Ohio Legal Sports Betting Overview
Ohio Sports Betting Law Details
Status
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine legalized retail and online sports betting in Ohio by signing HB 29 on December 22, 2021.
Retail Sports Betting Launch Date
January 1, 2023
Online Sports Betting Launch Date
January 1, 2023
Sportsbooks
Barstool Sportsbook, bet365, Betfred, BetJACK, BetMGM, Betr, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, Hard Rock, MVGBet, PointsBet, SuperBook, Tipico Sportsbook
Legal Wagering Options
Futures, moneylines, parlays, point spreads, same game parlays, teasers, totals
Legal Gambling Age in OH
21+
Sports to Bet On
NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, MMA, NASCAR, tennis, golf, boxing, motorsports, cricket, European soccer, college sports betting
Permitted Banking Options
Mastercard, PayNearMe, PayPal, Play+, Skrill, Visa, Automated Clearing House (ACH), online bank transfers, wire transfers
Ohio Gambling Regulator
Ohio Casino Control Commission
Ohio Sports Betting Summary
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine legalized retail and online sports betting in Ohio by signing HB 29 on December 22, 2021. Retail and online sportsbooks subsequently launched on January 1, 2023 in the Buckeye State with almost all major operators getting involved in the new market.
Ohio’s regulatory body, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, have issued three types of sports betting licenses. The state will allow up to 25 operators to receive a Type A license, which is the only license to cover online wagering. There are also 40 licenses for Type B retail sportsbooks, and Type C licenses will be available to any eligible bar or restaurant. A Type C License allows an establishment to operate betting kiosks.
Ohio Online Sportsbook Summary
Ohio sports betting is now live, with a large number of major sportsbooks available to bettors immediately upon market launch. BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel are all operating online now in the Buckeye State, while a host of other brands such as PointsBet, BetRivers, and Betfred are available too. Meanwhile, Ohio retail betting options are expected to spring up in stadiums, bars, and restaurants across the state over the coming weeks.
Ohio bettors are now spoilt for choice when it comes to wagering on their favorite teams, and there is no longer any need to travel to neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and West Virginia to place bets online. While Ohio has now joined the list of states where gambling is legal, there is also still the option for fans to compete in Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) games if they wish.
How Does Ohio Compare to Other States?
Market Coverage
Ohio sportsbooks are offering markets on major leagues and more niche sports such as MMA and NASCAR. All types of college sports betting are legal, including wagering on in-state teams. This matches regulations in states like Pennsylvania and Michigan, two of the least restrictive in the US.
Competitive Odds & Prices
Top brands like DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM are among those who have launched in Ohio, and they use the same betting odds across dozens of US states. Ohio bettors are therefore getting access to these same competitive betting lines.
Gambling Revenue
HB 29, which legalized sports betting in Ohio, set the sportsbook tax at 10% of gross gaming revenue. Colorado and West Virginia both also have a 10% tax rate. Ohio has a much larger population, almost 12 million, than Colorado (nearly 7 million) and West Virginia (around 1.75 million). With six major league sports teams, Ohio could collect more than the $20 million and about $12 million brought in by Colorado and West Virginia, respectively, as of May 2022.
Betting Taxes
You need to pay state income tax in Ohio, which includes your betting winnings. The tax rate varies from 2.850% to 4.797% for five different income brackets. If you earn less than $21,750, you don’t need to pay income tax. Alongside this, you must declare all your betting winnings to the IRS. If you make more than $600 in bets, you must fill out a W-2G form. Sportsbooks can also hold up to 25% of your winnings for tax purposes.
According to the Internal Revenue Code, every sportsbook also needs to pay an excise tax of 0.25% of its betting handle. The Internal Revenue Code also requires operators to pay $50 for every employee involved in accepting bets.
How to Place a Bet in Ohio
Online sports betting has arrived in Ohio, and many sports fans are looking to place their first wagers. Follow our step-by-step guide to registering with Ohio sportsbooks below to get signed up and betting:
1. Choose one of the online sportsbooks that has launched in Ohio.
2. Many sportsbooks have mobile apps you can download by visiting the operator’s mobile browser site. Alternatively, you can go to your Apple or Android app store.
3. Enter your full name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to register an account. You may also need to create a password and answer security questions.
4. Visit the sportsbook’s cashier section and choose a payment method for depositing your money. You can add as much as you want, but ensure you are depositing enough to meet the minimum deposit requirements of the sportsbook’s welcome offer.
5. Look through your sportsbook’s markets and choose a betting line. Add it to your bet slip, where you can select your stake and place the wager.
6. If your bet wins, return to the sportsbook’s cashier section and follow its instructions to make a withdrawal.
7. You must verify your identity before withdrawing to avoid fraud and underage gambling. Send copies of documents like your photo ID and proof of address to the sportsbook.
Banking Methods Available in Ohio
Most major sportsbooks offer a wide range of banking methods in all the states where they operate. Ohio is no different, with bank cards like Visa and MasterCard most popular. However, bear in mind that some cards may only be available for deposits and others cannot be used, as a few US banks still reject transfers to and from online betting sites. E-wallets are popular with sports bettors in numerous states, with PayPal and Skrill options for Ohio bettors.
Play+ also has partnerships with sportsbooks that have launched in Ohio like BetMGM and DraftKings. PayNearMe is another option, and there are thousands of retailers across Ohio like CVS and 7-Eleven where players can top up these cards. Banking methods like online bank transfers, wire transfers, and Automated House Clearing (ACH) are also available with Ohio sportsbooks.
Who is Not Eligible to Bet in Ohio?
You must be 21 or older to wager in Ohio. If you are using a mobile device, you must be within the state’s borders and allow your sportsbook app to access your device’s geolocation services to prove it. Legal Ohio sports betting is not exclusive to Ohio residents – as long as you’re old enough to gamble, you can legally place bets from anywhere in the state.
However, some people are prohibited from betting in Ohio, including:
– Individuals with the professional authority to influence players.
– Athletes, coaches, or members of any professional sports and college teams.
– Referees for professional and college sports leagues.
– Individuals with a stake in a sports team.
– Individuals employed by the leagues that create rules for sports (e.g., NFL, NCAA).
– Individuals employed by organizations with licensing from the Ohio Casino Control Commission, including key staff, owners, directors, and officers.
– Individuals with non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).
– Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.
– Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).
Latest Ohio Sports Betting Updates
Current Sports Betting Status in Ohio
Ohio joined the list of legal betting states in 2021, with retail and online sports betting then launching on January 1, 2023. Online sports betting is available to anyone aged at least 21 within the state’s borders. There are also 40 Type B licenses available for retail sportsbooks, which are expected to be taken up over the coming weeks. However, retail sportsbooks are only able to launch in counties with more than 50,000 residents. Type C licenses allow venues with Class D liquor licenses to provide betting kiosks.
Timeline for Sports Betting in Ohio
– January 1, 2023: Sports betting launches in Ohio.
– October 27, 2022: Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel offer pre-launch sign-up bonuses and promo codes ahead of the market going live.
– July 14, 2022: The window for sportsbook licensing applications closes. Applicants include Bally Bet, Barstool Sportsbook, betJACK, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, Elys, FanDuel, PointsBet, and Tipico Sportsbook.
– June 14, 2022: The application period for most sports betting licenses in Ohio opens. The Ohio Casino Control Commission approves provisional licensing rules.
– June 1, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission announces the sports betting launch date as January 1, 2023.
– April 26, 2022: The NFL’s Cleveland Browns and Bally Bet announce a partnership, including plans to build a retail sportsbook at FirstEnergy Stadium pending license approval.
– February 24, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook announces a betting partnership with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Part of this partnership includes plans to build a retail sportsbook at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse Stadium, pending license approval.
– January 3, 2022: Tipico Sportsbook becomes the first sportsbook to sign a partnership to become a stadium sports betting location, signing a long-term agreement – pending license approval – with MLS franchise Columbus Crew.
– December 22, 2021: Ohio Gov. DeWine signs HB 29, legalizing sports betting in the state pending regulation by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
– December 8, 2021: Ohio lawmakers finally pass HB 29, sending sports betting to Gov. DeWine’s desk for approval.
– February 3, 2021: HB 29 is introduced to the Ohio House for the first time, sponsored by Senator Kirk Schuring, among others.
– June 2, 2020: HB 194 is introduced to the Senate. However, the bill loses support as the Senate breaks up for a summer recess.
– May 28, 2020: HB 194 passes the House after feedback from the Finance Committee.
– April 9, 2019: Representative Dave Greenspan introduces HB 194, a bill to legalize sports betting, to the House.
– May 14, 2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The ruling gives individual states the right to legislate sports betting.
Ohio Sports Betting Background
Ohio has a long history with horse racing betting, with pari-mutuel wagering launching in 1933. There are seven active racetracks in the state. In 2009, a referendum saw Ohio residents vote in favor of building casinos in the state, with 11 opening by 2014.
Following the US Supreme Court striking down PASPA, Ohio tried to pass several sports betting bills before the successful HB 29, with HB 194 in 2019-2020 the closest attempt to success. Sponsored by Rep. Greenspan, the bill passed the House but lost support following the summer recess.
Future of Ohio Sports Betting
The future is bright for sports bettors in Ohio after the market launched on January 1, 2023. People in Ohio are now able to gamble online or in-person where retail options are available, and major brands, including Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel, are all operating in the Buckeye State.
The Ohio Casino Commission holds a maximum of 25 Type A licenses, so there is scope for more sportsbook applications in the future. Type A licenses are awarded to retail locations, which can then partner with operators to provide online sportsbooks. Initially, all Type A license holders are permitted one online sportsbook but may be able to apply for a second in the future. Meanwhile, Type B licenses are expected to be awarded to retail sports betting locations over the coming weeks as more venues look to take advantage of the new legislation.
Online Sportsbooks
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Betting Lines
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Ohio Sports Betting Locations
Ten casinos in Ohio signaled their intent to open retail sportsbooks after sports betting was legalized in 2021. Following the market launch on January 1, 2023, bettors now have the opportunity to place wagers in person at these venues.
Hollywood Casino Columbus
Address: 200 Georgesville Road, Columbus, OH 43228
Website: [link](https://www.hollywoodcolumbus.com/)
Phone Number: (614) 308-3333
Sportsbook Operator: Barstool Sportsbook
Hollywood Casino Columbus is open 24/7 and features seven restaurants, including a sports bar where you can watch your favorite teams. The casino offers 800 progressive slots, 65 table games, and 18 video poker games. It also has a dedicated poker room and hosts entertainment events.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Address: 1000 Broadway Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: [link](https://www.hardrockcasinocincinnati.com/)
Phone Number: (513) 250-3150
Sportsbook Operator: Hard Rock Sportsbook
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati features 100,000 square feet of gambling space across two stories. It offers 85 table games, 2,000 slot machines, and 31 poker tables. The casino also has four restaurants and hosts various events and concerts.
Jack Cleveland Casino
Address: 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
Website: [link](https://www.jackentertainment.com/cleveland/)
Phone Number: (216) 297-4777
Sportsbook Operator: betJACK
Jack Cleveland Casino is located at the heart of Cleveland City and features betJACK, their own online sportsbook. The casino offers nearly 2,000 slot machines, 89 table games, and a large poker room. It is also partnered with downtown hotels and local restaurants, providing special discounts to ClubJACK members.
These are just a few examples of the casinos and sportsbooks available in Ohio. There are more options across the state, providing bettors with plenty of opportunities to wager on their favorite sports.
Ohio Lottery Locations
Although the Ohio Casino Commission manages sports betting in Ohio, the Ohio Lottery has begun licensing sports betting kiosks in bars and restaurants around Ohio. Type C licenses are available for establishments in Ohio with Class D1, D2, or D5 liquor permits. As of June 10, 2022, 556 establishments have applied for this license.
Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations
Despite being home to seven horse racing tracks, Ohio only has one off-track betting (OTB) location, Cedar Downs OTB Theater. However, you can also place pari-mutuel wagers at every racetrack.
Stadiums in Ohio have the option to apply for a Type B license to operate a retail sportsbook. Several operators, including Caesars at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Bally Bet with the Cleveland Browns, and Tipico with Columbus Crew’s Lower.com Field, have already been licensed.
Teams to Bet on in Ohio
Pro Sports
– Cincinnati Bengals: NFL team playing at Paul Brown Stadium.
– Cleveland Browns: NFL team playing at FirstEnergy Stadium.
– Cleveland Cavaliers: NBA team playing at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
– Cincinnati Reds: MLB team playing at Great American Ball Park.
– Cleveland Guardians: MLB team playing at Progressive Field.
– Columbus Blue Jackets: NHL team playing at Nationwide Arena.
College Sports
Ohio has numerous college teams that compete in various sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and more. Some notable college teams in Ohio include:
– Akron Zips
– Bowling Green Falcons
– Cincinnati Bearcats
– Cleveland State Vikings
– Dayton Flyers
– Kent State Golden Flashes
– Miami Redhawks
– Ohio Bobcats
– Ohio State Buckeyes
– Toledo Rockets
– Wright State Raiders
– Xavier Musketeers
– Youngstown State Penguins
Women’s Sports
Ohio has several colleges with women’s varsity teams competing in various sports, with basketball being the most prominent. These teams offer great opportunities for sports bettors to wager on women’s sports.
Ohio Responsible Gambling Resources
Ohio for Responsible Gambling brings together four Ohio state departments to provide advice on treating problem gambling, gambling addiction warning signs, and resources to find treatment. They can be reached at (800) 589-9966.
GamblingHelpOhio offers a local database of responsible gambling resources.
Gamblers Anonymous provides a complete recovery program from gambling addiction, including meetings and mentoring. They can be reached at (855) 222-5542.
The Ohio Lottery Commission Play Responsibly Initiative provides links to further resources and information about warning signs and problem gambling. They can be reached at (216) 774-5747.
Like other states, Ohio has a state-wide self-exclusion program called the Ohio Voluntary Exclusion Program. Bettors struggling with problem gambling can ban themselves from Ohio casinos for a set amount of time, potentially for life. To enroll in this program, individuals must complete a ‘Request for Voluntary Exclusion’ form in the presence of a trained staff member at an Ohio casino. Alternative arrangements can also be made with the Ohio Casino Control Commission or Lottery Commission.
Ohio online sportsbooks are expected to proactively introduce responsible gambling measures, such as tools to manage time limits and bankrolls.
Who Oversees Sports Betting in Ohio?
The Ohio Casino Control Commission is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing sports betting in Ohio. The commission has drafted rules and regulations for the industry, including licensing requirements and operator approvals. They oversee Type A licenses for online sportsbooks and Type B licenses for retail sportsbooks. The commission consists of seven commissioners appointed by the Ohio Governor with advice from the Senate.
Type C licenses for betting kiosks are overseen by the Ohio Lottery Commission, which follows the rules set by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Conclusion
Sports betting in Ohio is now legal and thriving. With both online and retail sportsbooks available, betters have a wide array of options to choose from. Major operators including Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel are all operating in the state, providing competitive odds and a variety of betting options.
Ohio’s regulatory bodies, the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery Commission, oversee the market and ensure the safety and fairness of sports betting activities. Responsible gambling resources are also available to those who may need support.
Overall, the future looks promising for sports betting enthusiasts in Ohio, with the potential for more operators and retail locations to join the market. Whether betting on professional, college, or women’s sports, Ohio offers ample opportunities to wager on a wide range of sports and events.
