If you're a sharp bettor, you've probably heard of ProphetX and Novig. These platforms offer peer-to-peer betting exchanges with zero juice—theoretically the best value in sports betting. They're available in 40+ states.
Ohio isn't one of them.
🚫 Not Available in Ohio
ProphetX and Novig operate as "sweepstakes" platforms, which Ohio regulators have explicitly banned from operating in the state.
What Are These Platforms?
ProphetX and Novig are betting exchanges—think of them like a stock exchange for sports bets. Instead of betting against the house, you bet against other users. The platform takes a small commission (typically 2%) rather than baking juice into the odds.
Zero Juice Lines
Instead of -110/-110, you might see +100/+100. No built-in house edge on the odds themselves.
Peer-to-Peer Matching
Your bet is matched against another user taking the opposite side. No bookmaker in the middle.
Sharp-Friendly
No limiting based on winning. Your edge is your problem (and your profit).
Sweepstakes Model
Operates using virtual currency that can be redeemed for prizes—this is the legal gray area.
Why Ohio Said No
Ohio's gambling laws, established when sports betting launched in 2023, specifically require sportsbooks to hold a state license and operate under OCCC oversight. Sweepstakes platforms argue they're not "gambling" because you use virtual currency—but Ohio regulators weren't convinced.
The OCCC's position:
- If it walks like gambling and quacks like gambling, it's gambling
- The virtual currency workaround doesn't change the underlying activity
- Unlicensed operators don't pay Ohio taxes or follow Ohio regulations
- Consumer protections (age verification, problem gambling tools) may be inadequate
Ohio issued cease-and-desist notices to both platforms, and they've geofenced the state. You cannot access them while physically in Ohio.
Using VPNs or location spoofing to access banned platforms violates terms of service and potentially state law. If caught, you lose your account balance and face possible legal consequences. It's not worth the risk.
What You're Missing
Let's be honest about what ProphetX and Novig offer that Ohio's legal books don't:
| Feature | ProphetX/Novig | Ohio Legal Books |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Juice | 0% (2% commission) | 4.5-5% (-110 lines) |
| Limits Winning Bettors | No | Yes (most books) |
| Break-Even Win Rate | ~51% | ~52.4% |
| Legal in Ohio | No | Yes |
| Regulated/Protected | Limited | Full OCCC oversight |
The math is clear: betting exchanges offer better value. But the legal reality in Ohio is equally clear: they're not an option.
Legal Ohio Alternatives
If you're looking for sharp-friendly options in Ohio, here's what's actually available:
Prime Sports Ohio
Offers -108 lines instead of -110, and explicitly doesn't limit winning bettors. The closest thing to exchange-style value within Ohio's legal framework.
Circa Sports (if expanded to Ohio)
Currently not in Ohio but has expressed interest. Known for taking large wagers and not limiting sharps. Worth watching if they launch.
bet365
Posts lines earlier than most books and offers a wider range of markets. Still limits winners, but the early access provides value.
Line Shopping Across Multiple Books
By maintaining accounts at 5+ books and always taking the best line, you can reduce your effective juice to 2-3% without any single book offering exchange-level pricing.
The Math on Line Shopping
Without access to zero-juice exchanges, line shopping is your best tool. Here's how much it helps:
Say you find these lines on a game:
- FanDuel: Team A -3.5 (-110)
- DraftKings: Team A -3 (-115)
- BetMGM: Team A -3.5 (-105)
- Prime Sports: Team A -3.5 (-108)
Taking the BetMGM line at -105 instead of the -110 standard saves you roughly 2.3% in juice on that bet. Across hundreds of bets, that's hundreds of dollars—approaching what you'd save with an exchange.
Maintain active accounts at FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, and Prime Sports. For every bet, check all six for the best line. This effectively creates your own "reduced juice" portfolio.
Will Ohio Ever Allow Exchanges?
Probably not soon. Ohio's regulatory framework is built around traditional sportsbook licensing, and changing it would require legislative action. There's no active push in Columbus to legalize betting exchanges.
That said, the sweepstakes model is being challenged in courts nationwide. If a major legal ruling establishes these platforms as definitively legal, Ohio might be forced to reconsider. But that's a long shot.
For now, Ohio bettors work within the existing system. That means legal, licensed sportsbooks—with all their limitations.
The Bottom Line
ProphetX and Novig offer what sharp bettors want: zero-juice lines and no limits. They're also unavailable in Ohio and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
Your Ohio alternatives:
- Prime Sports for reduced juice (-108) and no-limit policy
- Line shopping across multiple books to minimize effective juice
- Early line access at bet365 for value before lines sharpen
- Patience for potential future market changes
It's not as good as an exchange, but it's legal, regulated, and actually available. Sometimes the best bet is the one you can actually make.
Make the Most of Legal Options
Prime Sports offers the closest thing to exchange-style pricing in Ohio.
Read: Prime Sports Comparison →