The Best Ohio Betting Sites to Play Online Legally in 2024
Ohio, sometimes known as the Buckeye State, is well-known for its many monikers and the accomplishments of its sports teams. The good news for sports bettors in the state is that you can now access the best Ohio betting sites, as the state has newly legalized online sports betting.
| Best Betting Sites in The United States | Bonus Offers | Highlights | Rating | Secure Link | T&Cs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top Ohio Betting Sites
- 🥇 BetMGM ✪ Best Sports Betting site
- 🥈 DraftKings ✪ Top Mobile Sportsbook App
- 🥉 Caesars ✪ Great Welcome Bonus Offer
- ⭐ BetRivers ✪ Best For Horse Racing
With online sports betting newly legalized in the state, how does it match up with others from our sports betting sites list? In our guide, you’ll find the best sportsbooks, an overview of the current legal situation, information about taxes, and of course security! See our table below for the best betting sites Ohio has to offer, broken down by category:
| 🏆 Best Betting Site in Ohio | BetMGM |
| 🔍Top New Site in Ohio | BetMGM |
| 🎁 Best for Bonuses | Caesars |
| 📱 Top Mobile App | DraftKings |
| 📺 Best for Live Betting | BetMGM |
| 📈 Highest Payout Sportsbook | DraftKings |
| 💳 Best Payment Options | Caesars |
| 🛡️ Safest Sportsbook | BetRivers |
| 🎮 Best eSports Betting Website | BetMGM |
| ✨ Top for Extra Features | DraftKings |
Each betting site we include will have its own standout features. We know that every bettor has different preferences, so there should be something to suit everyone. Maybe you’re looking for the most lucrative bonus, or the sportsbook boasting a wide variety of payment options. Whatever feature you’re looking for, we have it covered.
List of the Best Betting Sites in Ohio: Legal OH Online Sportsbooks
We have tested all Ohio online sports betting sites so that you don’t have to! You can be sure that every site on our Ohio online sportsbook list is fully regulated and licensed in the state. So, whichever you choose to use, you know it will be a trustworthy place.
- Crown Ohio Gaming, LLC – (DraftKings) – License No N/A
- BetMGM LLC – (BetMGM) – License No N/A
- American Wagering, Inc. – (Caesars) – License No N/A
- Rush Street Interative Inc. – (BetRivers) – License No N/A
As you can see, these are the best online Ohio sportsbooks. In order to operate in this state all sportsbooks must have an Ohio sports betting license granted by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Getting this license requires meeting strict criteria.
How to Start Ohio Online Sports Betting
As sports betting is now live and legal in Ohio, you probably want to know how you can get started. To begin, all you need to do is choose your preferred sportsbook, open an account by entering your information and verify your details. You can then make your first deposit.
Create an account at one of the Ohio sportsbooks on our list using your email address and provide any documentation the site requires to verify your identity.
Choose the payment method you prefer and check the terms and conditions for any deposit bonuses you might be eligible for.
After checking the T&Cs, claim your welcome bonus and make your first deposit. Then you’re ready to wager.
By law, sportsbooks must verify your identity, so you will need the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN). This is so they can check that you’re a taxable resident in the US. Betting sites will also ask for your mobile phone number and email address, so be sure to have these to hand.
The Factors We Considered When Picking the Best Ohio Betting Sites
When finding the best Ohio betting websites, we considered multiple important factors. These were related to safety, usability, and promotions. For us, safety and security always come first, and we only ever recommend legit sportsbooks. After this, we look at criteria that can be considered a nice addition.
Bonus and promotions are of course essential in distinguishing a great sportsbook from an average one. We also keep in mind competitive odds and the mobile experience offered by the betting site. The best online Ohio betting site will perform well in each of these categories to give a great all-around experience.
Online Sports Betting in Ohio: The Legal Aspect
Ohio has seemingly embraced brick-and-mortar casinos, poker rooms, and racetracks for a while now, but until recently sports betting was illegal. Before 2023 gamers in Ohio who didn’t want to miss out on the action had to travel to neighboring states that allowed online sports betting because there were no legal Ohio betting sites.
Since the law has changed, we have evaluated the legal Ohio sportsbooks and focused on some specific aspects such as licenses, taxes, and data security. These are all super important, especially because an Ohio online sportsbook will be dealing with your sensitive information, so you want to know it’s protected.
As online sports betting has recently been legalized and is now regulated in Ohio, using illegal betting sites just isn’t worth the risk. Always stick to licensed and regulated sports betting sites. That way you know your funds are safe, and you’re guaranteed to get paid out if you win.
Law and License
As of 2024, there are now several excellent legal betting sites in Ohio. With so many great legal sportsbooks, there is no reason to wager at illegal offshore sites. Avoid the risk and stick to legal and licensed sites, where you know your cash and data will be kept safe.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is in charge of approving operators and handing out licenses. Ohio casinos and sportsbooks must apply for a license from the Commission in order to operate. There are currently three different types of licenses, Type A, Type B and Type C, depending on the nature of the company.
After the passage of House Bill 29 just days before Christmas, Ohio betting sites became legal, and the first bets were taken on New Year’s Day. However, all online sportsbooks must pass multiple regulatory checks to meet the licensing requirements and be allowed to operate.
When you come across a new sportsbook, we recommend that you always do some research by reading reviews such as this, and also checking the operator site for reputable logos. You should see the Ohio Casino Control Commission’s logo on the footer of the homepage, which helps prove it is a trustworthy online betting site.
Taxes
When it comes to taxes at the best Ohio betting sites, you may have many questions. Ohio sportsbooks will be taxed at a 10% rate, with some of this money going toward a Problem Sports Gaming Fund and other initiatives. This 10% rate is low compared to other states such as Tennessee.
For Ohio players, there is an Ohio sports betting tax, with winnings taxed at 4% if they exceed the threshold. In addition to this, you may also be taxed under federal rules, so be sure to keep accurate records and you must declare all your gambling winnings when filing your taxes.
Data Security & Encryption
An important aspect of staying safe while betting online is looking at the cybersecurity steps a site takes. Each of the best sportsbooks in Ohio should use a secure connection and ensure customer data is encrypted. This is to protect your financial transactions and your personal data.
The standard encryption level is typically 128-bit, but the best Ohio betting sites online will have 256-bit to prevent any data breaches. You can always check a sportsbook’s security credentials by looking at their terms and conditions, and also checking for the padlock symbol to the left of the website address.
Legal Age
It’s no surprise that you must be 21 years or older to use an online sportsbook in Ohio. Preventing underage gambling is extremely important to lawmakers, so there are stringent checks in place and strict repercussions if a betting site fails to protect minors from gambling. It is their responsibility to prevent underage gambling.
If you look online, you might come across sites that claim to accept wagers from under 21s. Our advice: don’t trust these sites. These dodgy betting sites are not above board, and they are typically illegal offshore betting sites, which are not worth the risk.
Responsible Gambling
Promoting responsible gambling is vital for the best Ohio sports betting sites. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) and Ohio Lottery Commission (OLC) offer a Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP), where people can self-exclude from all Ohio casino facilities. Accepting wagers from excluded players is illegal for a sportsbook.
If you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, you can contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 800 589 9966. There are many free resources available on their website too. Top betting sites will promote these resources and make it easy for you to get the help you need.
Certificates
The best way to ensure a betting site’s trustworthiness is by checking the web security certificates they have. You can see some examples of these certificates below. The presence of these on an Ohio sportsb’s online homepage is usually a green flag and means they can be trusted.
- DigiCert – Security
- Cloudflare – Security
- Go Daddy Certificate – Security
- Gamblers Anonymous – Responsible Gaming
Look out for these logos before you deposit your money at a new sportsbook. If you see these logos or certificates, you can be sure that your safety and security are taken seriously by the company. If there isn’t a certificate showing that your data is encrypted, leave the site!
Bonus & Offers
A decent welcome bonus is often high on people’s list of features when choosing a sportsbook. Ohio sportsbooks are trying to outdo each other by offering the most enticing welcome bonus to new players. Typically, these offers come in two different forms, a deposit match bonus or a free bet.
The best betting sites Ohio has to offer also boast some great bonuses and promotions. We have compiled a list of the best offers below, including the wagering requirements and validity period. Be sure to compare them and see what works best for you and your budget.
| Ohio Betting Site | Welcome Bonus | Deposit Features | Rating | Secure Link | T&C’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 DraftKings | Up to $ 1000 Deposit Bonus | 25x, 90 days, – 300 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ | |
| 🥈 BetMGM | 100% Up to $500 Welcome Offer | 1x, 7 days, N/A | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ | |
| 🥉 Caesars | Up to $1,000 Bonus Bet | 1x, 7 days, – 200 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ |
As always, we recommend that you read the terms and conditions of any promotions before accepting. While bonuses are a nice extra, there are other criteria you should consider before signing up for a sportsbook, like how competitive the odds are, which markets are on offer and what the mobile experience is like.
Average Payout, Odds, and Lines at Sportsbooks
When wagering at the best online Ohio betting sites, you should always consider the average payout rates. In simple terms, a higher payout rate means you will win more money if your bet is successful. The sportsbook charges a fee, known as the vigorish, on every bet and this acts as their profit.
An experienced gambler knows they need to try and maximize potential payouts and minimize the vigorish that they pay to a sportsbook. The payout rate calculation for sportsbooks is 100% minus the betting site’s commission. Check out the average payout rates for top Ohio sportsbooks below:
- DraftKings – 95.69% Payout Rate
- BetMGM – 94.11% Payout Rate
- Caesars – 95.19% Payout Rate
Overall, these payout rates are pretty good for the industry. These numbers can vary from sport to sport, so keep that in mind when considering which sportsbook you want to go with. We advise that you shop around and even open accounts with multiple sportsbooks as the odds will be different with each.
The Best Live Betting Sites
Live betting is a super popular way for sports fans to bet on their favorite sports. Due to the advancement of technology and the popularity of this method of betting, the top Ohio betting sites know they need to keep on top of this trend if they want to attract new players.
It’s not recommended for complete beginners because the odds can change quickly, and you need to have impeccable timing when taking part in live betting. Some sportsbooks will also offer special live betting bonuses. Check out our pick of the best live betting bonus for Ohio players below:
Best Live Betting Bonus
- Bonus Code: Not needed
- Minimum Odds: 1x
- Wagering requirement: n/a
- Validity: 7 days
Welcome Bonus
Ongoing Offers
Live Promotions
-
T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+
You can find even more live betting bonuses when there are big sporting events taking place, so keep an eye out for these. It’s standard practice for betting sites in Ohio to offer these live betting bonuses in time to coincide with major sporting events such as The Super Bowl.
As with all bonuses and offers, be sure to check the terms and conditions for yourself before committing to them. You will want to make sure the bonus is achievable and realistic so that you don’t find yourself in for any nasty surprises when it comes to trying to claim it.
Payment Methods at Ohio Sportsbooks
Bettors will find they can use most mainstream payment methods at Ohio sportsbooks. We know that the choice of payment methods on offer is always an important topic when choosing a betting site. It’s best to weigh up the different pros and cons of each method before committing to one.
When assessing the payment methods on offer at our top Ohio betting sites online, we considered the deposit limits and any fees. Our top sportsbooks typically won’t charge you any fees but sometimes your payment provider might, so it’s best to check with them first. Check out the payment methods below:
| Payment Method | Type | Deposit Limits | Deposit/Withdrawal | Payment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | eWallet | $10- unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Visa | Debit Card | $10- unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Mastercard | Debit Card | $10- unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| ACH | Bank Transfer | $10 – $500 | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Skrill | eWallet | $10- unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Play+ | Prepaid Card | $10- unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
| Bank Transfer | Bank Transfer | $10- unlimited | Available for Deposits / Available for Withdrawals | No Fees |
As you can see in the table, there is a good choice of payment methods available to Ohio bettors. There is often a minimum deposit of $10 required, and some methods have a maximum limit too. Most methods you see can be used for both depositing and withdrawing funds.
All the Ohio sportsbooks we recommend have to follow strict government regulations to ensure that you and your funds are treated fairly, and there are consequences for them if they don’t. This means operators must pay out your winnings promptly and via your selected method of withdrawal.
The Best Payment Method for Ohio Bettors
We looked into all the available payment methods the best online betting sites Ohio offers, and we narrowed it down to our favorite. We think PayPal is the top choice because of convenience and security. Bettors can use this method for both deposits and withdrawals, knowing your bank info will be safe.
Above is our favorite Ohio sportsbook that accepts PayPal, so be sure to check it out. The good news is you will also find PayPal available at most of the top sportsbooks in Ohio, so if this is your preferred payment method, you will be spoilt for choice.
Betting Apps for Ohio Players
Betting on the go is becoming increasingly popular, so sportsbooks know the importance of having a well-designed betting app. There’s nothing worse than trying to place a bet with a lagging app slowing you down. Check out our top choice for the best app for Ohio players below:
Often sportsbooks will offer bonuses and promotions exclusively for their app users. These can be great if you’re someone who wagers exclusively on your phone or tablet. The best online Ohio betting sites will tend to also offer dedicated mobile apps, so that you have the choice to bet on the go.
The top betting apps will look and feel very similar to their desktop counterparts, and you should be able to access all the same features. It’s really just personal preference whether you prefer to wager from your desktop or from your mobile device, but either way, the functionality should be very similar.
Customer Service
Customer service is an important part of your overall sports betting experience. We know it’s crucial to easily be able to find the answers to your queries and to be assisted in a kind and friendly manner. This is why we focused on the customer support on offer at the Ohio sportsbooks.
The top betting sites Ohio has to offer will provide timely and efficient customer support across a variety of channels. When choosing a betting site you will likely be looking for your preferred communication method. The best sites frequently offer live chat, email and in some cases the phone.
Another part of the customer support experience is being offered an in-depth and helpful FAQ section. The best sites will have a thorough section that can help with more general queries and save you from having to contact the support team. However, if you ever have a serious issue don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service.
The Best New Betting Sites in Ohio
Due to the legalization of online betting in OH being very recent, there are many new betting sites in Ohio appearing, with more set to come soon. We know it can be overwhelming trying to decide which site to use, which is why we have listed our favorite new sites for Ohio bettors below:
| New Ohio Betting Site | Bonus Offer | Active from | Rating | Secure Link | T&C’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | 100% Up to $500 Welcome Offer | 2023 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ | |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,000 Free Bet | 2023 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ | |
| Caesars | Up to $1,000 Bonus Bet | 2023 | Bet Here! | T&Cs Apply. New customer offer. Always gamble responsibly. 21+ |
Because the legislation surrounding online sports betting in Ohio is so new, we expect there to be even more new OH betting sites coming soon. Keep checking back here, as we will keep you updated when this happens. We expect there will be fierce competition when it comes to welcome offers too.
The process of applying for a license from the Ohio Casino Control Commission can be lengthy, so, it may take some time for other sportsbooks to come through. But online sports betting in Ohio has already taken off, and we don’t imagine it slowing down anytime soon.
Avoid Illegal Betting Sites in Ohio
Despite the existence of legal betting sites in Ohio, there will still be many illegal ones trying to get your cash. These tend to be offshore operators who do not have the required license needed to operate in Ohio. Please check out our list of known black-market sportsbooks in OH that should be avoided:
- ⛔ Riverbet
- ⛔ Premiumbull
- ⛔ digiBet
- ⛔ Bigbetworld
- ⛔ All Horse Racing
- ⛔ Gamebet
- ⛔ 21Bet
- ⛔ 1xBet
- ⛔ 12BET
There are so many reasons to avoid illegal betting sites! It just isn’t worth the risk, especially when there are so many great legal sites for Ohio players. Gambling at illegal sites risks both your payment and identification information, and using legal sites is the only way to protect yourself and stay safe.
A Brief History of Online Gambling in Ohio
Contrary to popular belief, the state of Ohio has a long, rich, and complex history of gambling and poker betting, despite its historically hardline opposition to gambling. Saloons in the state were popular gambling destinations for pioneers, miners, and other hard-working laborers since the early 18th century.
Towns along the Ohio River’s banks were a hotbed of gambling. The legal status of gambling in Ohio would undergo several twists and turns along the way. The government began requiring a government-issued gambling license for any institutions that held games of chance after the American Civil War, and gambling was completely forbidden in Ohio in 1910.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission was established in 2011. The process of legalization for sports betting began back in 2019. In 2022, the OCCC announced that it will accept license applications for sports betting licenses. A number of gambling websites in Ohio and physical sports betting locations went live on Jan. 1st , 2023.
The Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 29, legalizing and regulating sports gaming in the state. Since this legalization sports betting in the state has proved to be popular, and we expect a bright future for sports betting in Ohio, with more sportsbooks applying for licenses. No longer do locals need to travel over the border and sign up to a West Virginia sportsbook to wager.
FAQ
Some loyal readers amongst you will be aware that our articles make every effort to share as much information as possible. Nevertheless, some of your queries remain unanswered. So, we’ve collected a list of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from our readers below.
🥇 What is the best betting site in Ohio?
You can find out what we think are the best OH betting sites in our guide. We put plenty of sportsbooks to the test and you can be sure that every site listed on this page is licensed and legal in the state of Ohio.
🔎 Are there any new betting sites in Ohio?
As the legalization of online sports betting in Ohio is pretty recent, there are plenty of new betting sites to explore. Come back to this page in the future as we will keep it updated with any changes to the legal situation in Ohio, and any new sportsbooks that open.
📜 Is there a list of the Ohio betting sites?
Yes, you can check out our list of Ohio betting sites further up the page. We have also included any licensing information, so that you can feel confident knowing that these sites are legit and above board.
🛡️ Are Ohio betting sites safe?
For sure! Ohio betting sites are safe and put through rigorous checks by the Ohio Casino Control Commission before they are given a license. You can find out more in our safety section safety section of this article, where we dive deeper into the safety and security measures.
💵 How does Ohio make money from betting sites?
As legalization of betting sites in Ohio is still pretty new, it’s not yet known how much revenue they will generate; however operators will have a 10% tax rate on sports betting. You can find out more about how the state makes money in our tax overview
⚖️ Is online betting in Ohio also legal?
Yes, due to a bill being signed in December 2022 online betting in Ohio is legal, with sportsbooks taking their first bets on New Year’s Day. Betting sites must have a license from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. You can find out more about the current legal situation in our law section.
👮 How can I solve a dispute with a Ohio online sportsbook?
As always, we recommend contacting the customer support team of the sportsbook in the first instance. Most of the top sportsbooks will have a robust customer support team who are there to help with any issues, and contactable via various different channels. If this fails the Ohio Casino Control Commission is also there for Ohio bettors.
Conclusion
Since the recent legal changes, Ohio is set to become one of the biggest states for online sports betting. There is no shortage of sportsbooks opening with more sure to come in the future. Keep checking back at this page as we update our list of the best Ohio betting sites.
Just be sure to play at one of our recommended sites to ensure that your cash and data is protected. If you enjoyed reading this, please check out our guide to the best sports betting sites. Here you can see how other states compare to Ohio, and where else you can legally bet in the US.