Ohio law prohibits wagering on individual player performance (props) for any game involving an Ohio-based college or university. Spreads, moneylines, and totals are still allowed.
Why This Rule Exists
The restriction is designed to protect student-athletes. Ohio legislators were concerned that betting on individual player stats could create integrity risks — pressure on players, potential for manipulation, or unwanted attention from gamblers.
This is similar to rules in other states like New York and New Jersey. It's a compromise that allows college sports betting while adding extra protection for amateur athletes at Ohio schools.
Which Schools Are Affected?
The prop restriction applies to any college or university located in Ohio. This includes:
When any of these schools play — home or away, conference or non-conference — player props are unavailable to Ohio bettors.
What's Allowed vs. Restricted
- Point spreads
- Moneylines
- Totals (Over/Under)
- First half spreads/totals
- Game props (first score type)
- Futures (conference champ, CFP)
- Parlays with team bets
- Live betting (spreads/totals)
- Passing yards
- Rushing yards
- Receiving yards
- Receptions
- Touchdowns (player)
- Points scored (player)
- Rebounds/assists (basketball)
- ANY individual player stat
Practical Examples
As you can see, player props work fine for games between non-Ohio schools. The restriction only kicks in when an Ohio-based school is involved.
What About Basketball?
The same rule applies to all college sports — including basketball. For Ohio State, Cincinnati, Dayton, Xavier, and other Ohio schools, you cannot bet on individual player stats like points, rebounds, or assists.
This is particularly notable during March Madness when prop betting is huge. If Ohio State or Cincinnati makes a tournament run, you'll be limited to spreads, moneylines, and totals.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. When an Ohio school is involved in the game, ALL player props are blocked — for both teams. You cannot bet on Michigan players during the Ohio State game either.
Yes. If Ohio State plays at USC, the prop restriction still applies in Ohio. The rule is based on the school's location, not the game's location.
You can build same-game parlays using allowed bet types (spread + total, etc.). But you cannot include player props in SGPs for Ohio college games.
No legal workarounds exist. Offshore sportsbooks might offer these props, but they're illegal in Ohio. Licensed apps enforce the restrictions automatically.
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