Sports betting is officially live in the Buckeye state. Now Ohio residents can back all their hometown teams from anywhere in the state.
So whether you’re banking on the Bengals to make another Super Bowl run, or this is finally the year for the Guardians, it all starts when you sign up for the best sports betting apps live in Ohio.
Speaking of the best sports betting apps, you can also take advantage of the best welcome offers from each of them. Take you pick from the offers below.
Best Ohio Sports Betting Sites & Apps October 2023
Latest Ohio Sports Betting News
Sports betting officially went live in Ohio on January 1st as we all rang in the new year. However, there is even more to come as many books will be live throughout the first week of January.
Some of the most notable books that will go live on New Year’s Day are BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, and Bet365. Although, here is the full list of sportsbooks expected to go live in Ohio:
- Betfred Sports
- betJACK
- BetMGM
- Betr
- BetRivers
- Betway
- bet365
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Gamewise/MVGBet
- PointsBet
- Hard Rock Digital
- SuperBook
- Tipico
SuperBook is the latest sports betting site to agree to Ohio market access, having signed a sports betting partnership with MLS side Cincinnati FC. The partnership names SuperBook Sports as the exclusive official sports betting partner of the self-styled Orange and Blue, which play home games at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
ESPN BET: Now Arrived in Ohio
ESPN BET has officially launched after a massive deal with PENN Entertainment. ESPN BET Ohio will likely grow pretty quickly, and it’s expected to compete with the top sportsbooks in the country.
Use promo code NYPOST to take advantage of the offer. With the promo code, new users can make any sportsbook bet and get $150 in bonus bets.
- Get the ESPN BET promo code
More on Ohio Sports Betting
- Ohio Sports Betting: Current Situation
- Ohio Sports Betting FAQs
- Ohio Sports Betting Sites
- Latest Ohio Sports Betting News
- History of Ohio Sports Betting
- Ohio Sports teams to bet on
Neighboring states with legal online sports betting
With sports betting officially live in Ohio, it now joins a multitude of surrounding states where sports betting is also legal. If you’re looking to cross state lines, be sure to read up on the nearby states.
- Find out more on Michigan sports betting
- Find out more on Pennsylvania sports betting
- Find out more on West Virginia sports betting
- Find out more on Indiana sports betting
Ohio Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Ohio sports betting is now live in the great state of Ohio. It went live on January 1st and many of the majors sportsbooks are already live. However, there will be a vast amount of options in the coming weeks.
Sports betting joins daily fantasy sports contests as they have been legal since 2018.
Can I play FanDuel and DraftKings in Ohio?
Yes, fantasy sports are completely legal and well regulated in Ohio. They were first formally made legal in 2018, and have been under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Casino Control Commission ever since.
This means that you are free to play daily fantasy sports contests on market leading sites such as FanDuel and DraftKings in Ohio. With both sites also active in online sports betting you can also now play with their sportsbooks in the state.
Can I bet on college sports in Ohio?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Ohio. Legal markets include team props, game outcomes, and totals, but college player props have been banned since March 2024.
Can I bet on the NFL in Ohio?
The success of Ohio’s Cincinnati Bengals has been a big influence on the timeline for bringing sports betting to Ohio. Tax revenue is a huge state-wide benefit of legal sports betting, and the Ohio state legislature are aware of what they missed out on during the Bengals fantastic run to Super Bowl LVI.
Sportsbooks set to launch in Ohio
8. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook Ohio
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | X | ✔ | X | ✔ |
Hard Rock Sportsbook is set to launch in Ohio, and they are arriving in some style. Bettors are able to claim a bonus, with the size of the bonus dependent on how soon before January 1 you sign-up.
The sportsbook first launched in New Jersey in January 2019, and has expanded into a number of state since then. Their simple approach to a sports betting site does them many favors, keeping the whole experience simple and easy to use for their customers.
They lack in a few areas where the big boys of sports betting excel, but there’s still much to like. We expect Hard Rock Sportsbook will be right up there in the coming years, with a lot to be excited about.
7. bet365 Ohio
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
bet365 has become one of the most popular online sportsbooks globally. They originated in the UK, but their popularity in the United States will only increase with the expansion into Ohio.
The sportsbook offers a very diverse amount of markets where you can view odds and nearly anything. There are odds on major sports, esports, and even horse racing.
They also have plenty of promos, such as parlay bonuses, early pay-outs, and super boosts for marquee events. bet365 has to be one of the top options for new Ohio bettors.
One last interesting note is that they have partnered with the Cleveland Guardians to obtain their license. Could a sportsbook at Progressive Field be in the works?
The current new customer offers from bet365 allow new users to bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets or get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000!
- Check out the bet365 promo code
6. Caesars Sportsbook Ohio
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
The Caesars name is one of the most well known and respected in the world of gambling, and will likely be a forerunner for the Ohio market. The sportsbook is already among one of the most popular in the country in and operates in 20 states where online sports betting is already legal. New users can get a First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars.
As should be expected from a company whose background is in hospitality, Caesars are experts at looking after their players. They have one of the most generous promotions and bonus offerings available, with enough variety to suit every player.
The Caesars sportsbook offers a full range of domestic and international sports to bet on, with a deep selection of lines for each event. They also have a thorough One Game Parlay tool, along with daily selections of boosted lines and special bets on offer.
- Claim the Caesars Promo Code
5. Betfred Sportsbook Ohio
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Betfred is a sportsbook that has been trusted all the way back to 1967. They’ve made their mark on the horse racing markets in the UK, but their transition to sports betting in the United States has been a smashing success.
They are known for their reliability, tremendous welcome bonus, and diverse set of markets to choose from. Ohio will be the eighth US state Betfred will be licensed in, and they have chosen a famous partner.
Their partner in the great state of Ohio is none other than the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals’ partnership should only boost their popularity as the defending AFC champions have cemented themselves in the national spotlight.
4. DraftKings OH
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
DraftKings was one of the first major national sportsbooks to offer their services in West Virginia after launching in August 2019. Since then they have offered sports bettors in the state their huge range of domestic and international sports to wager on.
What makes DraftKings stand apart is the key stats and analysis that they provide for most events. There is a special tab available for most games that will give players the stat breakdown of each team’s recent form, right alongside the action.
There are also daily special parlay bets and boosted odds lines on offer for all players. These run alongside the fantastic range of promotions and bonuses which DraftKings offer to its players.
Right now, new customers can bet $5 to get $200 in bonus bets instantly and a SGP everyday for the NBA Playoffs!
3. FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
FanDuel went live in Ohio as soon as the market launched on January 1, 2023 and has risen atop the ranks as one of the state’s best sports betting destinations.
Players at FanDuel can find some of the industry’s best odds, props, and markets on the app or website. When comparing the same line from all of the sportsbooks available in states where online sports betting is already legal, the best returns are often found on FanDuel.
FanDuel’s new customer offer involves placing a simple $5+ wager to get started, all eligible new users will receive $150 in bonus bets!
In North Carolina, new bettors can use the FanDuel NC welcome offer to Bet $5 to Get $200 in Bonus Bets!
- Grab the FanDuel Promo Code
2. BetMGM Sportsbook Ohio
| App | Live betting | Streaming | Same game parlay | Refer a friend bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
BetMGMPromotional Offers Not Available in Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Washington DC, Ontario, or Puerto Rico
BetMGM has quickly established themself as the leading online sportsbook in the United States. They operate in 19 states where online sports betting has already been legalized, and it is easy to see why they are so popular with players.
New users can get a sweet new customer offer when they sign up with the BetMGM bonus code NYP1600. The offer lets new users get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,600 in Sports Bonus! It comes with a 10x wagering requirement. Bettors in can also use BetMGM’s other new customer offer to get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win with bonus code NPBONUS. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only.
The BetMGM sportsbook has a complete range of both domestic and international sporting events to bet on, with a deep selection of lines available on each event. The good design and layout make it easy for players to find each bet they want, and the excellent One Game Parlay builder makes it simple to back multiple lines on the same game.
There is also a generous range of promotions and bonuses on offer, along with a daily selection of Lion’s Boost bets which offer enhanced returns.
- Check out the BetMGM Bonus Code
1. Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio
This apparel giant’s online sports betting division is presently accessible solely through its mobile app, limited to specific states. As of now, Fanatics Sportsbook is active in 19 states.
Fanatics currently has one exclusive welcome offer for all states: Bet and Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
For those granted access to the Fanatics Sportsbook mobile app, such as residents of Ohio, a wide array of diverse betting opportunities await. These span from total bets to player props and encompass everything in between.
The app has the potential to become your betting hub for Tennis. Whether it’s on grass, clay or the hardcourt, Fanatics sportsbook will have you covered.
Furthermore, users of Fanatics Sportsbook gain the valuable advantage of accumulating FanCash while engaging in wagers on the platform. This earned FanCash can subsequently be utilized for procuring fresh apparel on Fanatics.com or seamlessly transformed into in-app bonus bets.
Is Retail sports betting legal in Ohio?
There are 40 retail licenses to be distributed alongside the 25 mobile ones. There are also a theoretically unlimited amount of kiosk licenses available which any business with a liquor license can apply for.
The history of Ohio Sports Betting
Like with many other states, the journey to bring legal sports betting to Ohio came after the Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was unconstitutional. This meant that Ohio was free to decide on its own sports betting laws.
The initial attempts in 2019 and 2020 came close, however multiple competing bills were introduced and a compromise could not be met. The initial efforts finally fell through because the two representatives who were leading the push to legalize sports betting both failed to continue past the 2020 legislative session.
The legislative drive was taken over by State Senator Kirk Schurling, who introduced his own bill in 2021. This was the version eventually signed into law by Governor DeWine in December 2021, meaning that legal sports betting would come to Ohio no later than January 1, 2023.
Ohio Sports Teams to bet on
Ohio is one of only 13 states to have franchises from all of the major sporting leagues, along with the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes football and men’s basketball teams.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals may have had limited success since their formation in 1967, but they have an incredibly bright future. Behind the dynamic offensive duo of quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals have already begun exceeding all expectations.
The 2021 NFL season saw the Bengals shock the league as they made their first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years, coming up just short against the Los Angeles Rams.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are one of the oldest teams in the NFL and were first founded in 1946. The team took a brief hiatus in 1996 when the personel moved to become the Baltimore Ravens, however Cleveland kept hold of the Browns history.
The team eventually returned in 1998, and have been an NFL mainstay ever since.
The Browns were hugely successful under original head coach and namesake Paul Brown in the early years of the league, but have struggled in the modern era. They currently hold the unenviable status of being one of just four teams to never appear in a Super Bowl.
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have played in Ohio in one form or another since 1900, when the Grand Rapids Rustlers made the move to the Buckeye State from Michigan.
The Guardians have two World Series titles to their names, from 1920 and 1948, and there are good signs that the long wait for more success may be coming to an end. The team have won back-to-back AL Central Division titles between 2016-18, and picked up a trip to the playoffs with a wild card berth in 2020 too.
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are by far the most successful baseball team in Ohio, with five World Series titles to their name. The first of these came in 1919, with the rest in 1940, 1975, 1976, and their last in 1990.
The team are an Ohio institution, having first formed in 1882, and have brought joy to generations of fans. After securing their first playoff berth in seven years in 2020, supporters will have to hope that their long wait to add a sixth World Series will nearly be at an end.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers may have been in the NBA since 1970, but their history is heavily intertwined with just one player: LeBron James. The Cavs drafted Ohio native James first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, and he spent the first seven years of his career playing for his home state team.
James eventually left for the Miami Heat, where he won two NBA Championships in a four year period, before rejoining the Cavs for the 2014-15 season. James eventually achieved his dreams of winning an NBA Championship with the Cavaliers in the 2015-16 season, however eventually left again for the LA Lakers in 2018.
Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew are one of the original charter MLS franchises, and have played in the league since its first season in 1996. Thanks to their long history in the game the Crew are one of the most beloved teams, and their fans fought off an attempt to relocate the franchise to Austin, TX in 2018.
The Crew are also one of the most successful soccer teams in the country, winning the MLS Cup twice, Supporter’s Shield three time, and a sole U.S. Open Cup. Their most recent trophy was the Campeones Cup, which they won in 2021.
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati may are one of the newest teams to MLS, having been formed as an expansion side and joining the league in 2019. Their short history means that FC Cincinnati have not had much time to win silverware, however this has not deterred their fans.
The team were the fourth best supported team in 2021, averaging 21,175 fans per game.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are one of the newest NHL teams, having been founded for the 2000 league expansion. The team are yet to bring a Stanley Cup back to Ohio, but their fans have stayed loyal and continue to support their team in their push for success.
Ohio State Buckeyes
The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the true powerhouses of collegiate sports, with their football and men’s basketball teams among the best supported both in and out of state.
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team are one of the most consistently successful, picking up eight claimed national titles between 1942 and 2014. Their annual rivalry game against Michigan is also one of the most hotly anticipated games in the entire sporting calendar.
The Buckeyes men’s basketball team is less successful, with only a sole National Championship in 1960, however there are signs that they are one again becoming major contenders. The team have made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances since 2018, and will hope to soon make their first Final Four since 2012.