- Best app design & easiest to use
- Sharpest odds on NFL spreads
- Fastest withdrawals in Ohio
- Most prop bets available
- Best same-game parlay builder
- Daily odds boosts & promos
- Biggest potential bonus
- MGM Rewards integration
- Strong live betting interface
Full Ohio Sportsbook Comparison
Side-by-side breakdown of every legal Ohio betting app, ranked by overall value.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Rating | Best For | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $200 Bonus Bets | 4.9/5 | Overall experience | Tier 1 |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus Bets | 4.8/5 | Props & parlays | Tier 1 |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 Bonus Bets | 4.7/5 | High rollers | Tier 1 |
| Caesars | $1,000 First Bet | 4.6/5 | Casino + sports | Tier 1 |
| ESPN BET | $1,000 First Bet Reset | 4.5/5 | ESPN integration | Tier 2 |
| bet365 | Bet $1, Get $200 Bonus Bets | 4.5/5 | Live betting & streaming | Tier 2 |
| Fanatics | Get Bonus Bets Daily for 10 Days | 4.4/5 | FanCash rewards | Tier 2 |
| Hard Rock Bet | Up to $100 No Regret Bet | 4.3/5 | Cincinnati bettors | Tier 2 |
Tier 1: Best Overall
The top apps most Ohio bettors should start with
- ✓ Best-in-class app design
- ✓ Consistently sharp odds
- ✓ Same-day withdrawals via PayPal
- ✓ Live streaming for select events
- ✓ Excellent customer support
- ✓ Deepest prop bet selection
- ✓ Industry-leading SGP builder
- ✓ Daily odds boosts & flash promos
- ✓ DK Dollars rewards program
- ✓ Excellent for NFL & NBA
- ✓ Biggest welcome bonus potential
- ✓ MGM Rewards (hotel, dining credits)
- ✓ Strong live betting platform
- ✓ One-game parlay insurance
- ✓ Retail sportsbook at MGM Northfield
- ✓ Caesars Rewards integration
- ✓ Retail book at Scioto Downs
- ✓ Strong odds on major events
- ✓ Frequent profit boosts
- ✓ Casino, poker & sportsbook combined
Tier 2: Strong Alternatives
Solid options for line shopping or specific use cases
- ✓ ESPN app integration
- ✓ Hollywood Casino retail connection
- ✓ Improving rapidly post-launch
- ✓ Good for casual ESPN viewers
- ✓ Best live betting interface
- ✓ Live streaming included
- ✓ Early payout offers
- ✓ European soccer expertise
- ✓ FanCash rewards on every bet
- ✓ Nationwide Arena partnership
- ✓ Use FanCash for merchandise
- ✓ Growing rapidly in Ohio
- ✓ Hard Rock Cincinnati casino tie-in
- ✓ Clean, simple interface
- ✓ Growing prop selection
- ✓ Good for Cincinnati-area bettors
How We Rank Ohio Sportsbooks
Our rankings are based on hands-on testing, not affiliate payouts. Here's what we evaluate:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ohio legalized sports betting in December 2021 and launched mobile/retail betting on January 1, 2023. Anyone 21+ and physically located in Ohio can bet with licensed apps. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) regulates all legal operators.
FanDuel is our top pick for most Ohio bettors. It offers the best combination of user experience, competitive odds, fast payouts, and reliable customer service. That said, using 2-3 apps for line shopping is the smart move.
Yes, and you should. Using 3+ apps allows you to claim multiple welcome bonuses and shop for the best odds on each bet. Even a half-point difference adds up significantly over time. Most serious bettors in Ohio use at least FanDuel, DraftKings, and one additional book.
BetMGM offers up to $1,500 in bonus bets, the largest headline number. However, "biggest" doesn't always mean "best." FanDuel's $200 bonus on a $5 bet (40:1 return) is easier to claim with less risk. Consider your betting style and bankroll when choosing.
Yes. Federal law requires reporting gambling winnings, and Ohio has a 4% flat state income tax. Sportsbooks issue W-2G forms for large wins (typically $600+ or 300:1 odds). You can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings if you itemize. Keep records of all bets.
No. Ohio law prohibits player prop bets on games involving Ohio-based colleges. You can still bet point spreads, moneylines, and totals on Ohio State, Cincinnati, and other Ohio college games — just not individual player props. This rule was created to protect student athletes.
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