Best Ohio Betting Sites 2025 | Top OH Bonus Bets

How We Pick the Best Ohio Betting Sites

Every sportsbook claims to be the one you’ve been waiting for. That’s why our LiveScore review team digs into each betting site, using real accounts and real money to see how these platforms actually hold up. Here are the key factors we look for: 

Licensing

If there’s no license, there’s no reason to trust where your money’s going. Every site we recommend is approved by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, with verified licensing that ensures consumer protections, complaint handling, and regulatory oversight that Ohio bettors can actually rely on. 

Security

A platform's fundamental duty is to guard your wallet and data. This is why we dig into encryption standards, two-factor login setups, and how quickly a site responds to account breaches. If there is any compromise, we will skip the operator altogether.

Bonuses and Promos

This is how OH sportsbooks advertise themselves, and so we don't take things at face value; instead, we review the full terms, including how realistic the rollover is, how long the offer lasts, and whether you can actually cash out what you earn.

Odds

The easiest way to maximize your betting returns is to chase quality odds, but we know it's not easy for bettors. We track odds across major sports and markets, measuring against rivals. If a book consistently posts worse prices than the competition, it’s out.

Betting Menu 

A limited betting menu leaves bettors stuck with the same basic plays every week. Our picks focus on Ohio sportsbooks that cover everything from traditional odds to niche props and alternative lines. The wider the menu, the stronger the overall experience for local players.

Ohio Sports Betting Laws and Regulations

Any uncertainty surrounding “Is sports betting legal in Ohio?” was resolved with the launch of statewide betting on January 1, 2023, after Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law. The sports betting bill authorized both retail and online sportsbooks under the oversight of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, which remains the primary regulatory body for all betting activity in the state.

Sports betting in Ohio works under a dual model. Residents can visit any of the state’s 14 retail casinos and racinos offering physical sportsbooks or choose from over 15 licensed operators online. This system created accessibility on day one of the launch, ensuring fans could wager legally whether sitting at home or inside a casino. 

May 14, 2018 – The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), clearing the way for Ohio and other states to legalize betting.

March 2021 – A new sports betting bill is introduced but delayed due to disagreements over licensing limits and tax structures.

December 8, 2021 – House Bill 29 is signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine.

June 2022 – The Ohio Casino Control Commission begins licensing operators and finalizing launch regulations.

January 1, 2023 – Sports betting officially goes live across Ohio, both online and at approved retail locations.

2024–2025 – New sportsbooks continue entering the market as Ohio becomes one of the most active U.S. betting states.

The legal gambling age in Ohio is 21, and this rule applies across both online and in-person wagering. Retail sportsbooks are available at licensed casinos and stadiums in cities like Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. While betting on college teams is permitted, prop bets on individual college athletes are banned to protect player integrity and avoid unnecessary pressure on student-athletes. Horse race wagering is also legal, so licensed tracks and betting apps continue to offer it as a separate but fully regulated option.

Latest Ohio Sports Betting News

May 19, 2025 – Senate Bill 199, introduced by Senator Louis Blessing, proposes a 2% tax on total wagers (handle) across online and retail sportsbooks. This tax would increase funds for youth sports and stadium projects if enacted. 

July 30, 2025 – The Ohio sports betting handle hit $532 million in July with a revenue increase of 46% compared to June. However, this boost was heavily influenced by improved hold rates. 

August 27, 2025 – The Ohio Casino Control Commission warned sportsbooks that involvement in prediction markets could threaten their state licenses, even if those products are geofenced outside Ohio.

Ohio Sports Betting Taxes for Bettors

Ohio does not apply a separate state income tax on gambling winnings, but you're still required to report them on your federal return if they exceed IRS thresholds. If you bet in Ohio and win, the IRS may withhold 24% of your payout depending on the amount. 

On the operator side, licensed sportsbooks in Ohio pay a 20 tax on gross betting revenue, which the Ohio Casino Control Commission collects. Retail sportsbooks face a 10 tax, which reflects their smaller market share compared to online platforms. Both taxes help sustain Ohio’s sports betting infrastructure and community programs.

Popular OH Sports Betting Bonuses

The number of top sportsbooks in Ohio has driven aggressive bonus competition. While that sounds good, it also creates confusion. Here are the most common types and what bettors need to watch for:

Welcome Offers

These are often advertised as deposit matches or “bet and get” offers on OH online sports betting sites to attract new users. However, the bonus value usually arrives as site credits, not real money, and must be used typically within 7 days. We verify the offer’s quality by checking terms, expiration periods, and the true cash-out potential after the first bet.

Second Chance Bets

This is a big-ticket promo often used by some of the largest OH sportsbooks to draw in new players. It is essentially a safety net for your first wager. You place a bet, and if you lose, the site gives you bonus bets equal to your stake, up to a certain amount. 

No-Deposit Bonuses

Occasionally, new users receive small free bets simply for signing up, without depositing. These promos offer low-risk exposure to a platform, but the winnings are often capped and subject to additional restrictions. We confirm whether no-deposit bonuses actually convert into real funds or if they primarily serve as a marketing tool. 

Odds Boost

These daily offers boost the payout on specific wagers and can provide genuine value, especially if it is a bet you were already planning to make. They usually have a maximum wager limit, so you can't go crazy, but they are an easy way to get a better price. For these offers, we look for frequency of boosts, boost size, and whether they are tied to local teams. 

Loyalty Programs

This is how the best OH betting apps and sites reward consistent players. Loyalty programs are the silent value-builders, adding up over time. While they don't provide instant gratification like a signup bonus, your points can lead to perks like free bets, hotel stays, or other status upgrades. We evaluate loyalty programs based on how quickly points accrue and what they can realistically be redeemed for.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Ohio Sportsbooks

If you’re new to the best Ohio sports betting sites, knowing which sports attract the most action can help you start strong. Some picks are obvious, others not so much. Here are the most popular sports to bet on while in-state: 

Football

There is no bigger season in Ohio. You can barely scroll through Ohio sportsbook feeds without a Bengals or Browns headline. Bettors here don’t just stick to the spread; they’ll also place bets on specific player yardage totals or first-score props. With both sides competing hard, the prospect of a run to the Super Bowl keeps everyone's attention locked in on every Sunday. 

Basketball

As football fades from the spotlight, basketball takes over the conversation in Ohio, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are at the centre of it. You'll see a lot of OH bettors opt for NBA point totals when the team is on a hot streak, especially during the NBA playoffs. However, much of the state's betting activity appears to be on college basketball, even though the law restricts player-specific bets around emerging talents like Jaden Ivey.

Baseball

If you're into Baseball betting, you likely already know it's a marathon, not a sprint. The state has two solid teams, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Guardians, so the summer months offer a constant stream of action. Some of MLB's most popular bet types include first-five innings bets and specific pitcher strikeout totals. It is a sport where consistency in betting can quietly add up over a long season.

Hockey 

The Columbus Blue Jackets represent Ohio as one of the most prominent NHL sports teams. Although hockey betting in Ohio is still far behind football by a wide margin, that doesn't mean it's not there. Prop bets for NHL games, especially goalie save props or special teams performance, become popular during tight matchups. The American Hockey League (AHL) also offers a smaller but dedicated betting community in Ohio, particularly during local rivalries.

College Sports

College sports are a special case in Ohio. The good news is that betting on them is entirely legal in the Buckeye State. However, you cannot place individual player prop bets on any athlete in the state, which also applies to sports like NCAA Hockey. This makes full-team markets and team point totals more common across college sports events. 

UFC and Soccer

While football and basketball may dominate the betting scene in Ohio, other sports are also carving out a niche among Ohio bettors. Soccer has become a serious option, especially with the recent success of the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati.

Popular betting markets for combat sports like UFC and boxing are also growing, particularly when a high-profile fight is on a Saturday night. The most valuable betting options for these sports often center on the total rounds or method of victory.  

Daily Fantasy Sports in Ohio

DFS in Ohio is fully legal and regulated. Back in 2017, Ohio formally legalized Daily fantasy sports betting, bringing it under the oversight of the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Unlike fixed-odds betting, DFS is recognized as a skill-based game, which means the regulations on it are not as tight. That’s also reflected in the lower age requirement; players only need to be 18 to enter contests in Ohio. 

Several top sportsbooks in OH, like DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, and PrizePicks, run daily fantasy contests statewide. You'll find many contests here, with options for football and basketball, baseball, hockey, and more. Even though Ohio has no unusual local limits on contest entry, platforms still have to meet the state’s standard rules for fairness and player safety.

How to Get Started with Ohio Sportsbooks

Getting started with Ohio betting sites is simple. Follow these five steps to sign up, fund your account, and place your first legal sports bet:

1. First, pick a sportsbook from the options listed on this page; all of them are licensed to operate legally in Ohio. Stick with trusted names to make sure your bets and funds are protected.

2. Next, create an account by entering your personal details and uploading a valid photo ID. You must be at least 21 years old, and sportsbooks will also check your location

3. Once your account is verified, head to the cashier section and choose a payment method like PayPal, online banking, or a debit card. Most sportsbooks in Ohio do not allow credit card deposits, so plan accordingly.

4. Then, browse through the sports menu and select an event that interests you. You can bet on spreads, moneylines, totals, or props depending on what the sportsbook offers for that matchup.

5. Finally, enter the amount you want to wager and review your bet slip carefully. Once you hit confirm, your bet is live.

Ohio Betting Apps

Ohio is one of the most densely populated states, with about 4.1 million people aged 20 to 45 who rely heavily on their phones for everything—from banking to entertainment. Mobile sports betting fits right into this lifestyle and is fully legal here, as long as you’re at least 21. When choosing an app, looking for features that make betting easier and safer is essential. Here are some must-haves to keep in mind.

• Easy-to-navigate interface that lets you find bets quickly without confusion

• Reliable live betting options with real-time updates during games

• Secure and flexible payment methods, including popular options like PayPal and debit cards

• Fast and responsive customer support to help with any issues or questions

You can download these apps directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Many top sportsbooks in Ohio, like Bally Bet and Bet MGM, have officially partnered with the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Reds to offer local bettors timely promotions and exclusive offers, which makes betting on your favorite teams even more rewarding.

Ohio Sportsbooks Will Have You Spoilt For Choice

Ohio has experienced one of the broadest rollouts of legal sports betting in the U.S. This has created an incredible number of fan choices and fierce competition among operators. For bettors, this is fantastic news, as it has resulted in a market with no shortage of valuable odds and attractive bonuses. 

However, quantity doesn't always guarantee quality, so bettors must remain vigilant and compare platforms carefully. Fortunately, we have done the work for you, without listing the best Ohio sports betting sites that have been thoroughly vetted. All you need to do now is pick a platform and get started!