Ohio Sports Betting
Projected Sportsbooks in Ohio
While we don’t know which sportsbooks will be offered in Ohio yet, all the major players should be involved since the state is a huge market with sports-rich cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati. Here are the sportsbooks we expect to see in Ohio since sports betting went live on January 1, 2023
Ohio Sports Betting Launch
Sports betting in Ohio has long been a topic of debate. But it finally became legal at 12:01 AM on January 1, 2023. This includes not only retail but online sportsbooks. It was announced on August 3rd by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and things have been moving at an accelerated rate since.
Sports teams, casinos, and racinos will become the preferred choice for online sports betting licenses, according to Ohio sports betting law HB 29. Each of them will get one license, though a second could be possible if it can show that a second license will benefit Ohio financially. This law will also convert lottery kiosks to allow for limited sports betting options in bars, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Regulators, lawmakers, sportsbooks, and bettors are all preparing for the launch coming on January 1. There are applications under review and draft rules going through the right processes for rule-making. Many of the biggest names in the sportsbook world have already gotten access or will be getting that access soon.
Ohio Betting Details
| Start Date | January 1, 2023 |
| Legal Age to Bet | 21 |
| Online/In App Betting | Yes |
| Maximum Bet | No Limit |
| Corresponding Bills | HB-194 and HB 29 |
| Eligible Sportsbooks | To be determined. |
When Will the Launch Be?
Officially, the state of Ohio launched sports betting at 12:01AM on January 1, 2023. It is a universal launch date that includes both retail and online betting. This date comes from the OCCC and their announcement back in June. The real designation comes from the aforementioned HB 29 law.
There has already been comment from OCCC deputy executive director Rick Anthony. In a conversation with PlayOhio, he indicated that the commission spent most of 2022 preparing for the management of this new industry.
What Apps Will There Be?
As of right now, there could be up to 25 different online sportsbooks. Sports teams and casinos that have their licenses can potentially apply for a second one. Of course, they will have to demonstrate to the OCCC that a second license would financially benefit Ohio on an incremental basis.
It is important to note that, to qualify for the January 1 launch, applications had to be turned in as of July 15. Applications that come in after that date won’t be guaranteed a launch on the first day. Of course, there have been many companies that have already submitted their applications.
It is no surprise that several partnerships have already been announced. Bally Bet will partner with the Cleveland Browns. Betfred with the Cincinnati Bengals. Bet365 will partner with the Cleveland Guardians, Fubo with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Fanatics with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and a litany of others that will partner with local casinos.
A license is required for three different offerings. The Type A is for online management, the Type B for retail management, and Type C for kiosks. Mobile companies will be required to apply for a mobile license in order to launch.
The Top Sportsbooks in Ohio
There is then the question of which of the 25 initial applicants will be the best option for bettors in Ohio. The fact of the matter is that there are a few of the big boys that will definitely become popular when launching next year. Let’s take a look at those who will be big names within the Ohio sportsbook space.
DraftKings Ohio
There are few names in the space as big as DraftKings. Though they are relatively new to the sportsbook space, they have been one of the premier names in daily fantasy sports. They have already been serving customers in the daily fantasy realm within Ohio for years.
They are also going to have a mobile license in Ohio, making them a great choice for any kind of player. They will likely become one of the top names for sportsbooks in Ohio thanks to their brand name recognition and mobile reach.
BetMGM Ohio
BetMGM is one of the largest gaming companies in the world and one of the most recognizable names in the sportsbook realm, both retail and online. It only stands to reason that they would be one of the initial applicants for a license in Ohio.
They have already established a presence in Ohio thanks to their ownership of MGM Northfield Park (where they will become a sportsbook partner). They have submitted their requests to the OCCC for both retail and online license just after the announcement was made.
Barstool Sports Ohio
There are plenty of other names that have brand recognition like FanDuel and Caesars. One of the more interesting names that will enter the market right from launch is Barstool Sports. They already have established sportsbooks in several other states, owned by Penn National Gaming.
Penn National also owns Hollywood Casino, which has four locations in Ohio already. This means that they have greater partnership abilities than many of the other sportsbooks that will be entering the fray in 2023.
Ohio Sports Betting FAQs
It seems as though every time a state moves to legalize sports betting new complications arise. In Tennessee we saw out-of-this-world fees and taxes, in Michigan we see a resistance to mobile betting, and in Ohio it is competing bills. This leads to confusion and a ton of questions. These FAQs should address most of those questions.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes, as of January 1st, 2023.
Is mobile sports betting legal in Ohio?
Yes, sports bettors in Ohio can legally bet on various sports through online apps or websites as long as they’re within the state.
What is the legal betting age?
The legal betting age in the state of Ohio is 21 years old.
What sports can be bet on in Ohio?
Ohio residents can bet on all major sports. This does include college sports.
Governor Mike DeWine’s December 2021 bill legalized sports betting in Ohio, including wagers on in-state teams like Ohio State and the Cincinnati Bearcats. The law does not limit prop bets and allows for any college sport to be wagered on, making it one of the most liberal in the country. However, Ohio State University has written to the Ohio Casino Control Commission asking it to forbid sportsbooks from accepting prop bets.
What bet types will be legal in Ohio?
Ohio residents can place all sorts of bet types, including straight bets, parlays, spreads, totals, and props. There is no betting on elections.
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