Ohio – 2019
Ohio – 2020
Ohio – 2021
Ohio – 2022
Ohio – January 2023
Ohio – February 2023
Although horse racing betting has been legal in Ohio for almost a century, this framework does not apply for online purposes. Residents of the Buckeye state can still get in on the fun from the comfort of their home thanks to offshore sportsbooks.
We’ve examined dozens of Ohio betting sites that allow wagering on horse racing and determined which ones are the best options.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2001
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100% Free Play
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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
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2001
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$250 Free Bet
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1994
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30% Cash Bonus
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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Resources:
Table of Contents
Is horse racing betting legal in Ohio?
Online horse racing betting became legal in the last few years. The first horse betting app was introduced in 2021.
Despite the legal status, most bettors prefer to use an offshore platform. These online betting sites provide legal access to a wide range of betting markets in addition to horse racing. They also provide bettors with the best odds in the online sports betting industry and some top-notch bonuses.
Horse Racing in Ohio FAQs
Are there horse races in Ohio?
Ohio has a well-established horse racing industry. The state hosts both thoroughbred and harness racing at several tracks. One track alone, Northfield Park, holds live racing on more than 200 nights a year.
How many racetracks are there in Ohio?
Ohio is home to six racetracks, which include Thistledown Racino, Mahoning Valley Race Course, Belterra Park, Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, Scioto Downs and MGM Northfield Park.
Is there live racing at Scioto Downs?
Scioto Downs, located in Columbus, Ohio, hosts live harness racing. Their racing season typically runs from May to September.
Can I use DraftKings in Ohio?
DraftKings’ official racebook service, DK Horse, is not yet available in Ohio. Many players rely on offshore sites instead.
Does Cleveland have horse racing?
Cleveland has horse racing at JACK Thistledown Racino, located in North Randall, a suburb just outside the city. MGM Northfield Park is also near Cleveland.
Ranking the Top 10 Betting Sites for Horse Racing in Ohio
After rating dozens of sportsbook operators, our team of experts has decided on the following rankings for the 10 best horse racing betting sites in Ohio:
- BookMaker – Caters to all experience and skill levels of gamblers
- Heritage Sports – All horse racing bettors get VIP service
- BetOnline – Racebook rebate program leads the state
- BetAnySports – Known for reduced juice, also has horse race section
- BetUS – Video previews and picks for major races
- WagerWeb – Same-day Bitcoin payouts
- JustBet – Competitive fixed odds which are released early
- Everygame – Smooth user experience makes betting easy
- SportsBetting.ag – Large limits for fixed-odds betting
These online sportsbooks are all located offshore, which means they are outside the jurisdiction of the state of Ohio. They are subject to their own gambling laws and do not fall under U.S. jurisdiction at all.
Because of the different sports betting regulations, these online betting platforms allow more than just online horse betting. Players can also find legal sports wagering on both professional sports and college sports, as well as plenty of options at the online casinos.
While horse race betting is legal in Ohio, most other forms of online gambling are seriously limited for companies based in the state. Offshore sportsbooks allow you to do all forms of online gambling in one convenient place.
All the online sportsbooks on our list have a long history of safe, dependable gambling and can be trusted with your money and personal information. Plus, they’ll treat you fairly.
Reviewing the Best Ohio Horse Racing Betting Sites
Most of our top 10 horse racing betting sites use the same software to run their racebook. That means that the actual process of betting on races is similar, no matter where you go. However, top-rated sites set themselves apart with by offering competitive bonuses and promotions, fast, dependable payouts and elite customer service to Ohio bettors and bettors around the United States.
Their lines and odds also differ. We break down what makes so special our picks for the best sportsbooks with detailed profiles below.
1. Caters to All Levels of Ohio Horse Players: BookMaker
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$500 Cash Bonus
Key Features
- Generous rebates for winning and losing bets
- Fixed odds are the earliest to post
Bookmaker.eu is our choice for the top horse racing gambling site in Ohio. It is one of the first racebooks to post odds, meaning you don’t need to sit around and wait to start breaking down a race. It’s a clean, easy-to-use site and offers a deep menu of domestic and international races each day.
BookMaker is known for catering to all levels of horse racing players, from experienced sharp bettors to novices trying it out for the first time. Limits are high and the site is known for not shutting down a gambler who gets on a winning roll.
Bettors will enjoy BookMaker’s promos like their rebate program, which returns 3% of all win, place and show bets on a daily basis. That goes up to 8% for more exotic bets. There’s no volume requirement or cap on how much you can earn and you’ll have access to one of the best loyalty programs in the industry.
2. Best Mobile Racebook in Ohio: Heritage Sports
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features
- Pays full track odds for major tracks
- Mobile racebook site is one of the best in Ohio
Heritage Sports comes in at No. 2. It originally was an invite-only gambling site, but it eventually gave in to popular demand and opened to everyone. Still, Heritage Sports tends to behave like it’s catering to VIPs, meaning its customer service and generous promotions are at an elite level.
You’ll find Heritage’s mobile site very easy to use, as well. Plus, it has high limits and pays full track odds for most major racetracks. Speaking of which, users will have access to over 60 tracks with options for both standard and exotic betting markets.
Heritage also has a large selection of online casino games, as well as a reduced juice sportsbook, so you can use it for all your gambling needs, not just the horses.
3. Top Racing Rebate Program in OH: BetOnline
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
9.2/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$250 Free Bet
Key Features
- Rebate of 4% on straight bets, 9% on exotics
- $25 risk-free horse bet for new customers
BetOnline is another leader for Ohio online gambling on horse racing. It has our favorite rebate program in the state. They give back 4% on straight horse racing bets and 9% on exotic bets.
The site is also slick and easy to use, and it steps up its game for big races. BetOnline posts odds for Triple Crown and Breeders Cup futures, weeks in advance, and they’re usually better than odds you’ll find at other sites.
BetOnline promo codes come with plenty of variety. The site matches initial deposits up to $250 in free bets; you can’t use this for horse racing but it does come with 100 free casino spins. You’ll have to spend it on online sports wagering or casino games. However, there is a specific racebook promo as you do get a $25 risk-free horse bet for signing up.
4. Reduced Juice Sportsbook With Reliable Racebook: BetAnySports
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
9/10
Bonuses
8.7/10
Odds
9.6/10
Customer Service
8.5/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
55% Cash Bonus
Key Features
- Large menu of international races
- Welcome bonus can be used on racebook
As its name implies, BetAnySports is best known for its sportsbook, but it also has a comprehensive horse racing section. The site offers reduced juice on sports betting lines, which gives gamblers a big discount and makes it easier to turn a profit.
On the racing side, BetAnySports has races from around the world and sets its win limits high for gamblers willing to take a risk. They also offer a cash rebate program, returning 3% on straight bets and 6% on exotics. They pay out both winners and losers.
You can use BetAnySports’ welcome bonus in the racing section, which isn’t true at every site. They match 25% of your initial deposit, up to $500. There’s a low rollover requirement compared to the competition, but it also applies to your deposit, not just the bonus.
Comparing the Best Sites for Horse Racing in Ohio
Even though this is an evaluation of the top online horse racing betting sites in Ohio, we also took into consideration what else you could do at the sites. Most of the offshore sportsbook operators in our top 10 also offer more than just wagering on horse racing, including legal sports betting and online casinos.
The fact that they allow you to do everything in one place is a benefit, especially in a state like Ohio, where some of those other forms of gambling can’t be done with a site based in the state.
That being said, the horse race betting experience at the various sites is what ultimately set them apart from the crowd. Here’s a look at some of the factors we evaluated when we came up with our rankings.
Horse Racing Fixed Odds
Fixed-odds betting is still one of the most popular ways to wager on horse racing. We looked for sports betting operators that posted odds early, with plenty of advanced time for major races like the legs of the Triple Crown and the Breeders Cup Classic.
While many sites have similar betting odds, we looked for sites that consistently seemed to be better than average, although we strongly encourage gamblers to shop around a bit to find the best odds on the horse they want.
Horse Racing Betting Markets
We’ve generally separated horse race betting into two categories in this guide: Straight bets and exotics.
A straight bet means you’re picking one horse in one race. You can bet on a horse to finish first (win), first or second (place) or first, second or third (show) in a race. The payout is obviously higher if you bet to win.
Exotics mean you’re betting on multiple horses, either in a single race or across several races.
Live Horse Racing Betting
Some sites offer simulcast racing programs so you can watch them online after making the bet. While high-profile races like the Triple Crown are easy to find on TV, simulcasts of horse races from less famous tracks may be difficult to follow without this feature.
Horse Racing Betting Promotions & Bonuses
Most horse racing sites offer some type of promotion to keep regular customers loyal to them. One of the most popular offers is a rebate program, where you get a portion of what you wager back.
Usually, exotic bets earn a higher percentage rebate than straight bets. Some sites also offer risk-free bets (or bonus bets) on occasion. If you win, you keep what you earned, but if you lose, the site returns your stake in the form of a free bet credit.
Horse Racing Welcome Bonus
Promotions for new users are standard for online racebooks. It could range from matching some bonus amount of your initial deposit to offering a free bet. Since the sites in our top 10 offer many services other than a racebook, the question of whether there’s a race-specific welcome bonus or whether the overall site bonus can be applied to the racebook, and sites differ on both.
Special Features for Horse Racing
Whether in person or online, picking winners at a racetrack takes some homework. The top betting sites in Ohio will help you with some of that work by providing tools to analyze the field.
Past performance information and other histories can be the difference between winning and losing a wager.
Some online horse betting sites like TVG and TwinSpires are among the best at providing these tools, but offshore sportsbooks also provide support in this area for their customers.
User-Friendly Design
Just from the sheer number of locations and races going on during any given day, it is important for a site to be user-friendly, to make it easy to find the race you’re looking for, or to browse all the action on a given date. It should be fast and easy to place bets, since time is sometimes an issue, and the mobile betting experience should be similar to the full-blown site on a computer.
Best Ohio Horse Racing Betting Sites
The list of traits above are ones where our top-rated online betting sites were able to distinguish themselves. Below, we discuss some “must haves” for a top horse racing betting site. Each of the members of our top 10 performs well in the following areas
Brand Reputation
Our choices for horse players in Ohio are sites that have been in business for a long time and have an extensive history of treating customers fairly and paying out on time and in full. Some sites are almost as old as the web, pushing three decades in the business. They all have a reputation of fairness and trustworthiness.
Payment Options
There should be a wide variety of banking methods available, from credit and debit card transactions to bank transfers, as well as e-wallets, like Skrill, and cryptocurrency banking options. Payments should be processed quickly and fees should be kept to a minimum. Similarly, payouts should be fast and easy, so you can collect your winnings.
Safety & Security
Every racebook in our top 10 has a pristine safety record. If it didn’t, we’d remove it from our list immediately, and it would be a long time before it was even considered for inclusion again. You can rest assured that your money and personal information will be safe at any of the sites in our rankings.
Speed & Ease of Use
You don’t want to miss out on a payday because your bet didn’t get in fast enough. With odds changing down to race time and information constantly becoming available, you need a betting site that is fast and easy to use, without the risk of pages crashing unexpectedly at the worst time.
Customer Service
If you have some type of problem, you want a site that will help you take care of it quickly and easily. Ideally, the top sites will offer 24/7 customer service in multiple languages. There should also be multiple ways to reach them, including phone, online chat and email. Wait times should be short and the agents should be professional and able to help you.
Overall Value
Value is a personal decision based on which of the many factors you put the most weight on. Some customers make purely financial decisions and go with a site that has the best promotions and bonuses and the most competitive odds. Others pay more attention to the non-racing options available at the site. You alone know which aspects are most important to you, but we’ve provided the information you need to make that decision.
Ohio Horse Racing Betting Guide – Learn to Bet on Horse Races in Ohio
The best way to bet online on horse races in Ohio is through one of our top-rated online betting sites. Topping our list was:
- Bookmaker.eu
- Heritage Sports
- BetOnline
In addition to racebooks, they have extensive sportsbooks, as well as online casino games. Legal sports betting sites also allow for wagering on esports, entertainment, and politics. Some of the sites also have online poker rooms.
Ohio Horse Racing – What Bettors Must Know
There are two primary ways that horse racing bets are paid out: Fixed odds and pari-mutuel.
Fixed odds are used for major races like the legs of the Triple Crown, the Breeder’s Cup and the Santa Anita Derby.
It works similarly to betting on futures in other sports. The various horses are listed with their respective odds of winning—some long shots may be grouped together as “the field” and one bet gets all of them. Bettors choose the horse they think will win, place or show and know ahead of time how much their bet will pay if they’re successful.
Smaller tracks and less popular races—which include the vast majority of all racing action available for betting—use payouts on a pari-mutuel basis.
All the money bet on each market goes into a large pool. A cut goes to the racing industry, and the rest is split among the winning tickets, weighted by the amount of each wager. You may be able to estimate how much you’ll win, but you won’t know for sure until everything is divided.
Horse Racing Betting Odds
For fixed-odds races, the odds will be presented in one of two different ways. There is the American format and the fractional format. We explain each one and explain how to read them below.
Fixed Odds for Horse Racing Betting in Ohio
The American format will begin with a plus or minus sign after the horse you’re looking at. If the number has a plus sign, it tells you how much you would win (in profit) with a $100 bet.
So a +500 means that a $100 bet would win you $500, plus you’d get back the original $100 you put down. The higher the number after the plus sign is, the bigger your payout and the less likely it is that the horse (or team) will win.
If you don’t bet $100, the payout is scaled based on that ratio. So if you bet $10 on a +500, you’d earn $50 in profit.
When the odds start with a minus sign, it tells you how much you’d have to bet to win $100. So a -110 means that you’d have to risk $110 on a bet in order to earn $100 in profit on a win. Minus signs are reserved for heavy favorites.
Fractional odds are the more common way of listing horse racing odds for big races. You multiply your bet amount by the fraction to calculate your potential profit.
For example, a horse with 7/2 odds would earn $350 profit on a $100 bet. (100 x 7/2 = 350)
Pari-Mutuel Betting in Ohio
Pari-mutuel betting is common in horse race betting, but it will be an adjustment if you’ve only bet on other sports, where fixed odds are generally the common practice.
Your bet goes into a pool, and after the industry takes a piece off the top, the winnings are divided up evenly (based on the wager amount) among the winners. Tracks and racebooks are generally good about estimating the potential payout prior to the start of the race, but the final amount you win may vary a bit from the expectation.
Pool Betting on Ohio Horse Races
You may hear the term “pool betting” for selected races. This is the same as pari-mutuel betting, where the wagers are put into one pool and then distributed.
Horse Racing Bet Types Explained
Below we explain the different types of bets that are commonly placed on horse races:
- Win: The most common bet. You pick the horse you think will win the race.
- Place: Your bet will pay off if the horse finished first or second. The payout will be smaller than a Win bet.
- Show: Your bet pays off for a first, second or third-place finish. The payout is smaller than a place.
- Exacta: For exacta wagers, you pick two horses to finish, exactly, in first and second. If you want the top two horses, regardless of which one finishes first, you’d need an Exacta Box.
- Trifecta: You pick the top three horses in order. You can also do a Trifecta Box.
- Superfecta: You need to pick the top four horses in order.
- Daily Double: Essentially, a two-race parlay. You pick the winners of back-to-back races and need to win both to pay off.
- Pick 3/4/5/6: Similar to a Daily Double but with three, four, five, or six consecutive races.
Ohio Horse Racing Betting Terms
Betting on horses has its own language. Here’s a quick glossary of terms
- Across the Board: Putting three bets on the same horse– to win, to place, and to show.
- At the Post: The horses are lining up to start the race. It means betting windows are about to close.
- Blinkers: Headgear to restrict a horse’s field of vision. This can be helpful for an easily distracted horse.
- Claiming Race: A race in which every horse running is up for sale.
- Dead Heat: Two or more horses finish in a tie.
- DQ: A horse has been disqualified
- Exotic Bet: A bet on multiple horses that combines multiple outcomes, such as an exacta or trifecta.
- Favorite: The horse with the best chance of winning—according to bookmakers—and the lowest potential payout.
- Fixed Odds: Published odds stating exactly how much a bet will pay out if successful.
- Furlong: This distance is one-eighth of a mile.
- Length: The full length of a horse. Usually used to describe a horse’s margin of victory. Other measurements include a head, a neck, or a nose.
- Morning Line: The track handicapper’s prediction on the eventual odds each horse will essentially have in the pari-mutuel payout.
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering: The primary method used to determine horse racing payouts. All money wagered goes into a pool, which is split between winners.
- Purse: The total prize money issued to the owners of the horses in a race, with the winning owner taking the largest slice.
- Tote Board: A digital board that highlights the payouts for each market on the most recent race at a track.
- Triple Crown: The three leading races for three-year-olds in America: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Ohio Horse Racing Betting Calculator
A fixed-odds bet is just like a bet in any sportsbook market, and you’ll get a slip telling you exactly what the payout will be if you win. With pari-mutuel betting, however, the amount isn’t known until after the race.
However, you can try to figure out your potential winnings by looking at the percentage of money wagered on your horse and converting that into a probability.
Ohio Horse Racing Odds Chart:
The following chart shows the odds (American and fractional) and payout for a $2 bet at different levels.
| Horse Racing Odds | $2 Wager Payout | Implied Probability of Winning |
|---|---|---|
| 1/5 (-500) | $2.40 | 83.33% |
| 1/4 (-400) | $2.50 | 80% |
| 1/3 (-300) | $2.60 | 75% |
| 1/2 (-200) | $3.00 | 66.67% |
| 4/6 (-150) | $3.33 | 60% |
| 1/1 (-100) | $4.00 | 50% |
| 2/1 (+200) | $6.00 | 33.33% |
| 3/1 (+300) | $8.00 | 25% |
| 5/1 (+500) | $12 | 16.67% |
| 10/1 (+1000) | $22 | 9.00% |
| 50/1 (+5000) | $102 | 1.96% |
As you can see, (+5000) odds have the lowest chance of winning but the highest payout, and (-500) odds have the best chance to win but the lowest payout.
Ohio Horse Race Tracks
Before the advent of online horse racing betting, the only option for horse players was track betting. Since their early days, almost all the race tracks in Ohio have taken some form of sports wagers.
Let’s take a look at the different race tracks across the Buckeye State.
- JACK Thistledown Racino: In Randall, home to the Ohio Derby
- Belterra Park: Located in Cincinnati, Belterra Park is a turf course for Thoroughbred racing.
- MGM Northfield Park: In Northfield, Ohio, MGM Northfield park is home to harness racing more than 200 nights a year.
- Scioto Downs: In Columbus, where you’ll find the Charlie Hill Pace, Ervin Samples Pace, and Heart of Ohio Trot.
- Miami Valley Gaming: In Lebanon, home to the Miami Valley Distaff Trot and the Ohio State Stakes.
- Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway: This track can be found in Dayton, Ohio. It hosts harness racing and is also home to a large casino.
- Delaware County Fairgrounds: In Columbus, home to the Little Brown Jug.
The History of Horse Racing in Ohio
The history of horse racing in Ohio dates back to the 1800s and has been a part of the sporting community for close to 200 years.
- 2022: Betting on sports legalized in Ohio, taking effect in 2023, ending racing’s nearly 90-year reign as the only legalized gambling in the state.
- 2019: Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signs a bill allowing racetracks to offer sports betting on professional and college sports. However, the bill has yet to be fully implemented as regulations and licensing requirements are still being developed.
- 2014: Ohio’s racetracks are authorized to offer instant racing, a form of electronic gambling that allows bettors to wager on past horse races using slot-like machines.
- 2011: Ohio allows racetracks to install video lottery terminals (VLTs), also known as slot machines, at their facilities.
- 1959: The Ohio State Racing Commission is established to regulate and oversee horse racing in the state.
- 1933: Ohio legalizes pari-mutuel betting on horse racing.
- 1925: Thistledown, Beulah Park, Northampton Park and River Downs open.
- 1924: The Ohio Derby is run again and has run all but three years since.
Ohio Horse Racing Betting Bonuses
Here’s a look at the different types of bonuses you might encounter.
Welcome Bonuses
Some betting sites have welcome bonus offers that can be used on the racebook. Others limit it to casino gaming or the sportsbook. If you are able to use the bonus, be sure to check the rollover requirements, which say how many times it must be wagered before you can withdraw it.
Free Bets
Also called a risk-free bet or bet insurance. If you lose the bet, your money will be refunded, usually in the form of free bet credit.
Loyalty/VIP
This is a program to keep existing customers betting at a site. There is usually some type of way to track your activity at a site, like a points system, and you are rewarded based on how often you wager.
Rebates
This is another way to reward loyal customers. The site returns a portion of what you’ve lost as a cash rebate or site credit. Some sites offer a rebate even on winning bets.
Bonus Terms and Conditions at Ohio Horse Racing Betting Sites
Bonuses may seem like free money, but there are usually some strings attached. There may be minimum deposit requirements or bet amounts in order to be eligible for them. There also will likely be an expiration date for the bonus money, as well as rollover requirements.
Rollover Requirements
This refers to how many times you need to play your bonus money before you can withdraw it. For instance, BookMaker has an 8x rollover requirement, which is actually relatively low. It means you have to wager eight times as much money as you’ve received as a bonus before you can cash it out. For instance, if you get a $100 bonus, you need to play at least $800.
Tips to Start Betting at Horse Racing Sites for Ohioans
Registering an account at a horse racing site and getting started is fast and easy.
- Go to Bookmaker.eu, our top-rated site, or any other site in our top 10
- Hit the “Join Now” button and put your information in the registration form.
- Choose a deposit method and enter your information. Be sure to put in a promo code if your welcome offer requires one.
- Find “Racebook” at the top of the page and choose an upcoming race.
- In order to place a straight wager, just check the win, place or show box next to a horse.
- Use the separate tabs to create an exacta, trifecta, or superfecta.
- Type the amount you want to wager and click “Place Bet.”
Conclusion
Our team of experts crunched the numbers and recommends Bookmaker.eu above all other options for online horse betting in Ohio. However, any of the sites listed in our top 10 are highly respected and will give you an excellent gambling experience.
Ohio sports betting became legal in January 2023, offering over a dozen legal sports betting apps. With so many options, choosing where to bet can be challenging. Offshore Ohio sports betting sites provide a variety of bonuses, competitive odds and more for players.
Our guide covers the best Ohio sports betting sites, highlighting their bonuses, features and more. Discover the top places to bet on sports in Ohio today.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1996
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$500 Cash Bonus
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2001
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100% Free Play
|
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|
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2002
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55% Cash Bonus
|
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|
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2001
|
$250 Free Bet
|
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|
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1994
|
30% Cash Bonus
|
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1996
|
$500 Cash Bonus
|
Resources:
Latest Update
August 2024:
Ohio lawmakers aim to legalize mobile lotteries and online casinos to modernize gambling and tap into the mobile gaming boom. Meanwhile, SuperBook is pulling out of eight states, including Ohio, while Betfred is exiting Ohio after its Maryland departure. Despite these changes, Ohio’s sports betting industry is booming, with over $4.1 billion wagered in the first half of 2024.
Ohio Sports Betting FAQs
Can I gamble online if I live in Ohio?
As of January 2023, online sports betting is legal in Ohio. However, if you are looking to bet on a variety of sports and leagues, your best options are offshore sportsbooks, like BookMaker or Bovada. Regardless, you have many options for sports betting and online wagering in Ohio.
What website can I bet on in Ohio?
You can place sports bets with any operational regulated sportsbook or offshore sportsbook as a bettor in Ohio State.
What are the best sports betting apps in Ohio?
Our list of the top 10 Ohio sportsbook apps includes Bookmaker.eu, Heritage Sports, and BetOnline at the top. We recommend sports bettors compare the common features of each book, so they have the opportunity to place the types of wagers they want on their favorite major sports leagues.
Is mobile sports betting legal in Ohio?
Mobile sports betting launched on January 1st of 2023 in Ohio State along with online sports betting.
What app can I use to bet on sports in Ohio?
You can use any state-regulated mobile sports betting app or offshore sports betting app to place your bets. We recommend checking out the mobile-optimized sites that offshore platforms, such as Everygame or BetAnySports, provide if you are looking for more variety in betting options.
How do you bet on NFL games in Ohio?
Sports betting in Ohio is set to launch soon. Until then, residents may use offshore sportsbooks for NFL betting.
Table of Contents
Best Ohio Betting Apps
Our experts rated the top Ohio mobile sites and betting apps on several different factors and came up with the following rankings.
The offshore sportsbook sites and apps on our list all offer a secure, stable platform for legal sports wagering and offer a wide range of sports markets for your bets. These operators offer all types of sports betting including game parlays, teasers, prop bets, live betting, point spreads and moneyline betting.
- BetOnline – Offers the quickest payouts in Ohio
- Heritage Sports – Provides an excellent live betting platform in Ohio
- BetAnySports – Provides reduced juice for bettors
- Everygame – Features games and matches outside the U.S.
- WagerWeb – Offers same-day payouts for Bitcoin users
- SportsBetting.ag – Provides a great mobile racebook
- BetUS – Offers generous bonuses for new customers and VIPs
- JustBet – Features some of the earliest betting lines in the industry
- BookMaker – Caters to experienced gamblers and first-timers alike
Sports fans and bettors can find competitive betting odds, generous bonus offers and a wide range of legal sports betting markets and options at each of these online sports betting apps.
Ohio State Sports Betting Timeline
The evolution of sports betting in Ohio is a journey marked by legislative developments, regulatory advancements and a gradual shift in the state’s approach to gambling:
August 2024
Ohio lawmakers aim to legalize mobile lotteries and online casinos to modernize gambling and tap into the mobile gaming boom. Meanwhile, SuperBook is pulling out of eight states, including Ohio, while Betfred is exiting Ohio after its Maryland departure. Despite these changes, Ohio’s sports betting industry is booming, with over $4.1 billion wagered in the first half of 2024.
July 2024
The Ohio Casino Control Commission proposes a new rule (Ohio Adm.Code Chapter 3775-16-09) following Fanatics’ violations. Ohio’s casino revenue soars in May, marking the second-best month of 2024, as online gaming potential rises.
July 2024
Ohio’s casino revenue soars in May, marking the second-best month of 2024, as online gaming potential rises.
May 2024
In an effort to ensure active participation in sports betting, the Ohio Casino Control Commission proposes an amendment to revoke the licenses of sports betting operators that have been inactive for a year.
March 2024
The Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio holds its first meeting to discuss online casinos.
February 2024
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the NCAA voice support to ban college prop bets in the state.
January 2024
Kroger, Ohio’s largest supermarket chain, adds betting kiosks to 20 locations across Greater Cincinnati and Dayton.
December 2023
Ohio’s first year of legalized sports betting generates nearly $800 million in revenue.
August 2023
Sports betting revenue goes up 14.6% compared to July 2023.
July 2023
As of July 1st, the tax for online sportsbooks doubles, from 10% to 20%.
June 2023
Legislators voice support for raising online sportsbooks’ tax from 10 to 20%.
May 2023
During Q1 of 2023, the sports betting handle in Ohio exceeds $3 billion.
April 2023
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has ruled that gift cards will be allowed to be used as currency for Ohio sports betting, both mobile and retail.
January 2023
Ohio successfully launches its sports betting market on January 1, with several retail sportsbooks and online betting platforms going live. During the first month, the handle tops $1 billion.
2022
In October, the Ohio Casino Control Commission finalizes the regulatory framework for sports betting, setting the stage for the industry’s launch in the state.
February 2023
Cincinnati proved to be a strong candidate for the state’s most prolific city as reports indicated the biggest Super Bowl betting activity in Ohio.
2020
The state legislature closes its final session of the year without voting on SB111, essentially leaving it to die without approval.
2021
HB29 is passed after negotiation. The state senate approved one bill, which was then amended and replaced. The law was approved on December 8 and signed by the governor, Mike DeWine, on December 22. Now, companies could begin to apply for sports betting licenses.
2018
In Murphy vs. NCAA, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that PASPA was unconstitutional, opening the door for states to decide their own sports betting laws.
2019
State senator John Eklund proposes SB111, which would regulate Ohio sports betting.
2010
Ohio opens its first casinos, marking a shift in the state’s stance towards gambling and setting a foundation for future discussions about sports betting.
2015
A bill to legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Ohio is introduced, reflecting a growing interest in sports-related betting activities.
2017
Ohio lawmakers begin initial discussions about legalizing sports betting, acknowledging the potential revenue and interest in the state following national trends.
2002
Ohio voters approve a constitutional amendment to allow a state lottery, indicating growing acceptance of regulated gambling in the state.
2009
The Ohio legislature passes a bill to allow slot machines at racetracks, expanding the state’s gambling options and reflecting a more open approach to gambling regulation.
1992
PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act), a federal law banning all types of sports betting in every state except Nevada, is passed.
1996
The first racetrack with video lottery terminals opens in Ohio, introducing a new form of gambling to the state and laying the groundwork for future expansion of gaming options.
As Ohio continues to develop its sports betting landscape, this timeline serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to creating a sustainable and regulated betting environment, reflecting its responsiveness to national trends and local demands.
Reviews of the Best Ohio Betting Apps & Mobile Sites for 2024
Dive into our in-depth reviews
When choosing a particular mobile sports betting app or site to use, there are many aspects to consider. So, to supplement our top-10 rankings, we put together an in-depth breakdown of each mobile site or app on the list.
While we feel that any of the top 10 would be an excellent choice, the breakdowns should help you decide which one does well in the areas that are most important to your needs. Some of the factors we considered include user-friendly interfaces, the size of limits offered, betting odds, offering plenty of payment methods, 24/7 customer service and bonuses for new users.
You can learn more about each of the options available in Ohio with the in-depth mobile sportsbook reviews below:
1. BetOnline: Best Opinionated Lines
Best For
Trust
9.8/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
9.2/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$250 Free Bet
Key Features:
- Opinionated lines
- 24/7 customer service with short waiting times
BetOnline is one of the few places where you can find opinionated lines. Most Ohio sports betting sites offer the same odds on both sides of a spread for example, but opinionated lines will be set at -112/-108 or even -113/-107, which gives you a profit boost if you pick correctly. BetOnline promo codes are also very easy to find and offer many great bonuses.
It also has a wide variety of betting options like an online casino with over 500 games and access to the third busiest poker network in the country. In addition to its betting options, BetOnline supports a diverse range of payment methods including cryptocurrencies, credit cards, wire transfers and money orders, catering to the preferences of different bettors.
2. Heritage Sports: Our Top Choice for Live Betting in OH
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.2/10
Odds
9/10
Customer Service
9/10
Betting Limits
9.7/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
100% Free Play
Key Features:
- The best live betting interface in Ohio
- Offers reduced juice
Heritage Sports was one of the first sites to offer a live betting platform and it still is one of the best interfaces for betting on games that are taking place. The live betting function has an extensive selection of events, quick odds updates and a platform that makes placing bets during games both easy and exciting for bettors. Another great perk is the access to reduced juice odds of -108, which translates into a 20% discount over time.
It also offers great promos like cashback rebates and fast payouts with professional customer service. More importantly, the mobile site gives you the same experience as the full site on a computer, including access to the casino with live dealers.
3. BetAnySports: Best Reduced Juice
Best For
Trust
9.6/10
Banking
9/10
Bonuses
8.7/10
Odds
9.6/10
Customer Service
8.5/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
55% Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- Reduced juice is the most generous in Ohio
- Multiple live betting platforms for in-progress games and matches
BetAnySports is the low-price leader among Ohio betting apps with its reduced juice model. Instead of offering odds of -110 on either side of a spread or point total, BetAnySports sets its odds at -105. Over time, this helps your profit margin grow to make you more money.
The site caters to a wide array of sports enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive selection of betting options across major sports like football, basketball, baseball and soccer, as well as niche markets including esports and international events.
BetAnySports offers a dynamic live betting experience with multiple platforms, ensuring bettors have a wide range of options for in-game wagering. The site is also known for its fast payouts, ensuring that winners can access their funds quickly and without hassle.
4. Everygame: Best Mobile Casino Gaming
Best For
Trust
9.5/10
Banking
8.6/10
Bonuses
8.8/10
Odds
8.5/10
Customer Service
8.6/10
Betting Limits
9.8/10
CURRENT PROMOTION
$500 Cash Bonus
Key Features:
- Covers more games from around the world than anyone else
- Wide variety of casino games with a great mobile interface as well
Everygame is a favorite website for Ohioan bettors with its user-friendly mobile interface, offering easy access to a wide array of betting options. The platform allows access to a global selection of sports and leagues, including niche sports like esports, darts, snooker and table tennis, providing diverse choices for all types of bettors.
Players can enjoy a full-scale casino and dedicated poker room, right from their mobile device with Everygame. The poker room offers a variety of games and tournaments to play, suitable for players of all skill levels. The casino section offers a wide selection of games, including slots, blackjack and roulette, ensuring a thrilling experience.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
In January 2023, sports betting became legal in Ohio. Retail sports betting is still in its infancy in the state, which is why many bettors still prefer to use offshore sportsbooks.
These sportsbooks are not in the jurisdiction of the Ohio state government or U.S. federal law. That means they can offer sports betting, horse racing odds, casino games, online poker and even betting markets on entertainment, politics and esports.
While the thousands of Ohio sportsbook operators are learning the ropes of the new in-state industry, offshore sports betting sites will be operating the same as they ever have.
Their long history of dependable wagering explains why offshore books make up our top 10 list.
How We Rank the Best Ohio Mobile Sportsbooks & Mobile Sites
Several factors were considered as we evaluated dozens of mobile sportsbooks to come up with Ohio’s 10 best online betting sites. We methodically compared the sites on each aspect to determine which sites were best.
We then made a final adjustment to our rankings, based on which factors are most important to the customer betting experience. That produced the final rankings you saw above. Some of the features we considered include:
Mobile Betting Experience
A mobile sportsbook app should be easy to use. The best online sportsbooks in Ohio are easy to navigate, user-friendly and fast-loading. They had clearly labeled sections and filters making it easy to find the sport you wanted, the market you were trying to bet on or the individual game you were looking for without clicking too many times.
Sports Betting Apps
Performance and quality are equally important on a mobile site or app. Users on a phone or tablet should have a similar experience to the full-blown site on a laptop or desktop. Our top-ranked apps are safe and legal and they offer a wide menu of sports, banking methods and bonuses.
Mobile Betting Bonus Codes & Promos
There are a number of different types of sign-up bonuses for new customers. We evaluated welcome bonuses on Ohio sports betting apps based on the amount offered and the type of bonus—is it a straight dollar amount, a risk-free bet, free plays or something else? Are there strings attached, especially when it comes to withdrawing the money?
We also consider other factors that could cloud the picture like minimum deposits, bonus percentages, max wagers, wagering requirements, rollovers and expiration dates.
Live Mobile Betting & Streaming
In-play betting is no longer new—it’s a requirement for any sports betting app or mobile site. We want an interface that makes it easy and fast to find and place live bets. Odds are constantly changing, so delays in loading pages or filling out the bet slip could cost real money. The interface should offer a variety of sports and markets. Odds should be fair. Live streaming is a feature that sets some sites apart.
Banking Options
Whether you’re collecting your winnings or just pulling out some of your initial deposit, it should be fast and easy to get back your own money. Top-rated sites should have a simple, secure process that doesn’t keep you waiting too long.
Does the site charge fees or have frustrating requirements when you try to withdraw money from your account? What are the rollover requirements on winnings and bonuses? What payment options are available both to fund your account and to receive money? These are some of the questions we ask.
Customer Service
Top-rated sports betting mobile sites will offer customer service in multiple languages and have professional support available without long wait times. Customer service should ideally be available 24/7 and there should be several ways to get help, including live chat, email and telephone.
Licensing & Security
Any sites that had issues with security or licensing status were not included in our rankings. Our top 10 apps in Ohio all have long histories of safe, secure online gambling. So you can be sure your money and personal information will be safe.
Popular Ohio Sports Betting Markets
Ohio has many sports betting options and formidable professional sports teams to make your wagers more exciting. Here are some of the top sports you can bet on in the Buckeye State.
Football – NFL
Football is huge in Ohio. The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are the local NFL teams. Fans love betting on games, especially during the Super Bowl. Fans can choose from a wide variety of wagers including point spreads, moneylines and prop bets. The excitement of the game and the chance to win money make NFL betting very popular.
College Football
College football betting is huge in Ohio. Teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Bearcats have some of the biggest games thanks to their dedicated fanbase. Betting options include point spreads, over/under totals and player props. The love for college football in Ohio keeps this market busy.
Basketball – NBA
Basketball also has a strong following in Ohio. The Cleveland Cavaliers are the main team. Fans enjoy placing bets on point spreads, total points and player performances. The fast pace of basketball makes it a thrilling sport to bet on.
College Basketball
College basketball also draws a lot of attention in Ohio. Fans bet on teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes and Xavier Musketeers. Common bets include point spreads, total points, game props and player prop bets. The excitement of March Madness adds to the fun of betting on college basketball.
Baseball – MLB
Baseball is another favorite in Ohio. The Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians have dedicated fan bases. Bets often focus on run lines, totals and different types of prop bets. With many games in a season, there’s always a chance to place a bet.
Hockey – NHL
Hockey is gaining popularity in Ohio. The Columbus Blue Jackets are the local NHL team. Fans enjoy betting on moneylines, point spreads and total goals. The fast action on the ice makes hockey an exciting option for bettors.
Ohio Sports Betting Teams
Here’s a look at the most beloved sports teams across Ohio, highlighting the professional franchises and top collegiate programs that define the Buckeye State’s sporting spirit:
- Cleveland Browns: As a storied franchise in NFL football, the Browns boast a loyal and passionate fan base. Despite a rollercoaster history, their resilience and moments of brilliance keep fans and bettors on the edge of their seats, especially during the AFC North matchups.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Another NFL mainstay, the Bengals have seen a resurgence in recent years, capturing the hearts of fans across the state. Their journey to the Super Bowl in the 2021 season has rekindled enthusiasm and betting interest in the team’s prospects.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers have etched their name into the history books, particularly with their 2016 championship win. The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to be a focus for basketball fans and bettors, offering thrilling games and the potential for memorable victories.
- Cleveland Guardians: The Cleveland Guardians are a storied franchise within MLB, with a history that dates back to the early 20th century. The Cleveland Guardians compete in the American League Central Division and they play their home games at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland. Their games attract a significant following, making them a focal point for baseball fans and sports bettors looking for action during the MLB season.
- Cincinnati Reds: Known as the oldest professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds have a rich history that includes five World Series championships and numerous National League pennants. They play in the National League Central Division and have a dedicated fan base that spans generations.
- Columbus Blue Jackets: Representing Ohio in the NHL, the Blue Jackets have carved out a niche in the state’s sports scene. Their games in Columbus are a beacon for hockey enthusiasts, providing fast-paced action and passionate displays of team spirit.
- Ohio State University Buckeyes (OSU): A powerhouse in NCAA Division I, the Buckeyes are synonymous with athletic excellence, particularly in football and basketball. Their football program, in particular, is a national titan, attracting fervent support and significant betting action with its tradition of excellence and championship contention.
- University of Cincinnati Bearcats (UC): Competing fiercely in NCAA Division I, the Bearcats have made their mark in football and basketball. Their recent football success, including appearances in major bowl games, has heightened their profile among fans and bettors alike.
- University of Dayton Flyers (UD): Known for their basketball prowess, the Flyers have become a beloved team in Ohio, especially following their impressive runs in the NCAA basketball tournament. Their spirited games draw considerable attention from the betting community, who are keen on spotting Cinderella stories.
The dedication of its fans, the historic achievements of its teams and the sheer variety of sporting action make Ohio a standout state for anyone interested in sports betting.
Mobile Betting Bonuses & Promotions Available in Ohio
If you’re planning to begin betting with an app or mobile site, you’re about to become very popular. The Ohio mobile sports betting market is fierce and sites will offer you plenty of promos to lure you into signing up with them. Then they’ll offer a variety of loyalty programs to keep you betting with them.
Mobile betting often offers many more benefits than brick-and-mortar sportsbooks. However, not all bonuses are the same, so we’ll go through some of the most common types and explain what you’ll be getting.
Welcome Bonuses
Just about every sports betting mobile site and betting app offers a sign-up bonus to attract new users. It’s the most common type of bonus awarded in the industry.
In most cases, a sports betting app in Ohio will give you a welcome bonus with your first deposit. Online sports betting apps often match some or all of your bonus. It could range from a 50% match, meaning that if you deposit $500, they’ll give you an additional $250, all the way up to a 200% match, which would mean your $500 is matched with an additional $1,000. They’re usually capped at a specific amount.
Existing Customer Promotions
Sites also want to retain their current customers and they do so with loyalty bonuses. The best online sports betting sites value loyalty and offer a variety of promotions to keep you on board, including reload bonuses, enhanced odds and insurance bets.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are rare, but you may see one on occasion. It basically gives you money before you make a deposit. Essentially, they’re funding your first few bets for free.
You don’t have to deposit money into your account to claim a no-deposit bonus. Depending on the mobile site or sports betting app in Ohio, these offers can be in the form of additional bonus money or free bet tokens.
Free Bets
Free bets are a popular promotional item. You basically get a chance to win with no risk with this type of bet. Different sites may market them as risk-free bets or bet insurance. You usually have to bet money from your account.
If you win, you get to keep whatever you earned, but if you lose, you get the money you wagered back in the form of a free bet credit.
Note: It’s not completely free, because the money will now likely have rollover requirements and expiration date, making it tougher to withdraw from your account.
How to Sign up for an Ohio Mobile Betting App & Mobile Site
Joining a mobile site or sports betting app in Ohio is fast and easy. It only takes a few minutes to get signed up to bet on your favorite professional sports teams. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open a Sports Betting Account: Pick the app or mobile site you plan to use. In this case, we’re going with BetOnline, our top-ranked sports betting app in Ohio. On the site’s homepage, you’ll see a “Join” button. Click that button to go to the registration page and fill out all the required information.
- Choose a Payment Method: After your account is created, you need to fund it. Go to the Cashier section and choose the deposit method you’ll be using from the list provided (including debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers or crypto like Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash). Then enter the amount you want to deposit.
- Select a Welcome Bonus: New customers qualify for one of the site’s welcome bonuses. You could get a deposit bonus, where you’re eligible for a deposit match up to a certain amount. Review the different traditional and crypto bonuses available and pick the offer that suits you best. Be sure to enter any promo code that is required.
- Choose a Sport to Wager on: Now that you’ve got an account with money available, it’s time to make some bets! Pick the sport or sports you’re interested in, review the schedule of games or matches and bet types and decide which game or match you want to bet on and how.
All that is left is to place your bets by adding your selections to the bet slip and waiting to see if your wager wins.
Mobile Sites vs. Sportsbook Apps for Betting in Ohio
Throughout this guide, we’ve lumped together mobile websites and betting apps. Both options allow you to place bets while you’re away from a computer. But each one offers a different experience
Mobile Site
Using a mobile site doesn’t require any downloads. Sports bettors can go to a sportsbook’s mobile site directly from the browser on their phone, just by entering the website URL.
Pros:
- Instant access to the sportsbook site
- Don’t need to have storage space available for an app
- Doesn’t need to be updated regularly
- Accessible on most devices—phone or tablet
Cons:
- Site may be down at times for maintenance or other issues
- Less secure than an app
Mobile App
To use an app, you must download and install it on your phone or tablet. You then click it to open it when you want to use it.
Pros:
- Startup is quick and easy
- More secure than mobile sites
- Geolocation can be used for betting in Ohio State
- Guaranteed to work on your device
Cons:
- May not be an app available for all devices
- Takes up storage space on your device
Ohio Betting Apps & Mobile Sites for iOS & Android
Top-ranked Ohio sports betting apps and mobile platforms need to be compatible with all mobile devices — tablet and phone, Android and iOS.
iPhone
To download native sportsbook apps in Ohio onto an iPhone, you’ll need to go to the Apple Store. You can either search the store for the app name or most online sportsbooks have a link to their app on the App Store. Once you find it, it can be downloaded with a click.
If the sportsbook you chose doesn’t have an iPhone app, you can easily create a mobile progressive web app on your device for free.
Android
To download an Android sports betting app, go to the Google Play Store and search for the name of the app. If there’s no app available, you can create a mobile progressive web app on your device.
Ohio Betting Guides
For bettors in Ohio who are looking for more ways to enjoy online gambling markets, we have a number of other comprehensive betting guides available:
