Ohio sports betting: Best sites and apps for Buckeye State residents

Ohio sports betting is now live with a number of sportsbooks up and operational. The Inquirer is here to guide you on the best welcome offers you can redeem in the state and provide you with some brief sportsbook reviews on each brand.

It doesn’t get any bigger in March sports than March Madness, which tips off in the middle of the month following the conclusion of conference tournaments across the country.

While college basketball claims the spotlight this month, the NBA and NHL still continue onward with their regular seasons in what’s the final full month before the postseasons start in each sport.

Finally, UFC and NASCAR provide weekly entertainment for players as well during March.

The most appealing aspect of utilizing a mobile sports betting app is undoubtedly the accompanying promotions. Numerous bonuses and offers are available to all active users. Here are some top promotions selected for you:

Both retail and online sports betting launched in Ohio on January 1st, 2023.

This came about after HB 29 passed both chambers of the Ohio Legislature in December 2021 and were w signed by Gov. Mike DeWine on Dec. 22, 2021.

Ohio is one of the most populated states in the USA. As a result, the expected financial income the state will receive through taxation was projected to be massive.

Bettors took advantage of launch day coming during Week 17 of the 2022 season. Over 11.3 million transactions took place over New Year’s weekend alone when sports betting launched.

The most recent news in Ohio sports betting is the state banned prop betting on NCAA athletes at the end of February, 2024. This came just weeks before March Madness.

Yes, sports betting is legal as of Jan. 1 2023, following the signing of HB29 into law in December 2021.

All of online, mobile and retail sports betting is set to go live on this date, with 18 sportsbooks already being given sports betting licenses by the OCCC in preparation for January’s launch.

More licenses will certainly be given out in due course, with there set to be as many as 25 online sportsbooks available for those in OH come the new year.

Yes, college wagering is completely legal in Ohio. However, Ohio has banned prop betting on college players.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission are in charge of governing sports betting in the Buckeye state, with the OCCC the ones in charge of handing out sports betting licenses currently.

Five have already been given out to various major sportsbooks, with more to be issued in the near future as we slowly but surely approach the launch date of January 1st.

You can currently not bet on sports anywhere in Ohio given the fact that sports betting doesn’t become legal and active until January 1st.

However, you won’t be short of options when it comes to betting on sports in the Buckeye state once the time comes, with a number of choices set to be available come the new year.

In order to wager on sports in Ohio, you must be at least 21 years old, with you also needing to be within OH official state lines in order to withdraw any winnings.

You’ll be able to bet on a whole range of different sports in Ohio once sports betting goes live, with the sports you’re able to wager on depending on the sportsbook you’re using.

The likes of baseball, basketball and football will be available via all major sportsbooks, with smaller sports such as handball, snooker and darts being available depending on the sports betting site you’re using.

Ohio residents are granted the luxury of being able to wager on college teams from in-state universities, which is something not every state has.

The Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code is one on the rise in the U.S. and are quickly working on expanding their reach across the entire U.S.

They have a fantastic welcome offer that matches your first bet every day for ten days of $100 in bonus bets. Just make sure odds are -200 or longer on your wager.

This platform runs very smooth, with plenty of betting markets and competitive odds to choose from for players.

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO/IL/KS/KY/MD/OH/MI/NC/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV), (800)-327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or http://ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or 1800gambler.net (WV)

bet365 is a lesser known name in sports betting, as they’re still relatively new to the scene. That said, it hasn’t taken long for them to shoot up the ranks and become more recognized each day.

Ohio sports bettors can easily claim $150 in bonus bets by placing and settling a $5 wager on an eligible market. Your other option is getting your first bet up to $1,000 back in bonus bets if you don’t win.

bet365 is a great destination for those interested in live betting and live streaming. They also offer a strong range of deposit and withdrawal options to make it so anyone can easily take part in wagering on the platform.

New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, IN, LA, NJ, IA, KY, CO, VA, OH only. Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bet Credits wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

OR

New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, IN, LA, NJ, IA, KY, CO, VA, OH only. Place a qualifying bet of up to $2000 to be eligible for a matched refund in Bonus Bets if your qualifying bet loses. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.

BetMGM Sportsbook is another renowned sportsbook whose brand has skyrocketed in popularity over recent years.

Not only does this sportsbook offer strong odds on all of their game props, but they run a lot of odds boosts and same game parlays for bettors to select from.

They also have two very good welcome offer new players can choose to use. One will give Ohio players a 20% deposit match worth up to $1,600 in sports bonus, while the other is a first-bet safety net up to $1,500 in bonus bets. The respective codes for these offers are PHILLY1600 and INQUIRERMGM.

Whatever funds you get matched by BetMGM will have a 30 day window to be wagered through ten times over so you can then withdraw your cash winnings.

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Participant must complete the Wagering Requirements and satisfy the (10x) playthrough requirement. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.

OR

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Participant must complete the Wagering Requirements and satisfy the (10x) playthrough requirement. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.

BetMGM offers not live in NY, NV & DC

FanDuel’s sportsbook is one of the best and most well-known across the country with those in OH soon able to try out their sports betting site and see why it’s one of the best around.

Their same-game parlay feature and range of boosts allow you to get creative with your bets and claim improved odds on certain markets respectively, with their range of futures markets also excellent.

A strong sign-up offer is available, with you being able to bet $5 on any market after sign-up and get $150 in bonus bets.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. Gamblinghelplinema.org or call (800)-327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ and present in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA (permitted parishes only), KY,MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. FanDuel is offering online sports wagering in Kansas under an agreement with Kansas Star Casino, LLC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MI, NJ, KY, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VY), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).

Caesars are one of the most well-known betting brands around given the popularity of their casino brand, with their sportsbook doing their reputation justice with its strength and stature.

They offer a range of markets across a variety of sports, with their selection of odds boosts and live betting markets some of the best around.

The Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code is also very strong with their first bet offer worth up to $1,000, with all of these attributes coming together to make Caesars one of the best sports betting sites around.

21+ only. Offer valid and must be physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY only. New users and first $10+ wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum Bonus Bet $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 30 days after receipt. Tier Credits and Reward Credits will be added to account within 7 days after qualifying wager settles. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; CO, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino): Call 1-800-522-4700; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA: Call 1-877-770-STOP (licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Harrah’s New Orleans); MI: Call 1-800-270-7117; IL, MD, NJ, TN, VA, WV, OH, PA (Affiliated with Harrah’s Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or WV: Visit 1800gambler.net. ©2023, Caesars Entertainment

GAMBLING PROBLEM?

IL, MD, ME, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV: Call 1-800-GAMBLER

MA: CALL 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org

NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)

With Ohio sports betting having been live as it’s been now, you may have heard about what makes DraftKings one of the most popular and leading sportsbooks in North America.

It starts with having a generous promo code for new users that can be redeemed by clicking this link. DraftKings gives you $200 in bonus bets after your first bet is submitted,. You’ll get your bonus bets in eight $25 increments. A daily no sweat NBA SGP also gets issued out when you sign up for DraftKings.

No matter what you want to bet on, DraftKings has an abundance of those kinds of betting markets available. The odds they have on these markets are competitive, and you can utilize plenty of promotions for returning customers as well throughout the year.

Must be physically located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, NJ, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY or WV. (”each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”).

The Buckeye State saw ESPN BET go live on November 14, 2023 just in time for the second half of the 2023 NFL season before the postseason picks up.

The launch of the ESPN BET promo code came around the start of the college basketball and not long after the NBA and NHL seasons began. Use promo code INQUIRER to sign up for your account.

$100 of your first $150 in bonus bets earned by placing your first bet will be five $20 bonus bets. The final $50 bet will come shortly after.

With this time in the sports betting calendar providing lots to bet on, you won’t be disappointed by the excellence of ESPN BET and how they’ve achieved it in such short order.

New users only, 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, or WV in order to wager. Players must sign up using a specified Promotion code and then place an Eligible Wager on an Eligible Game during the Promotion Period. $100 (five (5) $20 Increments) of the $150 in Bonus Bets will be credited upon making the first bet. Please Gamble Responsibly.

12 retail sportsbooks are live in Ohio as of Jan. 23. These retail sportsbooks have been planning to go live for quite some time now, and went through all the necessary preparations to ensure they were good to launch on time.

Some examples of these retail sportsbooks and casinos include Hard Rock, Caesars, SuperBook, and BetMGM. This ensures you have plenty of selection if you prefer to wager in a real establishment rather than on your phone or computer.

Sports betting in Ohio has been legal for years, however this is set to change come January 1st 2023, as sports betting becomes legal and active in OH for the very first time.

This all started back in 2019 when the first sports betting bill was introduced, with it taking up to nine hearings before this bill was passed by the House

However, they then suffered a setback as new legislator Sen. Kirk Schuring took up the cause of passing an OH sports betting bill, with this pushing the process back to the start.

Eventually, HB29 was put together by Schuring, and after several months of debate, HB 29 passed through the House and Senate with several amendments in place to allow sports betting.

The Bill was then signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine, with Jan. 1 2023 being the day everything went live.

In between DeWine signing the law and the launch of sports betting, licenses were handed out, as both the sportsbooks and state prepared for everything that came with the Jan. 1 launch date.

Ohio is home to many sports teams across all the major sporting leagues in the USA, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB. They also have an MLS team and college teams you can bet on since the state doesn’t restrict wagering on in-school teams.

The Inquirer has a list of these teams below so you can know what betting options you have.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the most successful college sports teams in NCAA history. They won the College Football Playoff Championship in 2014, and have been in four other playoffs since.

In their last playoff appearance, Ohio State lost to the Georgia Bulldogs in the first round of the College Football Playoffs. After an 11-1 overall record, Ohio State missed the playoffs in 2023.

In the history of the franchise, the Cavaliers have won just one NBA championship back in 2016 as they came back from 3-1 down to beat a 73-9 Warriors team in what was arguably the best comeback in sports history.

They currently have a very strong roster containing the likes of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell, which helped them lock up the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference following a 51-31 regular season last season.

The Reds have won five World Series titles in their history, an impressive return when you consider they’ve made the postseason just 16 times in their history.

You’re able to bet on the Reds’ regular season games, the amount of wins you think they’ll achieve, whether you think they’ll win their division, make the playoffs or win the World Series.

The Guardians have two World Series wins to their name in history, with Cleveland having made the WS another four times in total, making the postseason in five of their last seven years as well.

You’re able to bet on the Guardians’ regular and postseason outings, whether you think they’ll win the World Series as well as whether you think they’ll make the playoffs.

The Crew have won the MLS Cup twice in their history, with their most recent coming back in 2020, with Columbus also having one US Open Cup win to their name as well.

All of their MLS regular and postseason games are available to be wagered on, with you also able to bet on them to win the MLS Cup and make the playoffs.

Cincinnati have only been around since 2016, and given this, are yet to taste success in the US Soccer scene, with their best attempts seeing them finish in the playoffs in the 2022 campaign.

You’re able to wager on all of their regular and postseason games, whether you think they’ll make the MLS Cup final and whether they’ll win the actual trophy come the end of the campaign.

In the Cincinnati Bengals’ history, they’ve yet to hoist the Lombardi Trophy despite three appearances in the Super Bowl.

Cincinnati still has Joe Burrow at quarterback however, which always makes them a threat in the AFC to represent in the big game.

The Browns have just one Super Bowl win to their name in history. Although they won three NFL championships before the Super Bowl era began, things haven’t been great for them lately, as they’ve made the postseason just three times since 1990.

All of the Browns’ regular season games can be wagered on, as well as Cleveland to make the playoffs, win their division, conference and the Super Bowl.

The Blue Jackets have only been around for a matter of decades at this point, being founded in 2000, with Columbus’ best efforts to win the Stanley Cup seeing them reach the Second Round in the 2018/19 campaign.

You’re able to bet on the Blue Jackets’ regular season games, Columbus to win their conference, make the playoffs and win the Stanley Cup with all top sports betting sites.

The Inquirer is not an online gambling operator, or a gambling site. We provide this information about sports betting for entertainment purposes only.