Top-Rated Ohio Betting Sites for U.S. Players

Ohio Sports Betting: Legal Landscape and Market Overview

Ohio's gaming history reached a major milestone with the legalization of sports betting in the Buckeye State. The state joined others in regulated sports betting after years of legislative talks. The swift move made Ohio one of the nation's top betting markets.

When did sports betting become legal in Ohio?

Ohio's path to legal sports betting began on December 22, 2021, when Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 29 into law. The bill received strong bipartisan support. The Senate passed it 31-1, while the House approved it 72-12.

The bill became law at the end of 2021, but Ohio gamblers had to be patient before placing their first bets. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) set a launch date of January 1, 2023. This timeline allowed regulators to write rules, process license applications starting June 15, 2022, and prepare systems. The OCCC called it "the largest expansion of sports betting in Ohio history.

New Year's Day 2023 marked the big launch of online and retail sportsbooks across the country. Ohio bettors made more than 11.3 million wagering transactions in just two days (January 1-2). This set a record for the most transactions by any state during a sports betting launch. Cincinnati led the way with 1.9 million transactions over the first weekend.

The Legislative Budget Office projected that Ohio's sports betting market would generate $1.1 billion in its first year. They expected it to grow to over $3 billion by 2024. These numbers show why many are calling Ohio the fourth most important sports betting market in the U.S., right behind New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois.

Who regulates online betting in the state?

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) oversees all sports betting regulation in the state. The OCCC began overseeing casino gambling in 2011. HB 29 greatly expanded its role.

The governor appoints seven members from both parties to this commission, which oversees the entire sports betting system. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3775 gives the OCCC "jurisdiction over all persons conducting or participating in the conduct of sports wagering authorized by this chapter. They can license, regulate, investigate and penalize all sports betting entities.

The Commission creates and enforces rules for many aspects of betting:

• Procedures for accepting wagers on sporting events
• Required wagering ticket types and issuance protocols
• Record-keeping standards for licensees
• Age verification processes (ensuring bettors are at least 21)
• Player protection mechanisms
• Responsible gaming measures
• Advertising restrictions and requirements

HB 29 established a 10% tax on the net revenues of operators, which is administered by the OCCC. Public and private K-12 education receives 98% of this tax money. Problem gambling programs will receive the remaining 2%.

How many sportsbooks are currently active?

Ohio's sports betting market has operators operating through a variety of channels. HB 29 created three types of licenses:

1. Type A licenses: Authorize mobile and online sports betting platforms
2. Type B licenses: Permit retail sportsbooks at physical locations
3. Type C licenses: Allow sports betting kiosks at qualifying establishments

The OCCC can issue up to 25 Type A licenses for online sportsbook operators. All of these licenses were initially issued, but the number of active online sportsbooks has changed since the launch.

May 2025 data shows 15-19 active betting sites operating in Ohio. The most trusted sources list these major operators:

• FanDuel and DraftKings (who run about two-thirds of online bets)
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook
• BetRivers
• bet365
• Hard Rock Bet
• ESPN BET
• Fanatics Sportsbook

There are approximately 40 Type B licenses for retail sports betting. These physical locations operate primarily in Ohio's 11 casinos and racinos. The four stand-alone casinos are Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati, Hollywood Casino Toledo, and Hollywood Casino Columbus.

The state's network of betting kiosks is even more impressive. The Ohio Lottery Commission reports nearly 900 active kiosks taking bets. These kiosks processed about $850,000 in bets in January 2023 alone.

Top 5 Best Ohio Betting Sites that accept US players

Ohio bettors now have several quality betting platforms to choose from. Here are five platforms that provide an exceptional experience for sports betting fans in the Buckeye State.

1. BetUS – Best for user experience and fast payouts

BetUS stands out from other Ohio betting sites with its easy-to-use navigation and fast payouts. This 29 year old platform has been refining its interface and transaction systems since 1994.

Fast financial transactions make BetUS special. The platform processes payouts the same day throughout the week - something rare in online betting. Their customer support team works 24/7 to help you with any problems you may have while betting.

BetUS takes security seriously. Advanced encryption technology and SSL protocols protect user data and financial transactions. The platform operates under the Island of Mwali-Comoros Union license, creating a safe and secure environment for US players.

Ohio sports fans can bet on these markets through BetUS:

• Major professional leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL)
• College sports (NCAA football and basketball)
• International competitions across multiple disciplines
• Niche betting opportunities including entertainment and politics

The mobile experience deserves special mention. BetUS offers a responsive mobile site that works just like the desktop version without the need to download an app. Ohio bettors can place bets anywhere within the state.

2. BetOnline.ag – Best for betting variety and futures

BetOnline.ag has become the go-to place for Ohio bettors looking for diverse betting markets. The platform is known for offering bets on almost every sporting event imaginable.

Futures betting is where BetOnline really shines. Ohioans can place long-term bets on season outcomes, championship winners and individual awards. NCAA football fans benefit from extensive college futures markets and prop betting options.

Sports coverage goes far beyond the American leagues:

• International baseball, basketball, and hockey leagues
• Cricket, darts, rugby, and snooker competitions
• Aussie Rules Football, handball, and futsal
• Global tennis, golf, and auto racing events

BetOnline's markets include eSports, politics and entertainment options. Ohio bettors can place wagers throughout the year.

New Ohio users will receive a generous 50% match bonus up to $1,000 on their first deposit. This great offer and their huge selection of betting markets make BetOnline a must for the serious sports bettor.

3. SportsBetting.ag – Best for live betting and market depth

SportsBetting.ag has changed the way Ohio bettors experience in-play betting with its detailed live betting platform. This 20 year old sportsbook has created many features that other platforms use today.

The platform excels at offering deep markets during live events. While others stick to simple in-game betting, SportsBetting.ag offers extensive player props, team props and situation-based betting in real time. Bettors can plan ahead with their live betting calendar, which shows upcoming games with in-play betting.

SportsBetting.ag brings over 20 years of experience to Ohio. This background helps them offer unmatched market depth across the board:

• Major professional and college sports
• International leagues and competitions
• Novelty betting markets
• Political wagering opportunities
• Comprehensive esports coverage

The platform serves as a one-stop shop for Ohio bettors looking for variety and depth. Users also have access to casino games, poker and worldwide horse racing through its full-service racebook.

4. XBet.ag – Best reward and promo

XBet.ag stands out among Ohio sportsbooks in the way it presents an excellent bonus program and frequent promotional schedule. This customer focus begins right away with a multi-tiered signup package that offers various deposit options.

For conventional depositors, XBet offers a 50% credit card welcome offer up to $200, and cryptocurrency users get a bonus value with a 100% match up to $200. Both bonuses have a fair 10x wagering requirement - considerably more generous than most of its competitors.

The promotional benefits extend beyond the initial deposit:

• A 200% casino welcome offer to $500
• 50% casino reload offers to $500
• Weekend tiered free spins promotions
• 7% horse racing rebates on lost bets

Customer satisfaction is an extension of XBet's business model. With 24/7 availability, the site offers uninterrupted access to its entire betting market, accompanied by fast customer service. Their betting forms include straight bets, parlays, teasers, buy/sell points and if bets for all major American sports leagues.

5. Bovada – Most appropriate for parlay bets and app layout

Bovada has positioned itself as the site of choice for Ohio parlay betting with its progressive combination calculator and friendly mobile site. The site's parlay system allows users to combine between 2-16 selections into one bet, with potential payouts reaching into six figures depending on the risk.

What really sets Bovada apart is their clear parlay calculation system. Unlike sites that hide how parlay odds are calculated, Bovada gives you the exact multipliers for different types of bets:

• Two-team standard (-110) parlays are paid 2.645/1
• Three-team standard parlays are paid 5.958/1
• Four-team standard parlays are paid 12.28/1
• Five-team standard parlays are paid 24.36/1

In moneyline or non-traditional parlay wagers, Bovada clearly explains the calculation of potential payouts through personal bet multipliers. This transparency allows Ohio bettors to make informed decisions when designing parlays.

Technically, Bovada's mobile platform receives excellent consumer ratings of 4.8 on iOS and 4.6 on Android. Bovada's intuitive design makes complex wagering activities such as parlay design painfully simple, even for novice bettors.

How These Ohio Betting Sites Compare

You need to look at specific features to pick the best Ohio betting site for your needs. The platform you choose can make or break your betting experience based on how it works day to day.

Bonus offers and welcome promotions

Ohio betting sites are competing hard for new customers with amazing welcome offers. BetMGM leads the pack with their "First Bet Offer" that gives you up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses. The deal is simple - put in $10 and get your full stake back in bonus bets if things don't go your way.

FanDuel takes a different approach with its "Bet $5, Win $200" offer. New users receive $200 in bonus bets when they win a $5 bet. This low-risk offer has become a hit with people just starting out.

Some platforms offer guaranteed returns:

• DraftKings hands you $200 in bonus bets right after you place a $5 bet
• bet365 gives you $150 in bonus bets win or lose after a $5 bet
• Caesars gives you ten 100% profit boost tokens after a $1 bet, each boost worth up to $2,500 extra winnings

Fanatics Sportsbook lets you choose your bonus - either up to $250 in bonus bets or up to $1,000 in no sweat bets. This shows how the Ohio market is moving towards letting users choose their own perks.

The time you get to use these bonuses is also important. Most sites give you 7 days to use bonus bets, but Caesars doubles that to 14 days so you can find better betting opportunities.

Mobile app ratings and usability

The quality of mobile betting varies by platform. DraftKings has the best app store ratings among Oddset sites - 4.8/5 on iOS and 4.4/5 on Android. Users love the smooth interface and reliable performance.

BetMGM scores 4.8/5 in Apple's App Store. New bettors find the navigation system the easiest to use. The platform received a perfect 4.8/5 for user experience from independent reviewers.

Bovada's mobile experience shines with a 4.8 rating on iOS and a 4.6 rating on Android. These scores mean more because Bovada handles complex bets like parlays well on small screens.

Each platform has its own unique features. FanDuel transformed live betting with its quick-bet interface. Caesars lets you watch international sports right in the app.

Payment methods and withdrawal speed

Getting your money fast is a big deal when comparing Ohio betting sites. BetRivers tops the list by sending PayPal withdrawals in 1-2 hours - much faster than others.

Crypto users get same day payouts from BetUS all week long. Caesars sends money to debit cards within an hour. Here's how the major sites compare:

Sportsbook	Fastest Payout Method	Withdrawal Time	Minimum Withdrawal
Caesars	Debit Card	60 min - 5 days	$1
DraftKings	Debit Card	24 hrs - 5 days	$1
BetMGM	Visa/PayPal/Play+	24 hrs - 5 days	$10
bet365	PayPal/Skrill	24 hrs - 5 days	$1
FanDuel	PayPal	48 hrs - 5 days	$1

Payment options also vary. All sites accept debit cards and ACH transfers, but BetMGM stands out by accepting Apple Pay withdrawals. DraftKings limits Venmo transactions to $4,999.99 per transaction and $19,999.99 per week.

Most sites require a minimum deposit of $10. DraftKings and FanDuel let you start with as little as $5.

Customer support and reliability

Good customer service is of the utmost importance when you have money or account problems. Bet365 leads the pack with 24/7 support via chat, email and phone. Their phone number is easy to find in the app.

Caesars matches this with round-the-clock support and quick responses that give users peace of mind. These two things set the bar for customer service.

FanDuel primarily uses live chat and will tell you how long email and callback requests will take. Wait times can be as long as 48 hours when they're busy - longer than other sites.

BetMGM offers 24/7 support but has problems. Reviews show that their agents can't always fix problems. This causes headaches in urgent situations.

Licensing and Partnerships of Ohio Betting Sites

House Bill 29 is now 2 years old and serves as the foundation of Ohio's gaming ecosystem. The bill created structured pathways for different operators to enter the market. The way this complex licensing system works explains why certain platforms partner with certain organizations, and how these partnerships help bettors across the state.

Type A, B, and C licenses explained

Ohio's sports betting laws created three different types of licenses, each of which serves a unique purpose. Type A licenses allow platforms to offer online and mobile sports betting. License holders must either conduct business in Ohio with multiple employees or hold a Type B license. This arrangement has created many mutually beneficial alliances between betting operators and Ohio businesses.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has issued 25 Type A licenses for mobile sports betting applications. There are currently 19 sports betting apps operating in the state. These licenses are worth a lot of money and DraftKings and FanDuel control about 68.4% of the online gambling revenue.

Type B licenses allow companies to operate physical retail sports books. The law set aside 40 of these licenses based on county population and tourist traffic. Professional sports teams, casinos and racetracks have a distinct advantage in obtaining these licenses because of the location rules.

Type C licenses allow bars, restaurants and some grocery stores with Class D liquor licenses to offer sports betting through self-service kiosks. The law allows for up to 20 Type C licenses. BetSkyBox, BetIGG, UBet Ohio and Sports Bet Ohio are the only four currently operating.

Each license type is priced differently:

• Type A licenses: Up to USD 2.5 million
• Type B licenses: Up to USD 100,000
• Type C host licenses: USD 1,000 (excluding application fees)

Key partnerships with Ohio sports teams

The licensing requirements have led to many partnerships between online wagering platforms and Ohio's professional sports teams. These agreements provide market access for betting operators and new revenue opportunities for local teams.

The Cincinnati Bengals have teamed up with Betfred for online betting. NFL rules do not allow in-person betting inside stadiums, so they skipped having an in-stadium sportsbook. The Cleveland Browns chose Bally Bet for online betting and built a retail sportsbook near their stadium.

The Cleveland Cavaliers first partnered with Fubo Gaming for their Type A license, but Fubo later shut down. The team then brought in Caesars for their in-stadium retail sportsbook. The Cleveland Guardians chose bet365 for online betting and Fanatics for their in-stadium retail location.

Why licensing matters for bettors

Ohio's comprehensive licensing system provides important protections and benefits to bettors. Each sports book must meet strict standards for financial stability, integrity, responsible gaming and security.

The Commission evaluates operators on the basis of strict criteria:

• Good character, honesty, and integrity
• Financial stability and responsibility
• Business experience and reputation
• Facility suitability for conducting sports gaming
• Total projected revenue for the state
• Economic development contributions

The licensing framework creates competition among operators. This leads to better promotional offers, user experience and customer service. Operators must make real connections to Ohio's economy, not just make profits.

What You Can and Can’t Bet on in Ohio

Knowing what you can legally bet on is essential knowledge for anyone using Ohio betting sites. The Buckeye State allows you to wager on many sports, while maintaining specific rules to protect the integrity of the sport.

Popular sports and leagues available

Ohio betting sites give you plenty of options in the major sports categories. You can bet on all the major professional leagues including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS and PGA golf tournaments. The sites also cover international events - English Premier League soccer, Formula 1 racing, and tennis Grand Slams are all easy to find.

Esports betting has become increasingly popular and you can bet on games such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike and Dota 2. Horse racing fans can find in-depth coverage of domestic and international tracks through dedicated racebooks on most platforms.

The best Ohio betting sites allow you to place these types of bets:

• Moneylines, spreads, and totals (over/under)
• Player and team props
• Live/in-game wagering
• Futures and outright winners
• Parlays and same-game parlays

Restrictions on college and youth sports

Betting on college sports is legal in Ohio, but there are some important restrictions on prop betting. The state's rules do not allow player prop bets on college athletes - you can't bet on a student's passing yards or points scored. You can still bet on standard game lines, spreads, money lines and totals for NCAA games.

The state prohibits all betting on youth sports (players under 18). This rule is consistent with Ohio's commitment to keeping gambling away from young people.

Excluded markets: politics, entertainment, and more

Some types of bets are not allowed at any Ohio bookmaker. You can't bet on political events like elections or political outcomes. Entertainment bets on the Oscars or Emmys are also prohibited for licensed operators.

You cannot place other types of bets:

• Reality TV show results
• Weather events
• Virtual sports without verified random number generation
• Amateur athletics without proper monitoring

Ohio's best free betting sites give you the most options within these rules. They carefully follow state regulations while offering a wide range of legal markets.

Final Thoughts on Ohio

Ohio's sports betting market has changed the map of the American gambling scene since its launch in January 2023. The numbers tell the story - Ohio bettors wagered nearly $8 billion in the first year, and monthly wagers are now at or above $1 billion. This is a big deal, as it means that Ohio is now the fourth largest sports betting market in the country.

BetUS, BetOnline.ag, SportsBetting.ag, XBet.ag and Bovada show clear differences in what they do best. BetUS shines with its same-day payouts and accessible interface. BetOnline.ag's strength lies in its wide range of betting options for both popular and niche sports. SportsBetting.ag leads with its complete live betting features. XBet.ag stands out for its great promotions, while Bovada provides users with excellent parlay building tools.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission's regulations, now more than a year old, ensure that licensed operators adhere to strict standards of security, fairness and responsible gaming. Their administration of 25 Type A licenses, 40 Type B licenses, and all but one Type C license creates a system that works well for everyone involved.

Payment speed is the biggest difference between platforms. BetRivers can process PayPal withdrawals in as little as 1-2 hours. Other platforms may take 24-48 hours to do the same. These practical details can really affect your betting experience.