Legal Ohio Sportsbooks 2026: OH Sports Betting & Legislation Updates

Quick Summary of Online Sports Betting in Ohio

Ohio Online Sports Betting Updates

• May 9, 2025 - The Cleveland Cavaliers enter Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals trailing the Indiana Pacers 0-2, with sportsbooks reporting heavy betting volume on Cavs futures.
• April 16, 2025 - Ohio lawmakers removed Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed sports betting tax hike from the state budget. The rate remains at 20% instead of the suggested 40%.
• April 9, 2025 - The Cleveland Cavaliers secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, drawing strong NBA futures betting interest across all major sportsbooks.
• March 14, 2025 - House Finance Committee Chair Rep. Brian Stewart confirmed the proposed operator tax hike would be scaled back following industry pushback.
• Feb. 4, 2025 - Gov. DeWine proposed doubling the Ohio sports betting tax rate from 20% to 40%, sparking debate among legislators and operators.
• Jan. 20, 2025 - Ohio State Buckeyes win the CFP National Championship against Notre Dame, delivering a huge betting event for sportsbooks.
• Jan. 9, 2025 - Penn Entertainment confirms that retail sportsbooks at Hollywood Gaming (Dayton, Mahoning Valley, and Columbus) will all carry the ESPN BET branding.
• August 2024 - SuperBook and Betfred announced their exit from Ohio, reducing the number of available sportsbook apps in the state.

Best Ohio Sportsbooks Reviewed

Ohio is one of the most competitive sports betting markets in the U.S., with more than a dozen licensed operators. Among them, a handful stand out for their app experience, promos tied to Ohio teams, and unique features. Below you’ll find the best Ohio sportsbooks and what each does best:

Bet365 OH Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Excellent International Market Coverage
• Competitive Odds
• Fast Payouts

• App can be buggy at times
• Smaller U.S. presence compared to rivals

Bet365 launched in Ohio through its partnership with the Cleveland Guardians and has quickly become a favorite for bettors who enjoy both international and domestic markets. Its simple app design is packed with features, including early payout offers and extensive in-play betting.

Ohio bettors regularly see Guardians-focused promos, especially during MLB season. Combined with sharp pricing across soccer, tennis, and niche sports, Bet365 is a top option for players who want variety and reliability.

Editor’s Note: Bet365 is best for live betting and international markets - perfect if you enjoy mixing European soccer or tennis with Guardians or Cavs wagers.

Read our Bet365 Ohio Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.8/5

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BetMGM OH Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Deep Betting Markets
• Popular ‘Edit My Bet’ Feature
• Reliable Payouts

• App navigation can be clunky

BetMGM entered Ohio via its MGM Northfield Park racino and offers one of the most versatile betting platforms in the state. With the “Edit My Bet” feature, futures, and extensive props, BetMGM is well-suited to bettors who like having control over their wagers.

Locally, BetMGM promos often spotlight the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, making NFL season especially rewarding. MLB and NBA odds boosts on Guardians and Cavaliers games are also common.

Editor’s Note: BetMGM is best for futures and prop flexibility, giving Ohio bettors more ways to stay play over an entire season.

Read our BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.8/5

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Caesars OH Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Excellent Rewards Program
• Retail Presence at Harrah’s Casinos
• Competitive Promotions

• Interface less modern than rivals
• Limited innovative features

Caesars has a strong retail footprint in Ohio, including Eldorado Scioto Downs and a partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Its Caesars Rewards program lets bettors earn points redeemable for hotel stays, dining, and event access.

For Ohio players, Caesars regularly ties promos to Cavs playoff pushes and Ohio State football, making it a good option for fans of both pro and college action.

Editor’s Note: Caesars is best for rewards, offering Ohio bettors unmatched value with perks they can use when out and about

Read our Caesars Ohio Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.7/5

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FanDuel OH Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Best Overall User Experience
• Same-Game Parlays
• Competitive Odds

• Limited promos for existing users
• Plain app design

FanDuel partners with Belterra Park racino in Cincinnati and delivers one of the most polished apps in Ohio. Same-game parlays are its signature, giving Browns, Bengals, and Cavs fans endless ways to customize NFL and NBA wagers.

Ohio bettors also benefit from FanDuel’s quick payouts and consistent odds boosts across all major leagues, with plenty of focus on football.

Editor’s Note: FanDuel is best for same-game parlays, making it one of the go-to sportsbooks for fast and fun betting in Ohio.

Read our FanDuel Ohio Sportsbook review here.

DraftKings OH Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• Top-Notch Live Betting
• Unique Betting Pools
• Sleek App Design

• Customer support can be slow

DraftKings operates in Ohio through its Hollywood Casino Toledo partnership, bringing with it a sleek app and strong live betting interface. Its betting pools are a unique feature that lets Ohio bettors compete against each other in fun, tournament-style formats.

In Ohio, DraftKings often highlights Buckeyes football and March Madness promos, making it a standout for NCAA fans. NBA and NFL boosts are also frequent, especially during Cavs playoff runs and Bengals playoff pushes.

Editor’s Note: DraftKings is best for live betting and betting pools, ideal if you enjoy wagering in real time while tracking your competition.

Read our DraftKings Ohio Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.8/5

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Fanatics OH Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• FanCash Loyalty Program
• Curated Discover Page
• Responsive Customer Support

• Still new and developing
• Occasional app bugs

Fanatics has leaned heavily into Ohio since launch, partnering with both the Columbus Blue Jackets and Cleveland Guardians. Its FanCash rewards system lets bettors earn credit toward team merchandise or bonus bets, which is unique to the brand.

Ohio promos often center on the Jackets and Guardians, with additional college basketball specials during March Madness. While still new, the personalized “Discover” page makes finding bets easy.

Editor’s Note: Fanatics is best for loyalty rewards and merchandise tie-ins, offering value that extends beyond the app for Ohio sports fans.

Read our Fanatics Ohio Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.7/5

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ESPN BET OH Sportsbook

Pros & Cons

• ESPN integration
• Appealing interface
• Solid bonuses

• No support phone number

ESPN BET entered Ohio via Hollywood Casino Columbus and rebranded Penn Entertainment’s retail locations statewide. The app is tightly integrated with ESPN’s sports coverage, letting users follow analysis and place bets seamlessly.

In Ohio, ESPN BET has focused on NFL and NBA markets, with boosts on Browns, Bengals, and Cavs games.

Editor’s Note: ESPN BET is best for media-driven betting, making it the ideal sportsbook for Ohio players who want live stats, expert picks, and betting all in one place.

Read our ESPN BET Ohio Sportsbook review here.

Sports Promo

4.8/5

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

Welcome Offer

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Popular Sports to Bet on in Ohio

Ohio is home to a passionate sports culture with teams in every major professional league, plus powerhouse college programs. Whether you’re following the Browns and Bengals in the NFL, the Cavaliers in the NBA, or the Ohio State Buckeyes in NCAA football, bettors in the Buckeye State have no shortage of options.

NFL Betting in Ohio

The NFL is king in Ohio, with two storied franchises: the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, have become a perennial playoff contender and attract heavy betting action, especially in the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Browns’ loyal Dawg Pound continues to back Cleveland, making NFL Sundays some of the busiest betting days in the state.

NBA Betting in Ohio

The Cleveland Cavaliers are Ohio’s lone NBA team, and they’ve regained contender status after years of rebuilding. The Cavs’ 2016 championship under LeBron James cemented their place in NBA history, and today’s roster, led by Donovan Mitchell, continues to attract betting interest. NBA betting thrives in Ohio with Cavs spreads, player props, and live betting markets.

MLB Betting in Ohio

Baseball runs deep in Ohio, with the Cleveland Guardians and the Cincinnati Reds both boasting rich histories. The Guardians remain strong contenders in the AL Central, while the Reds’ young core has energized their fanbase. MLB betting in Ohio spans full-season futures, daily moneylines, and player prop bets across 162 games.

NHL Betting in Ohio

Ohio’s hockey fans rally around the Columbus Blue Jackets, the state’s only NHL franchise. While still chasing their first Stanley Cup, the Jackets have built a passionate following, and NHL betting in Ohio includes action on moneylines, totals, and live in-game markets.

NCAA Betting in Ohio

College sports are a huge part of Ohio’s identity, led by the Ohio State Buckeyes football program, one of the most successful in the country. Buckeyes football games dominate the betting calendar, especially during the College Football Playoff. In basketball, programs like Xavier, Dayton, and Cincinnati regularly make March Madness appearances, giving bettors additional opportunities for exciting wagers.

Ohio Sports Betting Legislation

Sports betting officially became legal in Ohio after the passage of House Bill 29 in December 2021. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine, paving the way for a regulated market that launched on January 1, 2023. The industry is overseen by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC), which manages licensing, compliance, and enforcement.

Ohio’s sports betting framework allows for online sportsbooks, retail sportsbooks, and betting kiosks across the state. Up to 25 online sportsbook licenses were approved, with many top national brands entering the market. In 2024, legislators made a notable change by banning college player prop bets, though betting on NCAA teams remains legal.

Timeline of Key Events

• 2019 - Gov. Mike DeWine signals support for sports betting legislation.
• 2020: First serious sports betting bill advances in the House, but fails before session end.
• December 2021 - HB 29 passes both chambers and is signed into law by Gov. DeWine.
• June 2022 - OCCC announces that legal sports betting will launch on January 1, 2023.
• January 2023 - Ohio sports betting goes live with online, retail, and kiosk options.
• July 2023 - Tax rate on operator revenue increases from 10% to 20%.
• March 2024 - Prop bets on individual college athletes banned statewide.
• April 2025 - Proposed budget included raising the tax rate to 40%, but it was cut before approval.

Other Betting Options in Ohio

Sports betting may be the newest form of legal wagering in Ohio, but it’s not the only option available. The Buckeye State also offers a mix of traditional betting opportunities, including the lottery, horse racing, and casino gambling:

Ohio Lottery

Launched in 1974, the Ohio Lottery remains one of the most widely used betting options in the state. Players can take part in scratch-off games, draw games like Mega Millions and Powerball, and a variety of keno offerings. The lottery also contributes significant funding to state education initiatives.

Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Betting

Ohio has a long history with horse racing, and pari-mutuel wagering has been legal since 1933. The state is home to several racetracks, including Thistledown Racino, Belterra Park, and Mahoning Valley Race Course, offering live thoroughbred and harness racing. Online platforms such as TwinSpires and FanDuel Racing also allow residents to place wagers on major races nationwide, including the Kentucky Derby.

Casino Gambling and Racinos

Ohio legalized casinos in 2009, and today the state features four full-service casinos - located in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo - along with seven racinos that combine horse racing with slot-style gaming. These venues also serve as important partners for many of the state’s online sportsbooks.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily fantasy sports became legal in Ohio in 2018, regulated by the OCCC. Major operators like FanDuel and DraftKings remain popular with players who enjoy building lineups and competing in contests across NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. DFS offers an alternative to traditional wagering and is particularly popular during NFL and NBA seasons.

In addition to online sportsbooks, Ohio bettors can wager in person at several licensed retail sportsbooks across the state. These venues are typically located inside casinos, racinos, and professional sports arenas, giving fans a variety of ways to place bets while enjoying live entertainment:

These are the main retail sportsbooks in Ohio:

• Belterra Park - 6301 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
• BetMGM Sportsbook at The Banks - 191 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Eldorado Scioto Downs - 6000 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207
• Fanatics Sportsbook in the Arena District - 401 N Front St, Columbus, OH 43215
• Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati - 1000 Broadway St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
• Hollywood Casino Columbus - 200 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
• Hollywood Casino Toledo - 1968 Miami St, Toledo, OH 43605
• Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway - 3100 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45414
• Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley - 655 N Canfield Niles Rd, Youngstown, OH 44515
• JACK Cleveland Casino - 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
• JACK Thistledown Racino - 21501 Emery Rd, North Randall, OH 44128
• MGM Northfield Park - 10705 Northfield Rd, Northfield, OH 44067
• Miami Valley Gaming - 6000 OH-63, Lebanon, OH 45036
• Fanatics Sportsbook at Progressive Field - 2401 Ontario St, Cleveland, OH 44115
• Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse - 1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115

Social Sports Betting Sites in Ohio

In addition to Ohio’s large number of licensed sportsbooks, players can also enjoy social sportsbooks - free-to-play platforms that use virtual currencies instead of real money. These apps operate legally under sweepstakes models and let you make sports picks across major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports.

Onyx Odds Social Sportsbook

Onyx: Pros & Cons

• VIP perks
• User-friendly interface
• Covers all US major leagues
• Various ways to unlock free Onyx Coins

• Onyx Cash is not part of the no deposit welcome bonus

Visit Onyx Odds

Onyx Odds is live in Ohio and offers a clean and simple way to make picks using Onyx Coins (for fun) or Onyx Cash (for sweepstakes entries). You’ll find contests on NFL, NBA, college sports, and more - all based on spreads, totals, and moneylines.

New Ohio users receive 1,000 Onyx Coins when they join - no purchase or deposit required.

Fliff Social Sportsbook

Fliff: Pros & Cons

• Huge new customer offer
• Responsive support team
• Impressive mobile accessibility
• Range of ongoing perks

• Limited payment methods

Fliff is one of the most popular social sportsbooks in the U.S. and fully available in Ohio. Players can make picks using Fliff Coins or redeem Fliff Cash for real prizes through sweepstakes contests. NFL, NBA, and MLB are all supported, along with bonus boosts and live scoring.

Ohio players can join instantly and get bonus Coins and Cash at sign-up - no credit card needed.

Kickr Social Sportsbook

Kickr: Pros & Cons

• Sports Betting + Casino Games
• Great Gift Card Variety
• Ongoing Tournaments

• Invite-Only VIP Program
• No Live Dealers

Visit Kickr

Kickr brings a college-sports focus to Ohio’s social sportsbook scene. Users make picks on props, spreads, and totals using Bucks and Bits - Kickr’s dual virtual currencies. The app also features parlay challenges and leaderboard contests for extra competition.

Ohio users receive 4 Bucks and 150,000 Bits when they join - completely free to start.

Wanna Parlay Social Sportsbook

Wanna Parlay: Pros and Cons

• Awesome range of sports contests including NBA, European soccer, and the MLB.
• Regular contests with real money prizes.
• Stylish and easy-to-use mobile app.
• Available in all 50 US states.

• Mobile-only - no desktop version of the lobby.

Wanna Parlay gives Ohio players access to a pick’em-style social sportsbook built around multi-leg prop contests and real-time leaderboards. Make over/under stat picks across NFL, NBA, MLB, and more - all in a legal, sweepstakes-friendly app environment.

No purchase required - just download the app and start playing for free in Ohio today.

DFS Sites in Ohio

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are fully legal and widely available in Ohio. Whether you prefer pick’em contests, full-team drafts, or leaderboard-based gameplay, DFS platforms give Ohio residents fun ways to make stat-based predictions and win real cash prizes.

Underdog Fantasy

Underdog Fantasy: Pros & Cons

• Daily and weekly contests
• Exclusive welcome bonus
• Impeccable usability on mobile
• Social community available
• Fair bonus terms

• Few deposit options
• No phone support

Visit Underdog

Underdog Fantasy is one of the most popular DFS apps in Ohio, known for its Best Ball drafts and higher/lower pick’em contests across NFL, NBA, MLB, and more. Draft once in Best Ball and let your top scorers auto-play all season - or make daily picks on player stats for quicker results.

Ohio users can play anytime and enjoy a clean mobile app with fast payouts.

OwnersBox

OwnersBox: Pros & Cons

• Easy-to-use website.
• Great welcome bonus
• Weekly fantasy contests are consistent
• Multiple game options, like Lightning Lineups

• No eSports

Visit OwnersBox

OwnersBox brings innovative DFS formats to Ohio, including Lightning Lineups (spin-to-win style entries) and SuperFlex drafts, which allow two QBs or extra flex spots. NFL, NBA, and MLB contests are all available in-app.

Ohio players get access to beginner-friendly games, seasonal promos, and unique DFS formats made for fantasy-first fans.

DraftKings Fantasy

DraftKings: Pros & Cons

• Multiple daily contests available
• 24/7 customer support
• Straightforward welcome bonus

• High playthrough requirement

Visit DraftKings Fantasy

DraftKings Fantasy is a leading DFS option in Ohio, offering salary-cap contests, snake drafts, Showdown slates, and more. The platform supports NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, and esports - with massive prize pools and beginner-only contests for new users.

Ohio residents who deposit $5 receive a $3 contest ticket to get started right away.

Wanna Parlay

Wanna Parlay: Pros and Cons

• Generous welcome bonus
• Unique DFS game mode
• Excellent mobile usability
• Diverse & secure payment methods

• Mobile users only

Wanna Parlay offers Ohio DFS players a leaderboard-style platform focused on multi-leg pick’em contests. Build stat-based parlays from major sports like NFL, NBA, and college football, and climb daily leaderboards for prize eligibility - all with no roster building or salary caps.

New users in Ohio can claim a 100% deposit match up to $250 when joining via the app.

Ohio Sports Betting FAQ

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Damien Souness as part of our fact-checking process.