Top Online Ohio Sports Betting: Top Sites & Bonuses 2024

Ohio Sports Betting – Quick Overview

Retail Sports Betting Available

Online Sports Betting Available

Retail Casinos Available

Tribal Casinos Not Available

Online Casinos Available

Online Poker Available

Online Horse Racing Available

Lottery Available

DFS Available

Gambling Age 21+

Best Online Sportsbooks Available for Ohio Residents

Finding the right sportsbook to join has never been easier. We’ve made the choice simple by reviewing the top-rated sportsbooks available to Ohio residents in 2024 by category.

BetOnline – Best Sportsbook Site Overall for Ohio Bettors
Bovada – Top Online Sportsbook for Props Betting
MyBookie – Best Site for Placing Live Bets
BetUS – Best Sportsbook for Bonuses and Promotions
BetOnline – Best Online Betting Site for Lucrative Contests

Comparing Betting Sites Available to OH Bettors

Still stuck on which sportsbook to join? Compare each of our top-reviewed sites available to OH residents here:

Sportsbook (provide aff links in this section)	Min. Deposit	Welcome Bonus	Best For:	Link to Review
BetOnline	$20	50% matched up to $1,000	Ohio betting options	Read review
Bovada	$10	50% matched up to $250	Props betting	Read review
MyBookie	$20	50% matched up to $1,000	Live betting	Read review
BetUS	$10	125% matched up to $3,125	Bonuses and promotions	Read review
BetNow	$10	150% matched up to $225	Lucrative contests	Read review

How We Select the Top Sportsbooks for Ohio Gamblers

Our reviewers are all experts in creating sportsbook reviews and we make sure they report back on critical features that are important to Ohio gamblers. This ranges from player safety protocols through to the range and variety of wagers available. Here are the core factors sportsbooks must achieve in order to get our approval and recommendation:

Safety and Security Protocols
Top of our priority list for any recommended sports betting site in Ohio is player safety. We ensure sportsbooks implement high-grade safeguarding procedures, TLS encryption software, and thorough customer support. Sportsbooks must be able to show they protect player data and store it safely. Financial transactions must be encrypted, while anti-fraud and anti-money laundering protocols must also be in place.
Range of Deposit and Withdrawal Options
We look at the sportsbook banking options available to Ohio betting fans, for both deposits and withdrawals. We assess security measures behind each transaction type, and whether they work in the Buckeye State. Sites must show they can pay out fast and adhere to payment regulations. They need to permit transactions from Ohio’s most popular banks, including KeyBank and Fifth Third Bank.
Customer Service and Support
Understanding what Ohio sports bettors want from their sportsbook is key to delivering top-rated customer support. We stress test all reviewed sportsbooks to see how well customer support knows local regulations in Ohio, as well as OH gambling charities and addiction services. All of our recommended sites should feature all types of customer support (live chat, email, telephone), and have a great reputation of prompt responses as well as solving problems.
Sports Betting Variety
Ohio is a sports-mad state, so sportsbooks need to prove they go above and beyond when offering bets. We look not only at the quality of the odds, but also the range of lines and props. Recommended sportsbooks need to display a passion for OH sports to serve its residents. Betting on local collegiate teams like Ohio State and Cincinnati Bearcats must be as thorough as wagering on the Browns and Bengals. Betting on Ohio politics is a bonus, too.
User Interface Quality
Not all sportsbooks feature their own apps, so we assess how sites perform on smartphone browsers. Sites need to deliver optimized mobile platforms that champion usability. This is particularly important to access live betting odds, where changing lines run alongside updated stats and even live streams. A glitch-free experience is the minimum we expect from any sportsbook for Ohio residents.

How to Choose the Best Online Betting Site for Your Needs

Now you know what we look for when making our Ohio sportsbook recommendations, it’s time to think about what you want from your betting experience. Before making your choice, check out our advice below on how to select an OH online sports betting platform that meets your requirements.

Bet on Sports in OH

The big thing to look out for is whether your chosen sportsbook offers odds on the OH teams you want to bet on! Sportsbooks available to Ohio residents naturally provide odds on big teams like the Browns, Cavaliers, and Reds. However, in-state sportsbooks cannot give odds on collegiate teams. Therefore, bettors look to offshore bookies for lines on the Bearcats and Ohio State.

Preferred Payment Methods

Think about how you are going to fund your sportsbook deposits and where you want your winnings to go. Most OH sportsbooks offer the standard range of payment options, including VISA, Mastercard, e-wallets and direct bank transfers. However, offshore sites are also able to process payments at crypto betting sites, and courier check payments. So, if you want to bet with crypto, then an offshore site is tbe the smarter option.

Competitive Odds

Sportsbooks try to stand out by offering price boosts and other deals, but the very best are able to deliver competitive odds on a range of sports. Look for reduced juice on Ohioan teams such as the Cavaliers and Browns, and take advantage of sports-specific promos available. If a sportsbook doesn’t offer the competitive odds you want, then try another one of our recommended sportsbooks.

Do I Need to Download an App?

Think about how and where you want to bet. If you’re planning to wager via your phone, then look for sportsbooks that offer a downloadable app or optimized betting site. Browser sites are often just as good as the best sports betting apps because they replicate the desktop experience and don’t require any additional verifications to launch (and they don’t take up extra storage space on your smartphone).

What Budget Do I Need?

Setting a budget is crucial to ensuring you have a fun and profitable time at a sportsbook. No matter your wealth, always set a limit and never go beyond it. The best sportsbooks provide Ohioans with advice on setting budgets and give players the option to set bet and deposit limits. If you’re on a small budget, then look for welcome offers that require small deposits to trigger, and low-amount withdrawal options. Smart bankroll management in sports betting is always a smart factor to consider.

Most Popular Teams to Bet On in Ohio

Ohio is the seventh most populous state in America and so it’s no wonder it is home to some of the country’s elite sports teams. You can find two pro football teams at NFL betting sites, and two pro baseball teams as MLB betting options. This is a testament to just how sports-mad the Buckeye State is.

This gives Ohioans an advantage when seeking better value from sportsbooks because they have to work extra hard for your business. It is one of the top states for betting lines and odds, and here are the in-state pro teams you can wager on:

NFL

Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns

MLB

Cincinnati Reds
Cleveland Guardians

NHL

Columbus Blue Jackets

MLS

Columbus Crew
FC Cincinnati

Ohio also has a rich history of collegiate sports success. Offshore sites provide bettors with college basketball betting and college football betting options, as well as minor league teams, including the following:

College Football

Ohio State Buckeyes
Cincinnati Bearcats

College Basketball

Ohio Bobcats

Minor League Baseball

Columbus Clippers (Triple-A)
Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A)

Hockey

Cleveland Monsters (AHL)

The Legality of Sports Betting in Ohio

Sports betting is legal in Ohio, both online and in-person. Ohio officially began regulating its sports betting industry on Jan 1, 2023 and 13 retail sportsbooks have since opened. State regulations permit as many as 25 online sportsbook licenses in Ohio, and these are yet to be maxed out.

Residents in Ohio wagered $1.1bn on sports in January 2023, the first month the industry was regulated in-state. It generated $208m in revenue for its sportsbooks. However, the state restricts some forms of bets, which means residents need to look elsewhere to place certain wagers.

You cannot, for example, bet on college sports, politics, or entertainment at OH-based sportsbooks. Nor can you bet with crypto. Players seeking these options can head to offshore sites instead. These sites, like those we recommend, are not prohibited by state or federal laws, and allow bettors to access more bet options than ever before!

Ohio Sports Betting Timeline

Ohio was not the first state in America to fully embrace sports betting. In fact, state legislators were initially cautious about diving in too fast when the regulated market opened up in 2018. However, this has proved a smart decision as the industry is now thriving. Here’s a quick timeline of the key sports betting events in Ohio.

August 2023
It is revealed Ohioans bet over $3.8 billion on sports via in-state sportsbooks within six months of the Buckeye State regulating the industry.
July 2023
Ohio becomes the first state to increase the tax regulated sportsbooks must pay on winnings, from 10% to 20%.
January 2023
Ohio becomes the 33rd U.S. jurisdiction to regulate its sports betting industry, 13 months after passing HB29. Sixteen sportsbooks, including Caesars and FanDuel, begin operating in the first month, while players are still able to access offshore sites.
December 2021
Ohio’s state legislature passes HB29, which permits sportsbooks to operate under regulations within the Buckeye State. The Senate votes in favor 31-1 and the House in favor 72-12. Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, signs the bill into law.
March 2019
Ohio State Senators John Eklund (R-Chardon) and Sean O’Brien (D-Bazetta) introduce Senate Bill 111, which would bring regulated sports betting to the state. A month later, House Bill 194 is also introduced with the aim of regulating sports betting via the Ohio State Lottery Commission. Both proposals fail to get support.
May 2018
The Supreme Court lifts the federal ban on regulated sports betting by overturning the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Ohio doesn’t jump to regulate its sports betting industry, however.

How Can I Bet Online in Ohio?

There are plenty of options when it comes to betting online in Ohio. The most important thing to consider, as a bettor, is what you want from your wagering experience. You can opt for state-regulated sites, or go with offshore sportsbooks that provide a wider range of bet options.

Whichever way you go, here are the steps to take when signing up to bet online in OH:

Register at Your Chosen Online Sportsbook
Explore the list of OH sportsbooks recommended by our experts and choose your preference. Think about what you want. A site that offers reduced vigorish might not have the welcome offer you need. Take your time and remember you can always join another site if you don’t find your perfect match the first time.
Sign Up and Fund Your Betting Account
Go through the sign-up process at your chosen sportsbook. Create a username and save your password, provide basic details such as your name, age, and postal address, and link your account to an email. You may need to verify your account at this stage. Then, head to the cashier and make your deposit, ensuring you enter any promo code you might need at this stage.
Claim a Welcome Bonus
Once your deposit is complete you might have your bonus funds already charged to your account. Or you might need to place a qualifying bet first before accessing your bonus. Either way, if your bonus doesn’t work for some reason then speak to customer service and they will help you out.
Place Your First Bet
Now you’re armed with a charged account and your bonuses, it’s time to place your bets! Remember, offshore sites have a great range of OH sports betting options, including wagers on collegiate teams and state politics. Explore your sportsbook and use the search bar to, for example, quickly find the latest odds for Cincinnati Bearcats. From there, you can click on the wager you want to make, enter your bet in the slip, and click Place Bet to complete the process!

Tips for Successful OH Sports Betting

OH sports betting is a little different from other states due to the sheer wealth of options available in the Buckeye State. After all, not many places can boast so many pro teams, minor league teams, and collegiate teams.

Preparation and planning are therefore important when it comes to betting on sports in Ohio. Below are some quick strategy points when getting started:

Smart Bankroll Management

Always set a budget and never go beyond your limit. Bankroll management can transform your betting fortunes but only if you’re disciplined. It’s almost impossible to bet your way out of a hole so, if you lose a few bets and hit your daily, weekly, or monthly limit then stop. Equally, smart bankroll management is about knowing when to cash in. Set a goal when betting on sports and, when you reach it, make that withdrawal.

Use Our Expert Predictions and Tips

Here at The Sports Geek we employ expert analysts from around the country to dig deeper into the odds and offers at top sportsbooks. Use our sports betting tips page to find value each week on Ohioan teams, from pro football through to collegiate games.

Keep Up-to-Date with Sports News

Knowledge is king when betting on sports. Ohio has a lot of sports to follow so you need to be sure you’re up to date with everything that’s going on. Watch games, read the news, check out video analysis, and listen to podcasts about your favorite teams. The more you know, the smarter your bets.

Understand Different Odds Types

Betting is easier and a more successful venture when you are comfortable. So, make sure you’re using the odds type is suits you. Choose between American, decimal, and fractional odds, and find a site that offers your preference. Read our guide on how betting odds work for more info.

Online Gambling News from Ohio

General

Breaking Down Ohio’s Early Sports Betting Success

Responsible Gambling for Ohio Residents

Be sure to gamble responsibly at whichever site you choose to join. Ohio has a passionate sports community and that also means there are more resources than many other states for those suffering from problem gambling.

You can read our responsible gambling guide for more information and check out the follow OH resources below:

Problem Gambling Network of Ohio:

Phone: +1 (614)750-9899
Email: info@pgnohio.org

Changing The Game:

Phone: 1-800-589-9966
Contact form

NCPG Ohio:

Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
Live chat: 1800gamblerchat.org
Text: 800GAM

Gamblers Anonymous:

Phone: (909) 931-9056
Fax: (909) 931-9059

About the Author

Dave Consolazio

Sports/Casino Writer

Content Covered on TSG: strategy

Dave Consolazio is an avid sports fan and an experienced sports writer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He lives in Los Angeles and enjoys all sports, though football and hockey are his favorites. When he isn't betting on or writing about sports, Dave also enjoys playing poker, playing video games and keeping up with the latest iGaming news and trends.

Click to Contact Dave

Ohio Sports Betting Sites 2024