Best Ohio Betting Sites 2025

Top-Rated Ohio Online Sportsbooks for 2025

When there are so many online sportsbooks to choose from, knowing which ones to pick can be confusing. Lucky for you, we hand-pick the best Ohio online sports betting sites using tried and tested conventions such as betting odds, payment methods, and variety of markets. Here are the best OH online sports betting sites for 2025.

Best Online Sportsbooks in Ohio by Category

Our Rating Criteria

When settling on the best Ohio online sportsbook, we considered multiple factors. First and foremost, security and licensing. This is always our top priority, as we want to ensure your money and data will be in safe hands, and we would never recommend a dodgy site.

When we examine the top OH online sports betting sites, our researchers also look at other elements, such as payments and payout times. We know how important it is to have a varied selection of methods and quick processing times. A good selection of live betting options is another feature we look for when reviewing sports betting sites.

Security & Licensing

Live Betting Options

Live betting is an increasingly popular way for sports fans to engage with their favorite sports. You can watch the action happen and place bets as the game unfolds in real-time, keeping an eye on the changing odds. The top Ohio betting sites offer great live betting options on the following sports:

The premium operators will offer live betting as standard for most sports markets, allowing for a unique gambling experience. The Caesars Sportsbook is outstanding in this regard. As you follow the action live, the operators will provide opportunities to take advantage of ever-changing odds, which can lead to high rewards for those in the know.

Best Ohio Sportsbook Bonus Offers

Welcome bonuses for new players are one of the main ways that operators aim to stand out from the competition and attract new customers to their best online sportsbooks in Ohio. Most bonuses will come in the form of a bonus bet, which can be claimed after making your first deposit.

We have outlined the best Ohio online sports betting bonuses below. You will see crucial things to look out for in these bonuses, such as the minimum deposit amount required and whether any bonus code is needed. Check them out and compare to see which ones work best for you and your budget.

The above offers are all great, but it’s important to pay attention to the terms and conditions attached to these exclusive betting bonuses. These offers are typically only available to new players who have not previously registered with the site. Although some of the best sports betting sites in Ohio will also have ongoing promotions for returning players.

Top Online Betting Apps for Ohio Players

Betting on the go is crucial for many sports fans. The best sportsbooks know this and typically provide a well-designed and user-friendly mobile sports betting experience. It’s also why we test and compare the best Ohio sports betting apps.

The best online betting sites will offer dedicated mobile apps so that you can take your wagers with you. They will look and feel like the desktop version, with all the same features available and similar functionality. You can find the best Ohio mobile sports betting apps below:

When assessing these options for mobile sports betting in the state, we looked at the user-friendliness and compatibility of the apps. The DraftKings sportsbook and all others are available on Android and iOS. For those who want to save storage space on their device and don’t want to download an app, you can also access these sportsbooks directly from your mobile browser without compromising on the experience.

Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals

Most Ohio betting sites offer a variety of payment methods including, prepaid cards, credit and debit cards, eWallets and bank transfers. You will also notice the availability of PayPal on many sites, so finding your preferred payment method at an Ohio sportsbook shouldn’t prove too difficult.

It’s also essential to check whether the best online sportsbooks in Ohio have placed any restrictions on the deposit methods you can use when claiming a bonus. You should find any payment exclusions in the offer’s terms and conditions. Also, keep in mind that you cannot use some methods for withdrawals. Typically, these will be prepaid cards and credit cards.

Top OH Online Sportsbooks with Fast Payout Times

No one wants to have to wait around to cash in their winnings. The good news is that you can expect most Ohio sportsbooks to have pretty quick payout times, but some are faster than others. Here are the top online sportsbooks in Ohio with the fastest payout times.

Unsurprisingly, BetMGM Sportsbook is a leader in terms of payout times for users. It should be noted that payout times can be impacted by different factors. The main one is the payment method you use, as some payment companies take longer to process their transactions.^[2] Active bonuses can also affect matters a bit, and you may need to clear these before trying to make a withdrawal. The size of your withdrawal might also affect processing time.

Ohio Sports Gambling Laws

Up until recently, sports betting was illegal in the Buckeye State, leading to players needing to travel to neighboring states to place a wager. Signing up to an operator is easy; however, you have to be physically located within state boundaries.

Luckily, the state passed Bill H.B. 29, which legalized sports betting just days before Christmas 2022, and Ohio sportsbooks began accepting their first bets on New Year’s Day.^[1] There are now several excellent legal betting sites in Ohio, with more expected to come when they get their license from the OCCC.

There are other forms of legal gambling in OH too, as some of the best US daily fantasy websites operate within the territory of the state. The legal status of betting on DFS was fairly ambiguous before, but in late December 2021, a Sports Betting Ohio bill was passed, which made things much clearer. Finally, DFS became legal.

Fans of land-based casinos will be happy to hear that there are four brick-and-mortar establishments located in the state. Playing poker is legal in these locations or at poker and card rooms. The majority of gaming establishments also host their own tournaments.

There are also a growing number of unregulated offshore betting sites that exist, but we recommend that you avoid these and stick to the best legal online sportsbooks in Ohio instead. Offshore operators don’t have to follow the same standards as regulated betting sites, and there is no guarantee of fairness.

Paying Taxes on Sports Betting Winnings in Ohio

There is an Ohio sports betting tax, and winnings are taxed like any other income. Ohio winnings are taxed at 4%, however, this is only if they exceed the threshold of $600.

In addition to this, you may also be taxed under federal rules, so be sure to keep accurate records. If you win over the specified threshold, 24% of your winnings may be withheld for federal tax purposes, and if they’re not automatically withheld you still need to declare all your gambling winnings when filing your taxes.

Winnings on other forms of gambling in Ohio, such as bingo games or poker, are also taxable if they exceed a set amount. It’s best to always do your research first for the specific form of gambling to make sure you stay on the right side of the tax law.

Popular Sports and Leagues to Bet on

OH is home to a wealth of notable professional sports teams and several college teams. Football is one of the most popular sports for gamblers in the Buckeye State, and the NFL is the most popular sports league for players across the country, so you’re sure to find this when using Ohio sports betting apps and online betting sites.

There are two professional football teams, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns, and at the collegiate level, the Ohio State Buckeyes. This gives OH gamblers a wide choice of markets. In addition to all the US sports markets, the state’s betting sites will also offer international markets from around the world, particularly for soccer.

• NFL
• NBA
• NHL
• MLS
• MLB
• NCAAF
• NCAAB
• UFC

The above leagues are the most popular for OH gamblers and there are a few reasons why. Firstly, these leagues are usually the most widely covered in the media. When it’s NFL season, it can feel like there’s no escaping it, and you might know what’s happening even if you’re not following it.

Daily Fantasy Sports

One of the most popular types of sports wagering activities among players is betting on daily fantasy sports. They are comprised of fantasy sports games, in which players go against each other with their fantasy teams. These teams are made up of real athletes who are in a particular league.

Placing bets on DFS is legal in state, even if you’re using your favorite OH sports betting apps. It became legal when Bill 132 was passed by the government. Any operator who wants to offer sports betting on daily fantasy sports must have a license from the Ohio Casino Control Commission. It is the main regulator for gambling activities in the state.

Types of Betting Options for Ohio Players

Seasoned gamblers will be aware of the different types of betting options that exist, for instance, a moneyline wager. This is a simple, straightforward bet on who you think will win the game and is a great way for beginners to test the waters.

OH players will be spoilt for choice when it comes to betting options, especially for popular markets. However, you can expect smaller markets such as NASCAR betting, to not have every bet type listed. Check out our list of the different Ohio online sports betting options below:

Some bet types are more straightforward than others. Bets like parlays and futures are best left to experienced players who know their sport of choice well because they can be quite complicated. Beginners are better off sticking to moneyline, points spread, and totals bets until they build up their experience.

Be sure to check your sportsbook of choice to see if they offer the bet types that you’re interested in. It’s always a good idea to have a look around the platform and get familiar with the layout too, before committing to a betting site.

Online vs. Land-Based Sportsbook in Ohio

While Ohio players can now bet online and at several retail sports betting locations in Ohio, there are some crucial distinctions between the two. As with most things, there are advantages and disadvantages of each. For example, land-based betting involves more of a social element than betting online, so this may suit people who want a communal experience.

Whereas a big advantage of online betting is the availability of offers and bonuses that you just don’t find in land-based sportsbooks. You can also access online betting sites 24/7 and they have a wider selection of markets. We have listed the main pros and cons for both online and land-based sportsbooks in the table below:

Problem Gambling Help

Promoting responsible gambling is a top priority for the best Ohio sports betting sites. For people who think they may be developing a problem, the first-line gambling problem help is the option to self-exclude from all Ohio casino facilities. This is enforced quite strictly, as accepting wagers from excluded players is illegal for a sportsbook.

If you or someone you know may have a problem with gambling, you can contact the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 800 589 9966. Their official website also has many free resources available. Top betting sites will promote these resources and make it easy for you to get the help you need.

FAQ

Conclusion – Ohio Online Sports Betting is Live

As you can see from our review, there is no shortage of markets for you to bet on. Our research also uncovered great sports betting apps for players in Ohio, for those who like to gamble on the go. The varied welcome bonuses also provide ample opportunities to sign up to multiple online betting sites and find your favorite.

Delaware-born Amelia Walker takes the senior content writer and legal expert position at Betting.us. Her main professional focus is responsible gambling and operator safety. With a J.D. in Business Law, her professional gambling journey began after a law firm colleague introduced her to safe betting. She is an advocate of strict bankroll management and self-restraint.

Amelia Walker, Senior Content Writer

In addition, the online betting sites we’ve chosen stand out from the crowd due to the quality of their live betting platforms and the fact that they’re licensed and regulated by the OCCC (Ohio Casino Control Commission). Numerous payment methods are also accepted, making the whole online gambling experience much smoother.

References

1. AP News, (2022), Sports Betting to Begin in Ohio with the New Year, AP News, Retrieved November 30, 2023.
2. Bilykh, O., (2021), Gambling Payment Processing: A Brief Grasp of Current Situation, Retrieved November 30, 2023.
3. Bowman, S., (1998), Investigation of Sports Gambling Preferences Among Sports Book Patrons, Pro Quest, Retrieved November 30, 2023.
4. PR Newswire, (2022), Bet MGM Named an Official Sports Betting Partner of the Cincinnati Reds, Retrieved November 30, 2023.,
5. The Betting and Gaming Council, (2021), The Betting and Gaming Council issues a warning about the dangers posed by the unregulated and illegal online black market in gambling, Retrieved November 30, 2023.