Best Ohio Sports Betting Apps

Ohio legalized sports betting, paving the way for residents to eventually wager on anything from college football to European soccer. Sports betting in Ohio launched at midnight on Jan. 1, 2023. For new users, sports betting bonuses are a great way to try out the mobile gambling industry.

Ohio Sports Betting Apps With Bonus Offers

Ohio mobile sportsbooks are now live and ready for new users to sign up and participate. The OCCC has been working hard to approve and prep all Type A and Type B operators since September. The approved and live sportsbooks are offering Ohio sports betting bonuses for new users that sign up.

• Bet365 Ohio Sportsbook: Bet $1, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
  Deposit required. Bonus bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• Caesars Ohio Sportsbook: Get up to $1,250 in Bonus Bets
  OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum bet credit $1,250; must be used within 14 days of receipt. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
• BetMGM Ohio Sportsbook: Up to $1,000 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
  OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• BetRivers Ohio Sportsbook: Second Chance Bet up to $500
  Must be 21+. Available in OH only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Sports gaming is provided in partnership with Dayton Real Estate Ventures, LLC d/b/a Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway.
• Betfred Ohio Sportsbook: Get up to $1,111 in Fred Bets
  OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• PointsBet Ohio Sportsbook: Get up to $2,000 in second chance bets
  OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• DraftKings Ohio Sportsbook: Get up to $1,200 in total bonuses 
  OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
• FanDuel Ohio Sportsbook: Get up to a $1,000 no sweat first bet
  OH only. 21+.Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER

Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

Ohioans are now able to place bets on sporting events. When the clock rang midnight on Jan. 1, 2023, Ohio residents that were at least 21 years old were able to place their first mobile wagers. Those of legal betting age had access to Ohio online sports betting immediately and Ohio retail sportsbooks at certain locations.

We now have a better idea of which retail Ohio sports betting operators will be accessible to residents soon. Below are just a few casinos and professional sports teams that Ohio bettors can expect to open their doors in January.

• Muirfield Village Golf Club ⛳️
• Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley 🎰
• Hollywood Casino Toledo 🎰
• Jack Thistledown Racino 🏇
• Jack Cleveland Casino 🎰
• Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway 🏇
• Columbus Crew ⚽️
• Cincinnati Reds ⚾️
• Cleveland Browns 🏈
• FC Cincinnati ⚽️
• Cincinnati Bengals 🏈

For Ohio online sports betting licenses, there have been consistent approvals each week. Among this list are the notable sportsbooks and some newer ones that users might not be familiar with. Below is a list of a few mobile sports betting licenses that have been approved.

• Barstool
• Bet365
• Betfred
• BetMGM
• BetRivers
• Betway
• Betr
• Caesars
• DraftKings
• Fanatics
• FanDuel
• Prophet Exchange
• Superbook

Best Ohio Sports Betting Apps

Now that Ohio sports betting has launched, there is no time like the present for bettors in the state to learn as much as they can about some of the best betting apps and the welcome bonuses available in Ohio.

Bet365 Ohio

The Bet365 mobile app is now live in Ohio. The sportsbook is newer to the American market but has already made a name for itself with a reputation for providing a clean betting app and competitive odds.

Bet365 Sportsbook Ohio has partnered with the Cleveland Guardians in recent sports betting news.

Caesars Sportsbook Ohio

Caesars Sportsbook is another operator that is now available in the Ohio sports betting market. The sportsbook made its name as an industry-leading casino brand and is now making a name in the sports betting landscape. Ohio residents can expect to find a quality overall experience from Caesars Sportsbook, and it’s worthy of a spot in any bettor’s rotation.

Caesars and the Cleveland Cavaliers struck a partnership that will place a retail sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Similar to the Cincinnati Reds, the Cleveland Cavaliers have received conditional approval from the OCCC. Fans can expect to see a retail Caesars Ohio location open up soon.

BetMGM Ohio

BetMGM Sportsbook is one of the more recognizable brands in the US sports betting industry, offering competitive game lines and a welcoming introductory bonus. The BetMGM promotions are reason enough to download the app. The sportsbook recently launched its BetMGM sports betting bonus like other sportsbooks in the industry. 

BetMGM partnered with the Cincinnati Reds as their official retail sports betting partner. As of Sep. 7, the OCCC awarded conditional approval to the Reds for a retail sportsbook at Great American Ball Park. While the timeline of the opening of this retail BetMGM location is up in the air, it is one of the first to launch their mobile sportsbook in the Ohio market and proves an exciting future for the MLB team and stadium.

BetRivers Ohio

BetRivers Sportsbook Ohio is another sportsbook that may not have received as much limelight as the bigger sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel but is a tough competitor in these new markets. The sportsbook has partnered with Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway as it’s market access partner.

Ohio residents can now use the BetRivers Ohio sports betting app which is live and available in the app store. Users should sign up with our exclusive link to claim the BetRivers bonus offer today.

Betfred Ohio

Betfred has officially made the move to the Buckeye State after being granted a sports betting license by the OCCC. The UK-based sportsbook joined the American market in 2020 when it launched in Colorado. Since then, Betfred has become an established name in the sports betting industry. With a clean and easy-to-use platform and a wide event variety, there is something for every type of bettor. 

Betfred has partnered with the Cincinnati Bengals for entry to the Ohio market. A first-of-its-kind partnership for the NFL team, there are plans for a retail sportsbook at Paul Brown Stadium. With the Bengals and Betfred both receiving their license approval, it is expected for them to be part of the next few batches before the end of the year. 

PointsBet Sportsbook Ohio

PointsBet Sportsbook is a newer sportsbook to the American market. The Australian-based sportsbook is now in 13 states across the country. Making waves in the sports betting industry, PointsBet has offered a unique sports betting bonus at launch to showcase the different ways of using their mobile platform. 

PointsBet has partnered with Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley. PointsBet Ohio should have a retail sportsbook opening at the casino soon, but it will not be ready by launch on Jan. 1, 2023.

DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio

Among the largest sportsbook brands in the United States market, DraftKings Sportsbook is a quality sportsbook that hit this new midwest market. Many Ohioans will be familiar with the DraftKings brand thanks to its presence in the Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) industry. 

However, bettors in the Buckeye State can now take advantage of the features and user experience that make DraftKings Sportsbook a leader in the mobile sportsbook space. Among those features is perhaps the deepest betting market available in the industry.

FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio

Like DraftKings, its principal rival in the DFS space, FanDuel Sportsbook Ohio enters the sports betting market with a strong reputation among sports fans. If users stick with FanDuel, they will be rewarded with many weekly promotions and bonuses for their loyalty.

From its deep betting market and high-end user experience, FanDuel is a top-notch brand that Ohio bettors will want to keep in their sportsbook rotation. 

How Ohio Mobile Betting Sites Compare

Out of all the Ohio sportsbooks listed above, how do you know which one is right for you? We suggest trial and error at launch to determine which one suits your betting needs. If that isn’t enough, below is how each upcoming Ohio sports betting app is rated in Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.

Sportsbook	iOS App	Android App	iOS Ratings	Android Ratings
📱DraftKings	Yes	Yes	4.8 (366k ratings)	4.7 (32k ratings)
📱FanDuel	Yes	Yes	4.8 (396k ratings)	4.7 (104k ratings)
📱BetMGM	Yes	Yes	4.8 (104k ratings)	4.3 (8k ratings)
📱Caesars	Yes	Yes	4.6 (34k ratings)	4.4 (14k ratings)

More will become known about how the Ohio market receives the brand after a few months of sports betting being accessible to users. It’s also worth noting that sportsbook apps have been included in the Apple App Store for a longer duration of time than they have in the Google Play Store.

Local Ohio Sports

Bettors should not be so focused on the Ohio sports betting apps that they don’t pay attention to their local professional sports teams. Even though sports betting launched at the end of the NFL season, there is no better time to get acclimated with the teams in the present and future seasons.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference. The Cavs have partnered with Caesars for a retail sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage Stadium. With an unconfirmed timeline for the opening of the sportsbook, there is no confirmation that it will open at the beginning of 2023. Caesars Sportsbook and the Cleveland Cavaliers have been approved by the OCCC for a sports betting license in Ohio, there are still processes that the Cavs and Caesars need to get through before launching.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals had an opportunity to play on the NFL’s biggest stage last year at Super Bowl 56. The team came up short with a 23-20 loss against the Los Angeles Rams but can still claim a more successful season than most. With this performance from the Bengals and starting quarterback Joe Burrow putting on quite the show, the team was expected to have a similar performance this year.

The team has played an average season so far. Starting off the season slow with a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in week one, the team has made a small turnaround with an 11-4-0 record and landing second in the AFC North. The Bengals still have a lot to improve on in finding their grove going into the second half of the season, but, they are moving in the right direction finally.

The Bengals have partnered with Betfred Ohio to launch a possible retail sportsbook at Paycor Stadium in 2023. The details of these plans have not been revealed, but with sports betting becoming accessible soon, it is only a matter of time before the competition to be the first in Ohio to hold retail sports betting space kicks in.

Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson returned mid-season, but the star Cleveland acquisition was uneven in his long-awaited return. The Browns finished 7-10 in 2022. 

From a business standpoint, the Browns have named Bally’s Interactive as the team’s sports betting partner. There are plans in the works to have a retail sportsbook at FirstEnergy Stadium. However, sports betting legislation will not allow for the sportsbook to be open and accepting bets when the Browns are playing at home.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The long list of professional sports teams that residents can get excited to place wagers on when Ohio sports betting continues with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets are partnered with BetFanatics Sportsbook Ohio and have plans to open a retail sportsbook at Nationwide Arena. There is no official launch information for the retail space but both Fanatics and the Blue Jackets have been approved for a sports betting license.

Licensed Ohio Betting Sites vs Offshore Betting Apps

For those in states where sports betting hasn’t launched yet, going offshore to an illegal platform is a common route for those who want to wager on sports. This is not recommended even for those without legal methods, and it’s an especially bad idea for those with access to Ohio legal sports betting with the arrival of a legal form of sports betting. 

Offshore platforms are unlicensed, unregulated, and untrustworthy. There is simply too much risk for bettors who won’t have any recourse to resolve issues that may arise. A bettor may find that an offshore book doesn’t abide by its terms and conditions if it even has terms and conditions. Bettors wagering through illegal means are simply at the mercy of the offshore books’ whims.

On top of the lack of security protocols, there’s no reliable customer support. If you are having an issue withdrawing your money or want a quick response from your bookholder, you most likely will not receive any of that. The offshore sports betting apps will not have the user’s best interest at heart.

Bettors will not have these same issues on licensed, legal betting platforms which offer a significantly superior betting experience. One word, in particular, can be associated with legal sportsbooks: trust. Whether a bettor simply wants peace of mind knowing his or her money will be safe and delivered in a timely manner, or if someone wants assurance that he or she will receive necessary help when needed, a legal sportsbook will deliver where an illegal one will not.

Ohio Sports Betting Checklist

Sports betting is legal, now what? Besides going through the steps above to sign up for an Ohio sportsbook, new users need to make sure they are taking advantage of everything sports betting has to offer.

1. Download at least three Ohio mobile sportsbooks, use the bonus codes listed above and try out the app. Not sure how to download the app? Read below for step by step instructions.
2. New users should read up on the different types of bets they can place from moneyline bets to the player props, read below to familiarize yourself on the different betting opportunities.
3. Get familiar with the “Promos” page on the menu, this is where you will find random bonus boosts, second chance bets and SGP boosts. This is an important step before placing any bets to ensure you are taking advantage of promos before they expire.
4. Visit an Ohio retail sportsbook. Many sportsbooks have already opened the doors to their retail locations and if you are lucky enough to live near one, you should pay it a visit. Retail sportsbooks will have a different sports betting experience, users can place their bets and watch the game in person with other fans that are doing the same.

How to Sports Bet in Ohio

It is an easy process for users to get started with their Ohio sportsbook app of choice. Follow the steps below for a seamless start in the sports betting world.

1. Choosing A Sports Betting App

The first step for residents will be choosing an Ohio sportsbook app. There are several in the market available. However, don’t feel the need to commit to only one. It’s a good idea to take advantage of the welcome bonuses and incentives offered by various mobile sports betting apps, and then keep multiple in regular rotation. 

Some sportsbooks will offer more favorable odds on a particular side for a particular contest at any particular moment. By keeping multiple options available, bettors can shop around for the best odds on a given wager.

2. Making Your First Deposit

Bettors shouldn’t have issues making their initial deposit. Most books are likely to hit the Ohio market and offer multiple options to place money in one’s account. Bettors should expect to be able to add funds via debit/credit cards, online bank transfers, and PayPal among others.

Some online sportsbooks even allow bettors to use brand-specific prepaid cards that link to a bettor’s account. This is an easy and streamlined way to deposit funds on some platforms.

3. Betting At Ohio’s Online Sportsbooks

Once funds have been deposited into a bettor’s account, he or she can begin wagering. The sportsbooks likely to reach Ohio’s market offer a wide range of sports and bet types, so let the browsing begin.

Moneyline

For an easy sports wager, many new users turn to the moneyline. This form of betting is simply choosing the winner of the game. Taking into consideration who the underdog team is, bettors can either choose the team favored to win for a safe bet, or go with their opponent for a greater return on their money.

Point Spread

A point spread bet takes the process a bit further and requires the bettor to consider the margin of victory or defeat of the team. The favorite team must win by a certain amount of points in order for the bettor to cash out. The underdog team can lose by fewer of that same points amount or just win the game for the bettor to cash out. 

Over/Under

As simple as it sounds, an Over/Under bet involves betting on whether the combined scores of both teams will fall above or below a selected amount. Depending on the two teams playing, this could be an easy bet for a high-scoring game or it could be close and raise the stakes. 

Parlay

More advanced or risk-welcoming bettors may enjoy a parlay in which one includes multiple bets on a single ticket. The more bets on a ticket, the higher the potential payout, but the higher the risk of losing. If a single bet loses on a parlay ticket, the entire ticket loses. Some sportsbooks allow for single-game parlays and customizable parlays as well to keep the options open to bettors of all styles.

Live Betting

Many books also offer live betting that allows bettors to wager while the game is taking place. This can be fun for bettors interested in a dynamic experience, but it also allows books to engage their users for longer periods of time.

Prop Bets

Prop bets can be a more specific style of placing wagers, less focused on the outcome of a match and more on a single-player or in-action play. For example, a prop bet may ask a bettor to determine whether a player will score over/under a certain amount of points or can be singled down to a team’s next drive, live during the game. They are a great way to become invested in the action beyond the winner or loser.

Futures

Finally, futures and prop bets are popular methods of wagering. Futures bets involve betting on a future event occurring, i.e. the winner of a division, conference, or championship. Sportsbooks often involve bonuses around these future bets as well. For example, FanDuel offered a $50+ straight wager on the Super Bowl LVII Futures to receive a $5 bet credit for each game your team wins during the 2022-2023 NFL regular season. It pays to think ahead!

4. Cashing Out From An Online Sportsbook

The most common methods through which sportsbooks payout winnings are PayPal, online bank transfers, ACH transfers and Play+ cards. Options for withdrawing funds aren’t quite as robust as the options available for depositing money. For the most part, bettors shouldn’t have too much of a challenge retrieving their winnings. One thing to note: withdrawals can take up to 2-10 business days to post to one’s bank account.

How To Install Ohio Sports Betting Apps On An Apple iOS Device?

Installing mobile sportsbook apps on an Apple iOS device is an easy process you can start from this site!:

1. First, visit our Ohio sportsbook reviews listed above to claim the welcome bonus of your choice. After finding the desired review page, find the “Click to Claim,” link and follow it to the sportsbooks website. 
2. After visiting the sportsbooks website, click the download button for the Apple Store and the download should begin automatically. The app will install on your iOS device as long as there is enough storage space.
3. Once the download is complete, a bettor can register an account on the app.

How To Install Ohio Sportsbook Apps On An Android Device?

The process for downloading a mobile sportsbook on an Android is a little different in terms of the download file, but bettors can follow the same first few steps as one would with an iOS device. Follow the instructions below to claim your welcome bonus with your sportsbook of choice. 

1. First, visit our Ohio sportsbook review pages that are listed above to claim the welcome bonus of your choice.
2. Find the “Click to Claim,” link and it will open the sportsbook’s website. From the sportsbook’s website you will see the welcome offer, click the “Get for Android” button and find the .apk file. It will start to download to your Android device.
3. You may need to grant the website permission via your device’s settings before downloading the file.
4. Download and installation should begin automatically. If needed, users can search for the sportsbook in the Google Play Store and manually enter the bonus code provided as an extra step.
5. Once the download is complete, you can register for the sportsbook as you would with an iOS device.

What Makes For A Good Ohio Mobile Sports Betting Site?

Prospective bettors in Ohio have the choice of multiple sportsbook apps to place their wagers with. Ohioans shouldn’t feel the need to find just one book to use. There’s a benefit to shopping across multiple sportsbooks. However, it’s still nice to recognize the traits that make a quality mobile book.

Navigation

Like a smoothly paved road with plenty of lane space, it’s key for apps to be easy to navigate. Users want to move from page to page seamlessly, free of lags and crashes. Additionally, the layout should be intuitive, allowing users to navigate with ease and efficiency. This will also differ from user to user on what is the most important stand-out feature of the app. If a user favors using promotions, it would be necessary to have those the easiest to navigate. If a user is a live betting user, they would prefer that be at the forefront of the navigation.

An app that is buggy or clunky will quickly turn off users. There’s a lot of competition in the sports betting app market, and a bettor who becomes frustrated with the movement between pages and throughout the app, in general, will simply find a rival app.

Access To Favorite Bets

Being able to easily and quickly find one’s preferred sports and bets adds to the ease of use of any app. The best apps allow bettors to access their primary choices without the need to go digging from page to page.

This can be a bit more challenging for the big brands with the deepest betting markets. There’s a give-and-take with certain features, so keep that in mind when comparing the likes of DraftKings and FanDuel with some of the smaller brands that may enter the Ohio market.

Speed

Loading speed is a key attribute of quality apps, and users want to be certain they can enjoy quick and smooth operation no matter the device they’re using — within reason of course. Speed is particularly critical on apps that offer live betting.

A clunky and slow experience will quickly send users to a competitor’s app. User reviews won’t be shy about pointing out apps with slow performance.

Access To Promotions

Promotions are great for new bettors looking to get their feet wet in the sports betting industry. Some are better than others and some are bettor-tailored to advanced bettors than beginners. Ultimately, the quality of a promotion may come down to how much of an initial deposit a user wants to put forth.

Additionally, a lot of books will offer promotions in-season, particularly surrounding big events and the start of postseason play.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Ohio Sports Betting FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Ohio?

Yes. Sports betting was legalized in Ohio in December 2021, and it officially went live in January 2023. Ohio bettors have access to some of the best apps in the US. 

What sports can I bet on?

One important detail Ohioans should know is that they will be able to bet on college sports, specifically Ohio-based collegiate programs. In terms of professional sports, the better question may be ‘What sports can I not bet on?’ Most books, particularly the bigger brands, offer odds on a wide variety of domestic and international sports.

Will there be retail sportsbooks in Ohio?

Yes. Ohio legislature allows for both mobile and retail sportsbooks to operate within the state. The Cincinnati Reds, Columbus Crew, and Cleveland Browns have all been granted conditional approval to hold a retail sportsbook at their venues. Casinos across the state have also applied for and been approved for sports betting licenses like Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and Hollywood Casino Toledo.

Will I have to be in Ohio to bet on the state’s mobile apps?

Yes, users should be familiar with the fine print of each individual app, but it’s common for platforms to use geo-tracking technology to ensure bettors are betting from within the state.

How old do I need to be to use Ohio’s sports betting apps?

The Ohio Casino Control Commission will require bettors to be at least 21 to wager at state-regulated sportsbooks — online or retail. Bettors should be prepared to provide the necessary information to provide proof of age.

What are Ohio’s sports betting tax rates?

The state will enforce a 10% tax rate on revenue for Ohio’s sports betting operators.