Ohio Sports Betting: The Basics
Ohio legalized sports betting in December 2021, and mobile/retail betting launched on January 1, 2023. The state allows both online sportsbook apps and in-person betting at licensed casinos and racinos. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) regulates all legal sports betting in the state.
- Legal since January 1, 2023
- Must be 21+ to bet
- Must be physically located in Ohio
- Mobile apps and retail sportsbooks both available
- Regulated by Ohio Casino Control Commission
- 16+ licensed mobile sportsbook operators
Who Can Bet in Ohio?
To legally bet on sports in Ohio, you must meet two requirements:
Age Requirement: 21+
You must be at least 21 years old. This applies to both mobile and retail betting. Sportsbooks verify your age during account registration using your Social Security number and other identity documents.
Location Requirement: Be in Ohio
You must be physically located within Ohio's borders when placing a bet. This is verified through your phone's GPS. You don't need to be an Ohio resident — visitors can bet while in the state — but you must be inside Ohio at the moment you place your wager.
You can create your sportsbook account from anywhere, but you can only deposit, withdraw, and place bets while physically in Ohio. Many bettors create accounts before visiting Ohio so they're ready to bet immediately upon arrival.
Where Can You Bet?
Mobile Sportsbook Apps
The most popular way to bet in Ohio is through mobile apps. All major operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, bet365, and more — offer mobile betting. Download the app, create an account, deposit funds, and you can bet from anywhere in Ohio.
Retail Sportsbooks
Ohio has retail sportsbooks at casinos and racinos throughout the state. You can walk up to a betting window or kiosk and place wagers in person. Major locations include Hollywood Casino (Columbus, Toledo), MGM Northfield Park, JACK Cleveland Casino, and Hard Rock Cincinnati.
What Can You Bet On?
Ohio allows betting on a wide range of sports and bet types:
Sports Available
You can bet on professional and college sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, college basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, MMA, boxing, and more. International events and leagues are also available.
Ohio prohibits player prop bets on games involving Ohio-based colleges. You CAN bet point spreads, moneylines, and totals on Ohio State, Cincinnati, etc. You CANNOT bet on individual player performances (passing yards, points scored) for those games. This rule protects student athletes.
Types of Bets
Browns -150 means bet $150 to win $100 if Browns win.Bengals -3.5 means Bengals must win by 4+ points to cover.Over 47.5 means combined score must be 48+ to win.Ja'Marr Chase Over 85.5 receiving yardsGuardians to win World Series +2500How to Get Started
Choose a Sportsbook
We recommend starting with FanDuel or DraftKings — they're the most popular and beginner-friendly. See our Best Ohio Sportsbook Apps guide for full comparisons.
Download the App
Get the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Make sure you're downloading the official app, not a fake.
Create Your Account
You'll need to provide: name, email, date of birth, address, and last 4 digits of your SSN. This is required by Ohio law for identity verification.
Make Your First Deposit
Most sportsbooks accept debit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, Venmo, and more. Minimum deposits are typically $10-20.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus
New users get bonus offers — usually bonus bets or first bet insurance. Check our Promo Codes page for current offers.
Place Your First Bet
Find a game, select your bet type, enter your stake, and confirm. Start small while you learn. We recommend never betting more than 1% of your bankroll on a single wager.
Ohio Sports Betting Taxes
Yes, sports betting winnings are taxable. Here's what you need to know:
The IRS requires you to report gambling winnings as income. Sportsbooks issue W-2G forms for large wins (typically $600+ at 300:1 odds or higher). Ohio has a 4% flat state income tax that applies to gambling income.
You can deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your winnings if you itemize deductions. Keep records of all your bets — most sportsbook apps have bet history you can export for tax purposes.
Most casual bettors won't owe significant taxes. If you bet $1,000 total and end up down $200, you don't owe taxes on gambling. You only pay taxes on net winnings. Keep records and consult a tax professional if you have questions.
Responsible Gambling
Sports betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money. The house always has an edge. Here are some guidelines:
Set a budget. Decide how much you can afford to lose each month and stick to it. Never bet money you need for bills, rent, or essentials.
Follow the 1% rule. Never bet more than 1% of your bankroll on a single wager. This protects you from big swings and keeps betting sustainable.
Don't chase losses. If you're down, don't increase bet sizes to "get it back." Stick to your normal betting amounts.
Use the tools. Every Ohio sportsbook offers deposit limits, wager limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options. Use them if you need them.
Ready to Start Betting?
Check out our top-rated Ohio sportsbooks with current bonus offers.
See Best Ohio Apps →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ohio legalized sports betting in 2021 and launched mobile/retail betting on January 1, 2023. All operators are licensed and regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Yes, you can bet on Ohio State games — point spreads, moneylines, and totals are all allowed. However, Ohio law prohibits player prop bets on Ohio-based college teams. You cannot bet on individual player stats for Ohio State games.
You must be 21 years old to bet on sports in Ohio, both online and in person. Sportsbooks verify your age during account registration.
No. You need to be physically located in Ohio when placing a bet, but you don't need to be a resident. Visitors from other states can bet while in Ohio.
Most Ohio sportsbooks accept debit cards, bank transfers (ACH), PayPal, Venmo, Play+ prepaid cards, and cash deposits at retail locations. Credit cards are generally not accepted for gambling deposits.