Ohio sportsbooks

Best Ohio sportsbooks

Legal online sportsbooks in Ohio accepted their first bets on January 1, 2023. Here's a complete rundown of the best Ohio sportsbooks as of December 2023:

Other Ohio sportsbooks

Aside from the very best of the best, there are a number of other solid operators in the Ohio market. All of the sportsbooks listed below have their own strengths, and they are worthy of consideration.

ESPN Bet Sportsbook Ohio

Sports enthusiasts now have the opportunity to place bets through ESPN Bet Ohio, a fresh sportsbook bearing the ESPN brand and supported by PENN Entertainment. ESPN Bet launched its online sportsbook in November 2023, three months after PENN announced it would be converting the Barstool Sportsbook platform and ending that partnership.

Given ESPN's renowned status as “The Worldwide Leader in Sports,” you shouldn't be surprised by the high-quality online sportsbook from ESPN Bet. Plus, well-known personalities from ESPN provide useful betting insight. ESPN Bet will only serve to further enhance the sports betting landscape in Ohio.

What we think: With a next-level platform and a wide range of exotic betting options, we feel that ESPN Bet is a quality sportsbook for advanced bettors.

FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio

FanDuel Sportsbook has been a top choice for bettors since the Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018. They have built on their massive daily fantasy sports success to reach another level of profitability in the sports betting space.

This operator went live in Ohio on January 1, 2023, the day that online sports betting launched in the state. They hit the ground running at the ideal time just before the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl.

The FanDuel retail location in Ohio is at Belterra Park Racino in Cincinnati, where players from around the state can place bets in the sports betting section or enjoy horse racing or casino gaming.

What we think: FanDuel is a great sportsbook for live streaming through FanDuel TV. In addition to sports betting content, the network carries live horse racing every day.

BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio

There is no doubt that BetMGM is one of the most popular betting brands in the United States. The online sportsbook is owned and operated by MGM Resorts, one of the biggest gambling companies in Las Vegas.

They submitted their application to the Ohio Casino Control Commission in July, so they were approved before the New Year's Day launch. Their visibility in the state is bolstered by their retail sportsbook at MGM Northfield Park.

To stay competitive in the Ohio online sports betting market, BetMGM offers a generous bonus to new customers. Furthermore, as a sportsbook backed by one of the most reputable gaming companies in the world, BetMGM is a safe platform for sports bettors in Ohio.

What we think: BetMGM's new partnership with the Cincinnati Reds makes BetMGM the best sportsbook for fans that are looking to bet on MLB games.

PointsBet Sportsbook Ohio

PointsBet Sportsbook is an innovative operator that is now offering sports betting in Ohio. In addition to the standard wagering options, they have devised a unique betting system called Points Betting.

Under this system, your winnings or losses are determined by the game's final score. If your selection wins by a considerable margin above the spread, you get a larger payout. And of course, that arrangement also swings in the other direction.

PointsBet went live in Ohio on January 1, 2023. As we have stated, this was the statewide launch date for online sportsbooks in Ohio, so they were ready to roll early on. PointsBet does not currently have a retail sportsbook in Ohio, and they don't have any plans to open one any time soon.

What we think: PointsBet's mobile app is constantly updated and upgraded to make it one of the best choices for mobile betting.

SuperBook Sportsbook Ohio

SuperBook Sportsbook OH launched on January 1, 2023, along with the other inaugural participants. They have been carving out a niche ever since then, and many people enjoy this book as an alternative to the bigger names.

There are no confusing distractions when you reach the homepage, and we feel as though this approach adds to the aesthetic appeal. At the same time, when you dig in and examine the features, the sportsbook really lacks nothing.

What we think: Shopping for odds at different sportsbooks can be an effective part of the handicapping process. SuperBook OH endeavors to set the most accurate odds in the industry, so this is one of the major benefits.

Bally Bet sportsbook Ohio

Bally Bet has recently launched its sportsbook in Ohio and it has become the official betting partner of the Cleveland Browns. They offer all the bet types we’ve come to expect from big-time betting operators, like moneyline wagering, futures, and same-game parlays, as well as live in-game betting.

While Bally does not have a welcome bonus in place for new users, they do provide a number of daily and weekly odds boosts throughout the year.

What we think: Providing a sign-up bonus for new users would go a long way for Bally Bet. However, they make up for it with their user-friendly interface and plethora of betting markets.

Hard Rock Bet sportsbook Ohio

As one of the most famous sports betting brands in the country, Hard Rock Bet sportsbook is a no-brainer for any OH bettors looking to place some sports bets. They have a wealth of betting markets for their users to take advantage of, along with a nice selection of daily/weekly promotional offers.

The Hard Rock Bet sportsbook has supreme customer service as well, with live chat functionality and a reliable phone number to call with any issues.

What we think: Hard Rock does a lot of things right, so it’s not hard to see why they’ve grown their brand as large as they have. What really sets them apart is their coverage of every major betting market, along with the more niche options.

Tipico sportsbook Ohio

Tipico’s sportsbook site offers a wide range of sports and events for users to bet on. They provide a user-friendly interface, mobile betting options, and live betting for in-play wagering. The bookie offers competitive odds and often provides bonuses and promotions for users.

Tipico places a strong emphasis on responsible gambling and offers various payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.

What we think: Tipico’s welcome bonus is top-notch, but their lack of any same-game parlay options is a bit disappointing.

BetPARX sportsbook Ohio

BetPARX was one of the first sportsbooks to launch in Ohio, going live in the state in February 2023. They offer live in-game betting options, as well as a number of daily/weekly promotional offers for new and existing users.

The OH sportsbook platform provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for bettors to navigate, place bets, and access relevant information.

What we think: BetPARX has one of the largest selections of betting options on the market, with over 250 to choose from when you consider all sports and all bet types.

MVGBet sportsbook Ohio

MVGBet has been in Ohio since day one, making it one of the more popular sports betting sites in the state. Their easy-to-use interface allows new users to place bets with ease, and they still manage to keep long-time bettors intrigued with their well-rounded selection of promos and bonuses.

What we think: If you’re new to the sports betting scene, MVGBet would be a good place to start. They make navigating through their site a truly pleasurable experience.

Betr sportsbook Ohio

Although Betr is still a new sports betting site, they’ve made a name for themselves with their cutting-edge microbetting feature, allowing users to place bets on nearly anything that happens during a given sporting event.

They also have a lot of the standard functions found in other sportsbooks, like same-game parlay builders, early cash-out features, and a number of promos for new and existing users to take advantage of.

What we think: Betr’s microbetting feature is still in its infancy stages, but it’s been gaining popularity in OH ever since the betting operator touched down in the state. In short order, we may see more sportsbooks begin offering a similar feature.

BetJACK sportsbook Ohio

Self-proclaimed as the sportsbook of Ohio, betJACK is an online betting platform that proudly emphasizes its local presence. There are physical betJACK sportsbooks available for residents to visit at both JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino.

BetJACK offers a stellar welcome bonus for new users, along with an easy-to-use betting website that makes placing wagers quick and painless.

What we think: As an exclusive betting site to OH bettors, betJACK will periodically provide special promos or boosted odds for teams in the state, making it an easy choice for any diehard fans in Ohio.

Fanatics sportsbook Ohio

Fanatics Sportsbook acquired PointsBet Sportsbook’s US-based operations for a remarkable $225 million in July 2023. The strategic acquisition gave Fanatics control over PointsBet's online presence across as many as 15 states. Fanatics officially launched in OH on May 1, 2023, after the betting site finished a successful round of beta testing.

In addition to their generous welcome bonus, Fanatics offers a wide variety of daily and weekly promotions, along with all the standard bet types we’ve become accustomed to.

What we think: Fanatics’ sportsbook boasts an impressive interface on their betting website, making it easy for new users to navigate, while packing enough punch to entice veteran bettors to give it a try.

Prime Sports sportsbook Ohio

Prime Sports launched its platform in Ohio in September 2023, becoming the 19th sportsbook to launch in the Buckeye State. At the moment, the sportsbook is only available through the Prime Sports website, though a brick-and-mortar sports bar location is in the works.

The sportsbook features noticeably higher maximum bet amounts than other sites and doesn’t limit players who are on a hot streak. On its website, Prime Sports mentions "All our members are guaranteed the right to wager up to the maximum amount on every betting market, so you never have to settle for less."

What we think: Prime Sports’ plan to forego a wide-reaching promotional campaign and run a minimalistic sportsbook platform while focusing on maximizing high-stakes wager capabilities could be offputting to some bettors, but for those with the bankrolls to afford the maximum bets, this could be a highly lucrative option.

Which new sportsbooks are coming to Ohio?

Since legalized sports betting in the Buckeye State is in its infancy, regulators are still issuing licenses to new sportsbooks. As a result, bettors can expect these operators to be coming to Ohio soon.

Underdog sportsbook Ohio (Not launched yet)

Underdog has been a longstanding provider of daily fantasy sports wagering in Ohio, and they are currently working to potentially extend their sportsbook to Ohio users in the near future.

Their sports betting website boasts a user-friendly interface and an appealing visual design. Navigating through Underdog is a seamless experience, ensuring that users can easily access their enticing bonuses and promotions.

Are online sportsbooks available in Ohio?

Online sportsbooks became available in Ohio on January 1, 2023. In December of 2021, House Bill 29 passed both the Senate and the House, and Governor Mike DeWine signed it into law. This measure legalized sports betting in the state. The Ohio Casino Control Commission now regulates all gambling activities.

How to sign up for an Ohio sportsbook

The registration process for any major sportsbook in Ohio is a breeze. Simply follow the steps below, and you will be able to place your first bets in no time:

Which sportsbooks are legal in Ohio?

The 20 fully licensed online sportsbooks in Ohio are Caesars, Betrivers, FanDuel, PointsBet, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, BetMGM, Betfred, Bet365, Tipico, Superbook, Betway, Hard Rock Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, betPARX, Bally Bet, Betr, MVGBet, betJACK and Prime Sports.

Retail sportsbooks in Ohio

Most major sportsbooks in Ohio have partnered up with land-based casinos, racetracks, and sports stadiums in order to offer offline wagering. Below is a list of popular retail sportsbook locations in Ohio:

Sports available at sportsbooks in Ohio

The wagering options are extensive at all of the major sportsbooks in Ohio. This is a list of the most popular sports for betting at the online and land-based books:

On a side note, let's not forget that you can also enter daily fantasy sports contests at FanDuel and DraftKings on their DFS platforms.

Tips when betting through online bookmakers in OH

Below you will find a few tips you can follow in order to make the most of your time betting on sports in Ohio.

How we rate & rank Ohio sportsbooks

When evaluating sportsbooks in Ohio, we take a comprehensive approach. It ensures that we provide the most accurate and reliable rankings for players. We begin by looking at the bonuses and promotions offered by each sportsbook.

These bonuses and promotions can significantly enhance a player's experience and provide them with added value. However, ensuring that these bonuses and promotions are fair and reasonable for players is essential. Safety is also a crucial factor for us, as we want to ensure that players' personal and financial information is protected.

Moreover, we closely examine the odds offered by each sportsbook. It includes the overall competitiveness of the odds and the variety of betting options available. The more competitive the odds and the more options available, the better the experience for players.

The website's user experience is also important to us. Local preferences and the mobile app rating in the App Store and Google Play are also crucial elements. These factors all play a pivotal role in determining the overall ranking of a sportsbook. This approach provides the most accurate and reliable rankings for players. Below, we examine these components in more detail:

Bonuses & promotions

Operators in the state offer Ohio sports betting promos and bonuses to attract new customers and retain current ones. These incentives can include sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, and bonus bets. However, some terms and conditions should be carefully evaluated. We examine certain restrictions and possible wagering requirements.

Competition for customers will increase as more operators enter the market. This should lead to even more generous bonuses and promotions. Popular sign-up offers include deposit matches, where a sportsbook will match a certain percentage of a customer's initial deposit. There are also risk-free bets, where a customer's first bet is refunded if it loses.

In addition to welcome rewards, sportsbooks also offer promotions for established customers. Many of them offer odds boosts that increase the potential payout on specific bets. Parlay insurance is another common promo that gives you a bonus bet refund if you lose a qualified parlay wager.

It is important to note that while bonuses and promotions can be a great incentive, they should not be the only factor considered when choosing a betting site. Still, we thoughtfully weigh these offerings when we are ranking sportsbooks.

Safety

When selecting a sportsbook, safety should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. With this in mind, we evaluate this key factor as well. First and foremost, ensuring that the sportsbook is licensed and regulated by the OCCC is essential. If they have been approved by the state, they are adhering to mandated standards for safety and security.

Odds

The backbone of any online sportsbook in Ohio is the odds they offer. Comparing odds is an essential part of sports betting. We take the time to compare the odds offered by different operators.

At the end of the day, the sportsbook with the best odds will depend on the specific bet you are going to make. However, we look at the odds in a broader sense when we rate sportsbooks with an eye on the vigorish. This is essentially the commission that is extracted by the sportsbook. It will vary, and we take this into account when we establish our rankings.

Website UX

When it comes to online sports wagering, a website that is easy to navigate and user-friendly is essential. Most importantly, a well-designed interface makes the experience more enjoyable for the user.

Additionally, it helps you find the information you need quickly and easily. A clean and organized layout is key to ensure that you don't get overwhelmed by a cluttered and confusing design.

We check every section for sports, events, promotions, and customer support. Also, a good sportsbook must have a search function that allows users to find specific information or events quickly.

In today's digital age, it's also essential that a sportsbook's website is responsive and works well on mobile devices. A website that is not mobile-friendly can be a major turn-off for potential customers, and we consider this factor when we review the sites.

Variety of bets

Betting options are one of the most important elements to consider when you compare Ohio sportsbooks. We ensure that the operator offers a wide range of wagering options catering to diverse sports enthusiasts.

Traditional bets, such as point spreads and moneylines, are a staple of any sportsbook. There are many proposition betting options at the sites, and parlays, teasers, and futures markets are widely available. In-game betting, also known as live betting, allows bettors to place wagers during the game.

For the most part, all of the books have the same betting options, but we make sure that our recommended books meet industry standards for variety.

Local preferences

A good in-state betting operator must create an environment that is especially friendly for people that want to make bets on Ohio-based teams. We look for sportsbooks with a solid selection of promos on the Browns, Bengals, Cavaliers, Guardians, Ohio State, etc.

Mobile app rating in the App Store and Google Play

The mobile sports betting app for a sportsbook is crucial in today's fast-paced world. Many bettors prefer to place their bets on Ohio betting apps, and you can access your sportsbook from anywhere when you have it on your phone.

We check a sportsbook's app ratings and reviews in the App Store and Google Play. The feedback provided by users is invaluable during the ranking process. Additionally, we ensure that a given app is compatible with any device.

Another vital aspect to consider is the functionality and user-friendliness of the sportsbook app. A good sportsbook plug-in should be easy to navigate, and it should have all the necessary features.

Legalization of online sportsbooks in Ohio

The journey toward the legalization of online sportsbooks in Ohio began right after the Supreme Court's 2018 decision that PASPA, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, was unconstitutional. This gave Ohio the freedom to legalize and regulate the activity on the state level.

In 2019 and 2020, there were several attempts toward legalizing online gambling sites in Ohio and sports betting in general. However, the different parties could not come to a compromise.

In 2021, three lawmakers led by Senator Kirk Schuring introduced another bill. After many discussions and negotiations, Governor DeWine signed HB 29 in December of 2021. This meant that legal sports betting in Ohio could officially go live on January 1, 2023.

Can you bet on horses using bookies in Ohio?

Yes, you can bet on horses in Ohio. You can wager at the seven horse racing tracks in the state, online, and in off-track betting locations. The Ohio State Racing Commission regulates horse races and wagering in the state.

A 2011 law allows tracks to have video lottery terminals, and the Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC) manages them. The racetrack owners receive 66.5% of the revenue that is generated, and the OLC gets 33.5%. In addition, all tracks must donate a little less than one percent of their profits to services and organizations that help with gambling addiction problems.