Legal Sports Betting in Ohio: What You Should Know

Table of Contents

Sports betting is now legal in Ohio. Explore top Ohio sports betting apps, sites, promos, and bonuses. Learn how to bet safely and legally in 2025.

Introduction

They followed up with legislation in 1807 outlawing the private lotteries that were very popular at the time. In 1933, they reacted to the huge popularity of horse racing by legalizing parimutuel wagering. In 1973, Ohio legalized a lottery, with the first tickets going on sale a year later.

Sports betting in Ohio has been legal since Jan. 1, 2023, just over a year after House Bill 29 passed the two chambers of the Ohio Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine. The Buckeye State has 14 online sportsbooks and several retail betting options

In this read, you are going to find out how Ohio sports betting have different offerings for their bettors than other states.

ALSO READ: Everything About Colorado Sports Betting in 2025

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

After a long wait and much fanfare, legal sports betting became effective in Ohio as of January 1, 2023. Ohio joined 36 other states and Washington, D.C. by authorizing some form of sports gaming. Ohio sports betting is legal and available in the state. Several online sportsbook apps and physical sports betting locations went live in January 2023. The Ohio sports betting law, HB 29, passed both chambers of the Ohio Legislature in December 2021.

Who Regulates Ohio Sports Betting

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has the responsibility to ensure the integrity of casino gaming, sports gaming, skill-based amusement machines and fantasy contests by licensing, regulating, investigating and enforcing state laws.

In-person vs. online sports betting legality

What Bettors Need to Know. Bettors must be at least 21 years old4 and physically present in Ohio to place a bet, even online. Proprietors do not need to offer the same odds or the same sports to bet.

Ohio Sports Betting Apps

Overview of the Most Popular and Legal Apps in Ohio

  • BetMGM – Online Sports Betting

BetMGM has a top-tier player loyalty program that can unlock perks, and reaching a high Tier Status allows customers to spend reward points on air travel, dining, and more. You’ll find all the typical events and leagues on BetMGM, but the sportsbook also ranks as one of our best UFC betting sites.

To sign up on BetMGM

  • visit the official website and click the ‘Sign Up’ button at the top right corner.
  • Follow the prompts.
  • Provide your email
  • Full name
  • The last four digits of your SSN
  • Date of birth
  • Phone number
  • Address.
  • FanDuel Sportsbook & Casino

FanDuel boasts a terrific all-around sportsbook product, particularly regarded as one of the best prop betting sites on the market.

However, they are likely best known for their dedicated mobile app. Available on both iOS and Android devices, the FanDuel app is easily the best sports betting platform around. It’s quick, responsive, and easy to navigate. You can quickly search for any sport you’re looking for and make your bets with ease.

How to sign up: step-by-step guide

  • Visit fanduelsportsnetwork.com.
  • Click “Sign In” on the top right.
  • Click “Create Account” on the top right.
  • Enter your name, email, password, and zip code.
  • Prime Sports Ohio Sportsbook

Prime Sports online sportsbook is a legal and legitimate operation that is regulated and licensed in both New Jersey and Ohio. That means players will get fair odds, prompt payouts and a stellar welcome bonus offer to make wagers on their favourite leagues, teams and sports

How to sign up: step-by-step guide

  • After visiting the website.
  • select the available State, and navigate to the top right-hand corner.
  • Select the green “Sign Up” button.

This process will be the same on both mobile apps and desktops.

  • DraftKings Sportsbook & Casino

DraftKings is the only U.S.-based vertically integrated sports betting operator, powering sports and gaming entertainment for 50+ operators across more than 15 regulated U.S. and global markets.

When registering an Account you are required to provide the following:

  • Full name
  • Current home address
  • Date of birth
  • Email address
  • Telephone number
  • Social Security Number (SSN)

If your identity cannot be validated, you may be required to submit additional documentation, which may include your valid state-issued ID prior to using your DraftKings account.

Ohio Sports Betting Promos and Bonuses

BetMGM Ohio

Exclusive BetMGM Ohio bonus code ROTOSPORTS gives you a $1,500 first-bet offer. After you place your first qualifying wager, this BetMGM bonus code offer gives you up to $1,500 in bonus bets if the bet loses. All bonus bets accrued from this bonus offer come with a 1x playthrough requirement. 

DraftKings Ohio

 The DraftKings Ohio promo code gives you a Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins welcome offer. You will get the welcome offer when you activate the promo code and bet today. Once you register with the exclusive link below, simply bet $5, and if that bet wins, you will receive $300 in bonus bets now.

FanDuel Ohio

Signing up with the FanDuel Ohio promo code gives you a head start with an exclusive welcome offer, offering the Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins welcome promo. This offer gives you bonus bets if your first bet wins. Bonus bets have a 1x playthrough requirement.

Popular Sports and Teams to Bet on in Ohio

Most-bet-on sports in the state

  • Football – NFL, NCAA
  • Basketball – NBA, NCAA
  • Baseball – MLB
  • Hockey – NHL
  • Soccer – MLS, EPL, UEFA
  • Tennis – ATP, WTA
  • Golf – PGA Tour, LIV Golf
  • Auto Racing – NASCAR, Formula 1
  • MMA – UFC, Bellator
  • Boxing – WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO

Local teams:

  • Cleveland Browns (NFL)
  • Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
  • Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
  • Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)

Responsible Gambling in Ohio

Problem Gambling Help in Ohio

If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, help is available.

The resources presented here are intended to be a starting point—this is not a complete list of information or services.

NATIONAL PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE

National Problem Gambling Helpline

Call: 1-800-GAMBLER

Text: 800GAM

Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org

IN-STATE RESOURCES

Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline

Call: 1-800-589-9966

Text: 4hope to 741741

Chat: gamblinghelpohio.org

The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio

355 E Campus View Blvd., Ste 285

Columbus, OH 43235

614-Director

www.pgnohio.org

Ohio Problem Gambling Online Resource Directory

www.gamblinghelpohio.org

Ohio for Responsible Gambling

www.beforeyoubet.org

FAQs About Ohio Sports Betting

  • Is it safe to bet online in Ohio?

Ohio law permits sports gaming through licensed operators of online sportsbooks and brick-and-mortar establishments

  • Do I have to be a resident to bet?

No, you do not need to be a resident to place a bet, but you must be located in Ohio at the time you bet.

  • Does Ohio have mobile sports betting?

Yes, Ohio sports betting is legal and available in the state. Several online sportsbook apps and physical sports betting locations went live in January 2023. 

  • How many sportsbooks are there in Ohio?

There are 16 active Ohio sportsbooks, including bet365, BetMGM, FanDuel, BetRivers, DraftKings, Fanatics, and Caesars. There are also many places where you can bet in person.

Final Thoughts

Ohio sports betting is fully legal and safe from January 1, 2023. Ohio joined 36 other states and Washington, D.C. by authorizing some form of sports gaming. Ohio sports betting is legal and available in the state. There are 16 sportsbooks to choose from, and you get special bonuses on most of them. Try to use licensed apps to keep your account from danger. Try to be a responsible bettor so it is both safe and exciting for your long-term journey.

Courtesy: https://www.covers.com/, https://www.globenewswire.com

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