Ohio Sports Betting Guide

Yes. Ohio legalized sports betting in 2021 and launched statewide retail and online betting on January 1, 2023. Adults 21 and older can place bets through licensed online sportsbooks or at approved retail sportsbooks inside casinos, racinos, stadiums, and select bars.

Quick facts

• Legal since: 2023 (online and retail).
• Minimum age to bet: 21+.
• Betting allowed anywhere inside Ohio via licensed apps.
• Regulator: Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Ohio offers one of the deepest menus of sportsbook apps in the country. Popular options include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, ESPN BET, Tipico, and Fanatics Sportsbook. Competition is strong, so comparing odds and promotions is especially valuable here.

Tip: The number of sportsbooks in Ohio makes it one of the easiest states for line shopping.

Ohio allows broad betting options but enforces clear rules on age, location, and college markets.

Who can bet in Ohio?

• You must be 21 or older.
• You must be physically inside Ohio when placing a bet.
• You must verify your identity during account setup.

What you can bet on

• Professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, UFC, etc.).
• College games nationwide (with prop restrictions).
• Golf, tennis, motorsports, boxing, and international leagues.
• Standard markets: spreads, totals, moneylines, player props (pros only), futures, parlays.

Ohio permits betting on in-state and out-of-state college teams but restricts player props involving individual athletes.

Allowed

• Moneylines, spreads, totals on all NCAA teams including Ohio State and Cincinnati.
• Team futures (conference winners, championships).
• Team props when offered (varies by operator).

Not allowed

• College athlete player props.
• Unapproved exotic or novelty markets.

Note: Ohio’s college rules are similar to many major betting states—team bets are fine, but individual props are removed for integrity reasons.

Taxes on operators

• Ohio charges a 20% tax on sportsbook revenue (increased from 10%).
• This may influence the aggressiveness of promotions.

Taxes on bettors

• All sports betting winnings are taxable at the federal level.
• Ohio also treats gambling winnings as taxable income.
• Sportsbooks may issue tax forms for large wins.

This content is informational, not tax advice. Consult a tax professional for guidance.

Ohio’s large number of casinos, racinos, and professional sports venues makes retail betting convenient statewide.

Common retail sportsbook features

• Betting kiosks and staffed windows.
• Large video walls and sports bars.
• In person cash deposits and withdrawals.
• Fan experience integrations inside stadiums.

• Select a licensed Ohio sportsbook app.
• Download the app or visit the desktop site.
• Register using your personal information.
• Verify identity when prompted.
• Enable geolocation so the app confirms you’re inside Ohio.
• Make your first deposit and claim any welcome offer.
• Browse markets and place your first bet.

Do this

• Compare odds across multiple apps—Ohio has many strong operators.
• Stick to a consistent bankroll strategy.
• Use responsible gambling tools when needed.
• Track your bets in a spreadsheet or tracker app.

Avoid this

• Chasing losses after a bad night.
• Using unlicensed offshore sportsbooks.
• Betting beyond your monthly budget.
• Relying solely on parlays for long term success.