betting sites, our researchers also look at other elements, such as payments and payout times. We know how important it is to have a varied selection of methods and quick processing times. A good selection of live betting options is another feature we look for when reviewing sports betting sites.
Security & Licensing
The only surefire way to guarantee that a sportsbook is legit is to check the licensing. This is easy for players in the state, as Ohio sportsbooks must be licensed by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Keep an eye out for the OCCC logo on the homepage of a betting site.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees the best online sportsbooks in Ohio and ensures they follow regulations. There are currently three different types of licenses operators can apply for: Type A, Type B, and Type C depending on the nature and size of the company.
Ohio Casino Control Commission
For your peace of mind, check that the new OH betting sites license is valid, not expired, invalid, or compromised. Unlicensed offshore sportsbooks exist, but they operate in a legal gray area. There are many risks involved[5], and you should avoid them.
Your cash and data could be at risk if you use an illegal Ohio online sports gambling site. There is also no means of recourse if anything goes wrong when playing with them. Stick to regulated betting websites in the state that offer secure deposits and withdrawals, and your cash and personal information will be safe.
Live Betting Options
Live betting is an increasingly popular way for sports fans to engage with their favorite sports. You can watch the action happen and place bets as the game unfolds in real-time, keeping an eye on the changing odds. The top Ohio betting sites offer great live betting options on the following sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Football
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- Soccer
The premium operators will offer live betting as standard for most sports markets, allowing for a unique gambling experience. The Caesars Ohio Sportsbook is outstanding in this regard. As you follow the action live, the operators will provide opportunities to take advantage of ever-changing odds, which can lead to high rewards for those in the know.
Best Ohio Sportsbook Bonus Offers
Welcome bonuses for new players are one of the main ways that operators aim to stand out from the competition and attract new customers to their best online sportsbooks in Ohio. Most bonuses will come in the form of a bonus bet, which can be claimed after making your first deposit.
We have outlined the best Ohio online sports betting bonuses below. You will see crucial things to look out for in these bonuses, such as the minimum deposit amount required and whether any bonus code is needed. Check them out and compare to see which ones work best for you and your budget.
| OH Online Sportsbooks | Bonus Offer | Min. Deposit | Bonus Code | Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | $10 | Not Needed | Claim Your Bonus | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | 20% up to $1000 First Deposit Bonus | Not Required | Not Needed | Claim Your Bonus | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Caesars | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | $20 | 1000 | Claim Your Bonus | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
The above offers are all great, but it’s important to pay attention to the terms and conditions attached to these exclusive betting bonuses. These offers are typically only available to new players who have not previously registered with the site. Although some of the best sports betting sites in Ohio will also have ongoing promotions for returning players.
Top Online Betting Apps for Ohio Players
Betting on the go is crucial for many sports fans. The best sportsbooks know this and typically provide a well-designed and user-friendly mobile sports betting experience. It's also why we test and compare the best Ohio sports betting apps.
The best online betting sites will offer dedicated mobile apps so that you can take your wagers with you. They will look and feel like the desktop version, with all the same features available and similar functionality. You can find the best Ohio mobile sports betting apps below:
| OH Sports Betting Apps | Betting Offer | Compatibility | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings - | 20% up to $1000 First Deposit Bonus | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Caesars - | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM - | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Bet Here | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
When assessing these options for mobile sports betting in the state, we looked at the user-friendliness and compatibility of the apps. The Ohio DraftKings Sportsbook and all others are available on Android and iOS. For those who want to save storage space on their device and don’t want to download an app, you can also access these sportsbooks directly from your mobile browser without compromising on the experience.
Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals
Most Ohio betting sites offer a variety of payment methods including, prepaid cards, credit and debit cards, eWallets and bank transfers. You will also notice the availability of PayPal on many sites, so finding your preferred payment method at an Ohio sportsbook shouldn't prove too difficult.
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- PayPal
- Play+
- Online Banking
- Trustly
- PayNearMe
- eCheck
- Wire Transfer
It’s also essential to check whether the best online sportsbooks in Ohio have placed any restrictions on the deposit methods you can use when claiming a bonus. You should find any payment exclusions in the offer's terms and conditions. Also, keep in mind that you cannot use some methods for withdrawals. Typically, these will be prepaid cards and credit cards.
Top OH Online Sportsbooks with Fast Payout Times
No one wants to have to wait around to cash in their winnings. The good news is that you can expect most Ohio sportsbooks to have pretty quick payout times, but some are faster than others. Here are the top online sportsbooks in Ohio with the fastest payout times.
| OH Betting Site | Min. Deposit | Payout Times | Recommended Payment Method | All Deposit Options | Secure Link: | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | $10 | 3-5 Days | 8 | Bet here | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| DraftKings | $5 | 3-5 Days | 9 | Bet here | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. | |
| Caesars | $20 | 3-5 Days |
|
7 | Bet here | Valid only for new OH players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
Unsurprisingly, the BetMGM Sportsbook in Ohio is a leader in terms of payout times for users. It should be noted that payout times can be impacted by different factors. The main one is the payment method you use, as some payment companies take longer to process their transactions.[2] Active bonuses can also affect matters a bit, and you may need to clear these before trying to make a withdrawal. The size of your withdrawal might also affect processing time.
Ohio Sports Gambling Laws
Up until recently, sports betting was illegal in the Buckeye State, leading to players needing to travel to neighboring states to place a wager. Signing up to an operator is easy; however, you have to be physically located within state boundaries.
Luckily, the state passed Bill H.B. 29, which legalized sports betting just days before Christmas 2022, and Ohio sportsbooks began accepting their first bets on New Year's Day.[1] There are now several excellent legal betting sites in Ohio, with more expected to come when they get their license from the OCCC.
There are other forms of legal gambling in OH too, as some of the best US daily fantasy websites operate within the territory of the state. The legal status of betting on DFS was fairly ambiguous before, but in late December 2021, a Sports Betting Ohio bill was passed, which made things much clearer. Finally, DFS became legal.
Fans of land-based casinos will be happy to hear that there are four brick-and-mortar establishments located in the state. Playing poker is legal in these locations or at poker and card rooms. The majority of gaming establishments also host their own tournaments.
There are also a growing number of unregulated offshore betting sites that exist, but we recommend that you avoid these and stick to the best legal online sportsbooks in Ohio instead. Offshore operators don’t have to follow the same standards as regulated betting sites, and there is no guarantee of fairness.
Paying Taxes on Ohio Online Sports Betting Winnings
There is an Ohio sports betting tax, and winnings are taxed like any other income. Ohio winnings are taxed at 4%, however, this is only if they exceed the threshold of $600.
In addition to this, you may also be taxed under federal rules, so be sure to keep accurate records. If you win over the specified threshold, 24% of your winnings may be withheld for federal tax purposes, and if they’re not automatically withheld you still need to declare all your gambling winnings when filing your taxes.
Winnings on other forms of gambling in Ohio, such as bingo games or poker, are also taxable if they exceed a set amount. It’s best to always do your research first for the specific form of gambling to make sure you stay on the right side of the tax law.
Popular Sports and Leagues to Bet on in Ohio
OH is home to a wealth of notable professional sports teams and several college teams. Football is one of the most popular sports for gamblers in the Buckeye State, and the NFL is the most popular sports league for players across the country, so you’re sure to find this when using Ohio sports betting apps and online betting sites.
There are two professional football teams, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns, and at the collegiate level, the Ohio State Buckeyes. This gives OH gamblers a wide choice of markets. In addition to all the US sports markets, the state's betting sites will also offer international markets from around the world, particularly for soccer.
- NFL
- NBA
- NHL
- MLB
- NCAAF
- NCAAB
- UFC
The above leagues are the most popular for OH gamblers and there are a few reasons why. Firstly, these leagues are usually the most widely covered in the media. When it’s NFL season, it can feel like there’s no escaping it, and you might know what’s happening even if you’re not following it.
Daily Fantasy Sports
One of the most popular types of sports wagering activities among players is betting on daily fantasy sports. They are comprised of fantasy sports games, in which players go against each other with their fantasy teams. These teams are made up of real athletes who are in a particular league.
Placing bets on DFS is legal in state, even if you're using your favorite OH sports betting apps. It became legal when Bill 132 was passed by the government. Any operator who wants to offer sports betting on daily fantasy sports must have a license from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. It is the main regulator for gambling activities in the state.
| Daily Fantasy Sports Apps | Rating | DFS Bonus | DFS Sports | Compatibility | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Up to $500 Deposit Bonus | 15 | iOs, Android | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY | Bet At Draftkings | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT). 18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply. |
Types of Online Sports Betting Options for Ohio Players
Seasoned gamblers will be aware of the different types of betting options that exist, for instance, a moneyline wager. This is a simple, straightforward bet on who you think will win the game and is a great way for beginners to test the waters.
OH players will be spoilt for choice when it comes to betting options, especially for popular markets. However, you can expect smaller markets such as NASCAR betting, to not have every bet type listed. Check out our list of the different Ohio online sports betting options below:
| Sports Betting Options | Description | Recommended Online Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline |
This is the simplest betting option, and it's where you select who you think the outright winner of an event will be. |
Try it at BetMGM OH |
| Point Spread |
Where you are betting on a team’s margin of victory instead of the final result. The underdogs get points added and the favorites have points subtracted from their total score. |
Try it at DraftKings OH |
| Totals |
Another popular bet type, totals are where you are betting on the combined number points scored between both teams. |
Try it at DraftKings OH |
| Props |
This is a bet that is not directly tied to the score or outcome of the game. They are more specific to a player or team, like how many touchdowns a team scores. |
Try it at Caesars OH |
| Live Betting |
This is more of a style than a type of wager, but it involves placing a wager on games already in progress. Many sportsbooks will have great live betting suites. |
Try it at BetMGM OH |
| Parlays |
This is a sort of combination bet, where you make two or more bets and group them together into one. Essentially a number of smaller bets that make up one big bet with increased odds. |
Try it at DraftKings OH |
| Futures |
A futures bet is a wager on the future outcome of a sporting event. This can include winning an MVP award or winning a league championship. |
Try it at Caesars OH |
Some bet types are more straightforward than others. Bets like parlays and futures are best left to experienced players who know their sport of choice well because they can be quite complicated. Beginners are better off sticking to moneyline, points spread, and totals bets until they build up their experience.
Be sure to check your sportsbook of choice to see if they offer the bet types that you're interested in. It’s always a good idea to have a look around the platform and get familiar with the layout too, before committing to a betting site.
Exclusive Sports Betting Deals in Ohio
Some sports betting operators make exclusive deals with Ohio based sports clubs, which can provide players with perks. For instance, sportsbooks offering NFL wagering will compete to partner with the Cincinnati Bengals or Cleveland Browns. Recently, the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a partnership with BetMGM[4] for their retail location. The agreement is multi-year and includes plans to open a retail BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park.
If you are keen to support your team while you gamble on your favorite games, check out our list of the best deals with OH sportsbooks below:
- BetMGM and The Cincinnati Reds – plans to open a retail BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park
- Caesars Sportsbook and The Cavaliers – opening of Caesars Sportsbook at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
As you can see, Caesars Sportsbook is also an official retail sports betting partner of The Cavaliers. Caesars will open an in-house retail sportsbook on the street level inside their team arena the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. This is great news for Cavaliers supporters.
These deals can be great incentives if you’re a fan of a certain team for visiting specific OH sports betting sites, and it’s definitely worth taking a look. But don’t let this be the only factor in your decision-making process.
Online vs. Land-Based Sportsbook in Ohio
While Ohio players can now bet online and at several retail sports betting locations in Ohio, there are some crucial distinctions between the two. As with most things, there are advantages and disadvantages of each. For example, land-based betting involves more of a social element than betting online, so this may suit people who want a communal experience.
Whereas a big advantage of online betting is the availability of offers and bonuses that you just don’t find in land-based sportsbooks. You can also access online betting sites 24/7 and they have a wider selection of markets. We have listed the main pros and cons for both online and land-based sportsbooks in the table below:
Online Betting
- Can access 24/7
- Welcome bonuses
- Wide selection of markets
- Live betting available
- Not a social experience
- Must wait to get wins paid
- No food or drink service
Land-Based Betting
- Food and drink available
- Can be a social experience
- Can use cash to bet
- In-person customer support
- No welcome bonuses
- No live betting
- Have to travel to venue
Problem Gambling Help
Promoting responsible gambling is a top priority for the best Ohio sports betting sites. For people who think they may be developing a problem, the first-line gambling problem help is the option to self-exclude from all Ohio casino facilities. This is enforced quite strictly, as accepting wagers from excluded players is illegal for a sportsbook.
If you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, you can contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 800 589 9966. Their official website also has many free resources available. Top betting sites will promote these resources and make it easy for you to get the help you need.
FAQ
If you still have some questions about Ohio sports gambling, then please feel free to check out our frequently asked questions section below. We have summarized the key points and included some helpful links about Ohio online betting sites in each answer.
Which is the best OH online sportsbook?
We’ve put many to the test and narrowed it down to the best OH sportsbooks. When researching different operators, one of the first checks we make is whether they are fully licensed and regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Other elements we examine include the choice of markets, betting options, and available payment methods.
Are online sports betting sites legal in Ohio?
For many years, sports betting in the state was illegal. The most significant change in the law happened in 2018, when The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was overturned. However, it wasn’t until 2022, when the state passed Bill H.B. 29, that sports betting finally became legal. As of 2023, online sports betting sites are legal in Ohio.
What are the best online betting bonus offers in Ohio?
With sports betting being legal in the state, there are some great welcome bonuses out there to entice new players. When we evaluate these bonuses there are a number of things we look as well as the value of the offer. The best OH bonuses are those which also have reasonable wagering conditions and minimal restrictions.
Do all online sportsbooks in OH offer live betting?
If you’re a fan of live betting, then you’re in luck. The best OH sportsbooks offer live betting in the state. In-play wagering is currently a hot trend in online sports betting and provides several advantages over pre-game betting. It is proving to be an intriguing and interesting aspect of any online sportsbook.
What online sportsbooks in Ohio offers the fastest payouts?
When it comes to payout times, Ohio sportsbooks are pretty similar across the board. However, some payment providers process their payments quicker than others, and factors such as the size of your withdrawal and whether you have any active bonuses can also affect time frames.
Conclusion – Ohio Online Sports Betting is Live
As you can see from our review, there is no shortage of markets for you to bet on. Our research also uncovered great sports betting apps for players in Ohio, for those who like to gamble on the go. The varied welcome bonuses also provide ample opportunities to sign up to multiple online betting sites and find your favorite.
Delaware-born Amelia Walker takes the senior content writer and legal expert position at Betting.us. Her main professional focus is responsible gambling and operator safety. With a J.D. in Business Law, her professional gambling journey began after a law firm colleague introduced her to safe betting. She is an advocate of strict bankroll management and self-restraint.
In addition, the online betting sites we’ve chosen stand out from the crowd due to the quality of their live betting platforms and the fact that they’re licensed and regulated by the OCCC (Ohio Casino Control Commission). Numerous payment methods are also accepted, making the whole online gambling experience much smoother.