9 Best Ohio Sports Betting Apps – Ohio Sportsbook Apps 2024

Last Verified March 27, 2024 | Fact Checked by Matt Romanoski

Sports betting is up and running in Ohio as the first of what could be up to 25 online sportsbooks — including heavyweights such as BetMGM, Caesars Sportbook, DraftKings and FanDuel — began accepting bets on Jan 1, 2023.

It took almost two years, but the state’s launch went off without a hitch. It’s about time for folks in the Buckeye State to enjoy legal online sports betting in their own backyard on Ohio sports betting apps.

Ohio is no longer the newest state to legalize sports betting as North Carolina entered the fray in March of 2024. Stay up to date on the North Carolina betting apps offered in the Tar Heel State now that sports betting is live there.

Now that the grand opening dust has cleared, let’s take a look at the available legal online betting choices in the state, compare Ohio sportsbook promos and help bettors make informed choices when considering the different operators that have already sunk millions of advertising dollars into the Ohio economy.

Ohio Sports Betting Apps

Overall, the Ohio Casino Control Commission granted conditional licenses to 22 online sportsbooks. Not all are up and running yet, so bookmark this page, as we will be updating the above table weekly with the most recent news on operators, promo code offers and more.

Ohio Sports Betting Apps Table of Contents

Best Ohio Sports Betting Apps

It’s too early to declare the best Ohio sports betting app because many — but not all — sports betting operators went live on Jan. 1, 2023. But based on recent performances of the best sports betting sites available in surrounding states, we can speculate with confidence.

With that said, here’s a look at the top sports betting apps in the Buckeye State right now:

1. BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook App

BetMGM Sportsbook is linked to its parent company’s brand — and rewards program — meaning you’ll be able to earn points through the Ohio sportsbook app and all of MGM Resorts’ other properties. One of those is MGM Northfield Park, a racino located just outside Cleveland.

With an exciting new customer bonus and daily odds boosts available, there’s plenty of evidence to suggest BetMGM Ohio is already one of the most highly rated Ohio mobile sports betting apps.

The BetMGM Ohio bonus code MCBET provides new users with a first-bet offer up to $1,500 in bonus bets..

• Welcome Offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses
• Live Since: Jan. 1, 2023 under the master license of MGM Northfield Park.
• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York*, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming (and D.C.) (* Welcome offer not available)
• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

1. Caesars Ohio Sportsbook App

We view Caesars Sportsbook Ohio as a top-of-the-line sportsbook app Ohio because of its lucrative welcome promotion and its extensive loyalty program, which are access when signing up with our Caesars Sportsbook Ohio promo code MCBET1000.

Columbus’ Eldorado Scioto Downs (a Caesars Entertainment property) offers more than 2,000 slots and table games, as well as live harness racing for five months of the year.

Through Caesars Rewards, you’ll can earn credits at places such as Eldorado, as well as online when you place sports bets.

• Welcome Offer: $1,000 First Bet on us promotion on Caesars
• Live Since: Jan. 1, 2023 under the master license of Scioto Downs
• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia (and D.C.)
• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

Bettors in Ohio will quickly see why bet365 is the world’s most popular sports betting app. It has partnered with the Cleveland Guardians and is offering one of the top welcome bonuses in the state via the bet365 Ohio promo code.

bet365 Ohio should make a name for itself with its live betting and highly lauded in-play wagering experience, which includes streaming of various sports. The app is lightning-quick, filled with features and a massive number of betting choices. And to top it off: 24/7 customer support and the ability to receive payouts through some banking methods.

• Welcome Offer: First Net Safety Net Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets
• Live Since: Jan. 1, 2023
• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio
• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

ESPN BET Ohio Sportsbook App

ESPN BET is now live, including the app. And ESPN BET Ohio comes with the ESPN BET Ohio promo code HERALD. This includes a Get $150 in bonus bets welcome offer.

• Welcome Offer: Get $150 In Bonus Bets After 1st Bet
• Live Since: November 14, 2023
• States Available In: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, NJ, MD, MI, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV
• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio App

Fanatics Sportsbook is the newest venture from the Fanatics sports apparel empire. The app is impressive and runs on software that provides a smooth mobile betting experience.

• Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio Promo Code: None Needed
• Welcome Offer: Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets (up to $100 a day for 10 days)
• States Available: Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia
• App Offered: iOS via the App Store; Android via Google Play

DraftKings Ohio Sportsbook App

DraftKings — as well as FanDuel — had an advantage over its rivals in Ohio as it already had a significant customer base in Ohio thanks to its successful daily fantasy sports platform. If you haven’t joined DraftKings on the DFS side, you can still get $150 in bonsu bets instantly by claiming the DraftKings Ohio promo code as a new user.

Across its many licensed states, DraftKings Sportsbook is consistently one of the top-rated and downloaded online sports betting apps. Why? Because the Boston-based company offers pretty much any sport you could imagine, along with odds boosts and specials in all of the top leagues. No DraftKings promo code will be needed on sign-up.

• Welcome Offer: Bet $5, Get $150 In Bonus bets, Win or Lose
• Live Since: Jan. 1, 2023, under the master license of Hollywood Casino Toledo
• States Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
• App Offered: Via the App Store and Google Play

Leagues in Ohio Sports Betting

Online sports betting went live on Jan. 1, 2023, just in time for the final weeks of the NFL’s regular season. Here’s a look at some of the options on the online sportsbooks:

NFL Ohio Sports Betting

We used to look at the huge volume on Super Bowl betting sites as an exceptionally unique event, and to some extent it still is. But NFL betting sites see plenty of action all season, too, as top sportsbooks offer a bunch of weekly player props and odds boosts for every single game.

Fantasy football players know how exhilarating an NFL Sunday in the fall/winter can be, and legal sports betting takes that to another level in Ohio.

NBA Ohio Sports Betting

There might not be a more star-driven league than the NBA, which allows bettors to back individuals as much as they’re backing teams. NBA betting sites also feature a ton of props and boosts, though not quite to the extent of the NFL (then again, nothing really competes with the NFL).

To optimize parlay opportunities, check out NBA markets on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays because those are the league’s busiest nights.

MLB Ohio Sports Betting

One of baseball’s greatest weaknesses (its slow pace) is one of its greatest strengths in the MLB betting sites realm. No sport is better suited for live wagering, given how many half-inning breaks and pitching-change pauses there are.

MLB is one of the top adaptors to in-stadium betting, too, with BetMGM and the Reds partnering on the BetMGM Great American Ball Park sportsbook.

NHL Ohio Sports Betting

Point spread betting is popular for some sports, but hockey is more often wagered on the moneyline (i.e., picking the straight-up winner). The busiest nights for NHL betting sites are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and the frequency of back-to-back games can help bettors find an extra edge.

College Ohio Sports Betting

There are few bigger college sports brand than the Ohio State Buckeyes. Unlike in some other states, college sports betting is legal in Ohio, allowing fans and alumni alike to bet on schools such as Ohio State, Ohio, Akron and Toledo.

These March Madness betting sites promise to be particularly insane when Ohio bettors get their first crack at the tournament this year. Also, not to mention college football betting sites on the Big Ten Conference.

Ohio Professional Sports Teams

Ohio is well represented in the world of professional sports, with a pair of NFL and MLB teams, as well as one apiece in NHL and NBA. Some franchises have had plenty of recent success, while others have historic heartache.

Cleveland Browns (NFL)

With a stadium once coined the “Factory of Sadness,” the Browns have struggled through some thin years — especially since the turn of the century. They’re one of just two franchises to ever turn in an 0-16 season, in 2017, and they “celebrated” with a parade.

In 2020, they made the playoffs for the first time in 18 years, but a deep AFC North has put their competitive window in question, though their NFL odds are certainly a popular bet.

Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)

On the back of 2020’s No. 1 overall pick, Joe Burrow, the Bengals earned a trip to Super Bowl LVI — their first since 1988. Burrow and his former college teammate, Ja’Marr Chase, have quickly made the Bengals one of the coolest, most entertaining outfits to watch on Sundays.

Given that Burrow grew up in The Plains, his local connection adds an extra layer to his rising stardom, and their Super Bowl odds remain a popular futures bet.

Cleveland Guardians (MLB)

The Guardians own the longest championship drought in the sport (last World Series win came in 1948). Cleveland lost to the Cubs (another long-suffering franchise) in the 2016 World Series, and they had been slowly sinking toward mediocrity ever since.

However, the fact that the Guardians won 92 games and the AL Central in 2022 was promising. And the team’s hopeful future is reflected in their MLB World Series odds.

Cincinnati Reds (MLB)

The Reds are one of the most storied franchises in baseball — but there hasn’t been much to write about recently. Cincinnati hasn’t won a playoff game in a decade, which is also how long it’s been since they’ve finished better than third in their own division.

Joey Votto, a likely Hall of Famer, is one of the few saving graces for the current club, whose MLB playoff odds appear long.

Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)

Now in their 22nd season, the Blue Jackets are credited for bringing the world’s top hockey league to the Buckeye State. What they haven’t brought is any success. Aside from a massive upset of the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2018-19 campaign, the Blue Jackets have no postseason success to speak of.

Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)

No matter where he goes or what he does, LeBron James’s legacy will always be tied to his 2016 championship with his hometown Cavaliers. Both parties have since moved on, but Cleveland has rebuilt itself as a young, athletic and surprisingly successful unit that could make some noise for years to come.

Ohio Sports Team Partners

There are a few sportsbook partnerships in place already in Ohio, which we outline below, but more are certainly on the way in the months to come.

Cleveland Cavaliers and Betway Sportsbook Ohio

Betway’s multi-year deal with Ohio’s lone NBA franchise includes marketing integration in the form of broadcast-visible signage and commercial ad reads. Fans have an opportunity to participate in the free-to-play “Betway Big Pick,” which features cash prizes during the season.

Columbus Crew (MLS) and Tipico Sportsbook Ohio

Tipico Sportsbook, which has market access in New Jersey and Colorado, is the official and exclusive sports betting partner of the Crew. That grants Tipico the naming rights to high-traffic areas at the Crew’s stadium, as well as an opportunity for joint community programming efforts with the club.

The purpose of Ohio sportsbook promo codes and bonuses is to give customers a little something extra when they choose an Ohio mobile betting platform.

Let’s go through some of the most popular sportsbook promo codes and bonus types.

First-Bet Insurance

First-bet insurance means the bettor is guaranteed to receive something out of an initial wager. Either your first bet either yields a cash profit (if your bet wins) or a refund of your initial stake (if your bet loses). The refund is typically paid out in site credit, which must then be wagered at the sportsbook. That credit with have an expiration of between 7-30 days and typically a 1x playthrough.

Deposit Match

Whether it’s a 100% deposit match or some other amount, all this means is that your deposit at an Ohio sports betting app will go a bit further. Some Ohio online sports betting apps and sites pay out their deposit matches in cash instead of site credit.

Referral Bonuses

You can earn extra cash or site credit for yourself and a friend through a referral bonus. Existing customers typically receive a link or code, which much be passed along to a prospective new customer. Once that customer signs up and makes a deposit (or fulfills some other requirement), both parties will reap a reward.

How To Choose Ohio Sports Betting Apps

The best online sports betting apps in Ohio might not be the first ones you see on the App Store or Google Play. To help you understand how to choose the best Ohio mobile betting option for you, here are some of the key factors to consider.

Variety Of Bets Allowed

Sports bettors have varied interests, which means a sportsbook with varied betting options is best. If you love parlays and same-game parlays, for example, you’ll need a sportsbook app that can accommodate. Odds boosts and pre-built specials can be fun too, because they give you a new way to play depending on what sporting event(s) are happening at a given time.

Competitive Lines and Odds

Under the guidelines of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, all licensed and regulated online Ohio sports betting sites are required to offer fair lines and odds. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be equal, which is why it could be valuable to give multiple sportsbooks a try.

Given the level of competition that is likely to exist in the sports betting Ohio market, licensed operators in the state should maintain a certain level of self-regulation among themselves anyway. The ESPN BET Ohio promo code will certainly maintain this standard when launching.

Frequency Of Betting Bonuses

Similar to the variety of bets allowed, it’s always better to have more bonuses than less. Some sportsbooks offer new or recurring bonuses every week, which can help customers enjoy winnings on a consistent basis.

Ease Of Deposits and Withdrawal

Few elements of sports betting are more frustrating than issues with banking. You should be able to make deposits and withdrawals with ease. People who own major credit cards or are adept with online bank transactions shouldn’t have much of an issue.

If you don’t fall into one of those categories, just be sure to check a sportsbook’s banking options before attempting to deposit funds.

Customer Support

No one wants to go to customer support, but sometimes you have to. And when that time comes, will you be properly supported? The best sports betting apps Ohio, from a customer service standpoint, provide live chat, phone and email support, as well as articles with FAQs on their site.

Bet Types Available with Ohio Betting Apps

Moneyline

Who will win the game? That’s the question you’re trying to answer, and if you get it right you’ll win your moneyline bet.

Parlays

These are combination wagers, featuring two or more bets (moneylines, point spreads, props, etc.) Each wager in a parlay must succeed for the bet to succeed. For that reason, parlays have greater risk — and reward — than straight bets.

Totals

Predict whether the total combined points/goals/runs of a game will be higher or lower than a total set by Ohio sports betting sites.

Point Spreads

Predict the winning team, based on a margin of victory or defeat set by the sportsbook. If Team A is favored by 7.5 points, and they only win by 6 points, then they did not “cover” the spread. Therefore, bettors who took Team B against the spread would win.

Futures

Predictions for events taking place sometime down the road are aptly called futures. Common futures bets at Ohio sports betting sites will relate to team accomplishments (e.g., winning a title) or player awards (e.g., MVP).

Prop Bets

Predict the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, such as whether a game will go to overtime or whether there will be a score in the final two minutes. NFL prop bets are extremely popular, as are NBA props.

Live Bets

Predict something regarding an event that is already underway. Odds for moneyline, point spread and point total shift based on the context of how the game is unfolding.

When Will Sports Betting Apps Be Legal in Ohio?

Technically, sports betting in Ohio has been legal since Dec. 21, 2021, when Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB29 (the Ohio sports betting bill) into law. After more than a year of negotiations between lawmakers, regulators and the operators themselves, online sportsbooks finally began accepting wagers immediately after the calendar switched to 2023.

House Bill 29 was originally introduced on Feb. 3, 2021. It passed through the House and Senate in early December 2021. On June 1, 2022, the Ohio Casino Control Commission announced that sports wagering would commence on Jan. 1, 2023, which was the latest date it could begin by law. Sports betting apps indeed launched on that date.

Will Mobile Sports Betting Apps be Available in Ohio?

Ohio sports betting apps are already available in the state and have been since Jan. 1, 2023. Some of the best online betting sites launched that day are more are expect throughout the first few months of 2023, with availability at the App Store and Google Play.

What Are The Benefits of Legalizing Ohio Online Sports Betting?

The primary benefit of making sports betting legal in Ohio is that residents can now place wagers from their home state, cash in on sign-up bonuses and enjoy the ability to wager from their mobile devices anywhere in the state.

There is no longer be a need to drive across state lines or take a risk with an unregulated offshore site. For the state, that means an influx of tax revenue, as well as added jobs to help support the burgeoning industry.

According to WHIO.com, an Ohio Legislative Service Commission report estimated that sports betting in the state could bring in $24 million in revenue the first year with 98% of that money going to K-12 education and the other two percent toward gambling addiction assistance

Ohio Sports Betting Apps Revenue Projection

Ohio online betting apps will almost certainly account for the grand majority of gambling revenue generated in the state. Combined with retail betting, some sports betting revenue predictions see as much as $90 million in tax revenue being generated annually in Ohio.

Most of that money is directed to K-12 education efforts, with some of the funds also going toward problem gambling services.

Ohio Sports Betting Legislation

The most important Ohio sports betting legislation update came on Dec. 22, 2021, when Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB29 into law to legalize sports betting in Ohio.

The House had already voted resoundingly in favor of the bill (72-12), as had the Senate (31-1). The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced on June 1, 2022, online sports betting would begin on Jan. 1, 2023. Shortly after midnight on that morning, Ohio sportsbooks began accepting wagers.

Ohio Online Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

• Jan. 1, 2023: Sports betting launches in Ohio.
• December 2022: BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365 Ohio have pre-registration bonuses available
• Oct. 31, 2022: BetMGM Ohio unveils its pre-registration offer for new bettors: $200 in free bets. DraftKings also joined FanDuel in offering early registration bonuses in Ohio recently.
• Oct. 27, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook Ohio announces it is accepting early sign-up and offering a $100 free bet plus a chance to win Cavs tickets. The first set of Ohio online sports betting operators were approved earlier in the month for the Jan. 1, 2023 launch date.
• Sept 21, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission grants nearly 20 online sportsbooks including BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel and DraftKings conditional approval to operate in the state.
• Sept. 7, 2022: The first eight sports gaming proprietors’ licenses were approved at the Ohio Casino Control Commission. Applicants who don’t have all of their paperwork submitted by October 5, will not be considered for the legal launch on Jan. 1, 2023.
• Aug. 3, 2022: During a bimonthly meeting of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, executive director Matthew Schuler said legal betting would start “once the ball drops in Times Square” on New Year’s Eve. In total, 850 applications have been filed.

Ohio Sports Betting History

Ohio’s history with sports betting is constantly evolving, and that will remain the case for months and years to come.

For now, here’s a brief overview of the progression of legalizing sports betting in Ohio.

Retail Sports Betting vs. Ohio Sports Betting Apps

It’s a pretty simple debate: retail sports betting enables a more personable, hands-on experience with potential added benefits of being at a casino, sporting event or bar/restaurant.

On the mobile betting side, the advantage is that you can quickly wager from anywhere in the state (no lineups or long car drives) using a device you’re likely spending a lot of time on anyway, and qualify for welcome bonuses and site credit from Ohio sports betting apps.

Responsible Ohio Sports Betting

There are four agencies within the state that work together to promote responsible gambling on Ohio online sports betting platforms: the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Ohio Lottery Commission, the Ohio State Racing Commission, and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).

At gamblinghelpohio.org, problem gamblers can access 24/7 live chat, a helpline, a text line, peer support groups and more.

How to Deposit and Withdraw from Ohio Sports Betting Apps

It’s always a good idea to see what payment options are available at a particular Ohio mobile sports betting app before you bank with them. Most Ohio online sports betting sites will allow at least these options for deposits:

• Credit/Debit Cards (especially VISA or MasterCard)
• PayPal
• Online Bank Transfer
• E-check
• Prepaid Play+ Card

Withdrawal options are generally be the same, with the exception of credit/debit cards.

Best Ohio Sports Betting Apps Conclusion

It took longer in Ohio than in neighboring states, but Ohio sports betting apps are now completely legal in the Buckeye State.

Ohio is a state with a rich pro and college sports scene, and fans now have access to a bevy of betting options to maximize their entertainment. With 65 potential licenses at stake (25 mobile, 40 retail), Ohioans finally have the thriving sports betting market they deserve.

Ohio Sports Betting Apps FAQs

What Sports Betting Apps Can I Use in Ohio?

BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel and DraftKings are among the many sports betting apps now available in Ohio.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

Yes, sports betting is legal and live in the Buckeye State. Ohio sports betting apps began accepting wagers just after midnight on Jan. 1, 2023.

When Will Sports Betting Be Legal in Ohio?

Sports betting has been live since Jan. 1, 2023, capping a process that took nearly two years. Leading online sportsbook apps such as BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel and DraftKings were some of the first to accept wagers in the state.

When Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

Sports Betting is now legal in Ohio, provided it’s done through legal and licensed sportsbooks. Gov. Mike DeWine signed the HB29, which legalized the industry, into law in Dec. 2021, and sportsbooks went live on Jan. 1, 2023.

Can You Bet On Sports in Ohio?

Yes, you can bet on sports online in Ohio with established and safe sportsbooks such as DraftKings and Caesars Sportsbook. Online sports betting went live on Jan. 1, 2023, just in time for the NFL playoffs.

What Sports Betting Sites Are Legal in Ohio?

BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings and FanDuel were among the first sports betting sites to go live in Ohio, and more are expected to follow, with up to 22 conditional licenses approved this far.

How Old Do I Need to Be to Bet on Sports in Ohio?

The minimum age for sports betting in Ohio is 21. If you visit a retail sports betting lounge at a casino or racino, the ticket writer may card you if you look underage.

When signing up online, the Ohio sports betting app will request a variety of details, including the last four digits from your SSN, to verify your age. Some ask you to scan a driver’s license or government-issued ID card too.

Will Ohio Residents Pay Taxes on Betting?

Yes, winnings derived from sports betting are viewed as taxable income that must be reported to the IRS. The IRS will require you to pay tax on any net winnings you earn over $600 during a 12-month period, as it will consider your profit to be taxable income.

At that point, an Ohio sportsbook will issue you a 1099 or W2-G form. You do not need to pay tax every time you win a bet, as this is only applicable if you earn a profit in the long-term.

Where Can I Bet at Ohio Sportsbooks?

If you are 21 or older and within the state lines of the Buckeye State, you can bet anywhere on a mobile sports betting app. You don’t have to be a resident, but you must be within state lines and be able to prove as much via the location services on your phone.

Responsible Gambling

Always gamble responsibly. All licensed and legal operators in the United States have resources available to bettors, including educational guides on how to spot problem gaming, links to support services and tools to self-exclude for a set period of time. Support is available at the National Council on Problem Gaming, 1-800-GAMBLER and American Addiction Centers. Be sure to only wager on gambling sites that are licensed and regulated by the gaming regulatory body in your state. That ensures games are fair, bets are honored, customers’ funds are secure and that there are legal protections for the consumer.

Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

This story was originally published March 26, 2024, 2:37 AM.