Can I Bet On March Madness In Ohio?

As one of the biggest months of the year for sports fans moves along, bettors in Ohio aren’t able to get action on March Madness.

Ohio sports betting is legal, but not yet launched in Ohio, so residents can’t yet take advantage of the opportunities those in other states have. While there is a deadline in place for sports betting to launch in Ohio, there is no current info on how close officials are to bringing the dream to reality.

It’s a disappointing fact for in-state sports fans who prefer to put money down on major sporting events like March Madness.

Nearby States Offer Sports Betting

While fans can’t place bets on March Madness in Ohio, they don’t have to travel far to do so in other states.

Sports betting is not only live in Michigan but thriving. Per the Michigan Gaming Control Board, the state’s total sports betting handle set a record in January with a $496.8 million mark as Michigan bettors have swarmed to take advantage of the in-state opportunities.

Michigan has set a standard for other states in regard to sports betting, so it’s not hard to imagine Ohio residents yearning to place a bet making the trip to the Great Lake State.

In Illinois, another option for Ohioans hoping to gamble on sports, bettors are now able to register remotely for betting; previously, they were only able to do so physically at retail sportsbooks. Similarly, new apps recently launched, including a BetMGM Illinois bonus offer that popped up just in time for March Madness.

It was a major move for in-state bettors, as it gave them a much larger opportunity to get action on their favorite teams and leagues, as they can now register to do so from wherever they choose.

Caesars Sportsbook, one of the nation’s top betting platforms, launched its app once mobile registration was available for Illinois bettors.

“We’re pleased to launch our best mobile sports wagering product and to reach more sports fans in Illinois,” Caesars Digital Co-President Chris Holdren said in a release. “This is an important step for us as we continue to expand our offering of best-in-class rewards for sports fans across the state.”

BetMGM, another major sports betting staple, announced the launch of its app even sooner, issuing a release two days earlier.

“This launch marks a significant milestone for BetMGM as we enter one of the country’s biggest sports betting markets,” BetMGM CEO Adam Greenblatt said in the release. “We look forward to working with the state of Illinois to bring its passionate sports fans a new, innovative, and unique sports betting experience.”

So for Ohio basketball fans who want to get a piece of the action during March Madness, nearby states may hold the answer.

When Will Ohio Launch Sports Betting?

Bettors in Ohio are anxiously waiting for the state to launch sports betting so that they can put money down on events like March Madness. And, when apps launch, expect some great betting bonus offers.

The deadline for the state to launch sports betting is Jan. 1, 2023, and officials began working with that goal in mind. There are plenty of hurdles to jump before everything can go live, though.

Officials still have to set up rules and regulations, as well as grant licenses and cross other tasks off the list, prior to sports betting launching in Ohio. It’s a long process, but one that’s necessary to promote the safety and security of in-state bettors.

Meanwhile, gambling operators and other Ohio institutions are gearing up for sports betting’s eventual launch in the state.

“When we expanded, we said let’s make this all-encompassing,” Penn National Gaming’s Dearborn County representative Mike Galle told WCPO. “Let’s make it convenient for our sportsbook players so they don’t have to walk to the casino floor. Let’s bring table games here. Let’s bring slot machines here. Let’s bring the games they like and want to play in this venue.”

Even major event organizers are preparing, as betting company betPARX recently partnered with the Memorial Tournament and became an official sports betting partner of the PGA Tour following Ohio legalizing sports betting.

“The Memorial Tournament joins Ohio’s other professional sports franchises in recognizing the time and energy put into legalizing sports gaming,” Memorial Tournament Executive Director Dan Sullivan said. “Further, we are excited to partner with betPARX to help bring its platform to Ohio and offer an enhanced fan experience at the Memorial Tournament beginning in 2022 and for years to come.”

Until sports betting does go live in Ohio, though, sports fans there will just have to travel to another state or simply watch the top college hoops teams battle it out in March Madness without being able to win any money on the outcomes.