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The Latest in Ohio Sports Betting
After 2020 Failures, Ohio Looks to 2021 for Sports Betting
Dec. 22, 2020Backers in the legislature will start up the 2021 session still hopeful they can pass the long-discussed sports betting legislation , but they must do so with many of the same challenges that sidelined the proposal in 2020 and without three of its leading supporters in office.
Amended Sports Betting Bill Could Be Ohio’s Final 2020 Chance For Legalization
Dec. 8, 2020Ohio lawmakers adopted an amended sports betting bill during a hearing Tuesday that would curtail the number of online sports betting licenses, the latest effort to pass the long-stalled legalization legislation before the 2020 session ends later this month.
Ohio’s Legal Sports Betting Bills Remain in Holding Pattern
Nov. 18, 2020The latest hearing on Ohio’s long-stalled sports betting legislation reaffirmed lawmakers’ commitment to legal wagering in the Buckeye State but did little to advance a bill that has lingered in Columbus for more than a year.
How Ohio Sports Betting Compares
There's a lot still to be determined in the Ohio sports betting landscape. In most states, the two issues that hold up bills in the House and Senate are 1) whether sports betting will be regulated by the casino business or the state-run lottery and 2) how many skins each casino will have.
Further complicating things in Ohio, though, is the fact that several supporters of sports betting legislation in 2020 are no longer in office following the November elections. There's still momentum in 2021 certainly, but it will require new legislators to take up and push forward bills, which could take some time, especially during a time where COVID-19 and its health and economic impacts are priority No. 1 for every state.
It remains to be seen where Ohio will fall in those two issues -- lottery vs. casino and number of skins -- but we definitely expect to see movement on this front in 2021, and likely early in the year.
For more details, read our own Ryan Butler's reporting on Ohio here.
Sports betting bill analysis TBD.
Ohio Sports Betting FAQ
Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?
Sports betting is not yet legal in Ohio, though the state House and Senate have both proposed legislation that would legalize it. All signs point towards a bill getting passed in 2021.
Can You Bet on Sports Online in Ohio?
Is DraftKings Sportsbook Legal in Ohio?
No, DraftKings Sportsbook does not operate in Ohio yet since there's not currently legal online betting. We expect DraftKings to be one of the first sportsbooks there when it launches, however.
Is FanDuel Sportsbook Legal in Ohio?
No, FanDuel Sportsbook does not operate in Ohio yet since there's not currently legal online betting. We expect FanDuel to be one of the first sportsbooks there when it launches, however.
Is MyBookie Legal in Ohio?
Is Bovada Legal in Ohio?
Bovada is not legal in Ohio as it's an offshore sportsbook that can't be regulated by the state. Even when online sports betting is legalized in the Buckeye State -- likely in 2021 -- Bovada will not be a legal book.
How Many Casinos Are There In Ohio?
Will Online Sports Betting Come to Ohio?
Yes, we definitely expect Ohio to be a fully online state once legislators legalize sports betting. Four of the five states surrounding Ohio -- Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia and Pennsylvania -- all have fully online registration, depositing and betting, and there's no reason to expect anything different in the Buckeye State, especially given the bills that have already been discussed in the House and Senate.
What Sports Will You Be Able to Bet on in Ohio?
Nothing is set in stone currently given there's no singular piece of legislation on the table, but we'd expect Ohio to have similar rules to most of the current online states, which allows betting on pretty much every U.S. sport, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and much more. Some states like Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia don't allow wagering on in-state college teams -- i.e., you can't bet on Virginia Tech if you live in Virginia -- so we'll see if Ohio has similar rules. Given the massive popularity of college athletics in the state, like the Ohio State Buckeyes, that seems unlikely.
What States Near Ohio Have Legal Online Sports Betting?
One big reason why Ohio will likely pursue online sports betting as soon as possible is that four of the five states bordering it already have flourishing legal markets. Michigan, Indiana, West Virginia and Pennsylvania currently allow legal online sports betting; the only state bordering Ohio that does not is Kentucky.
How Old Do You Have to be to Bet in Ohio?
Online sports betting is not yet legal in Ohio, but we'd expect the minimum age to be 21, like it is with other states.
Will it Be Legal to Bet on College Sports in Ohio?
It's very likely that betting on college sports will be legal once online sports betting comes to Ohio. What remains to be seen is whether betting on in-state college teams will be allowed: Three online states -- New Jersey, Illinois and Virginia -- do not allow it, though state legislators are looking to rectify that rule in the future.
Will I need to be a Ohio resident to bet on sports?
Online sports betting is not yet legal in Ohio, but we expect that once it is, adults (likely at least 21 years old) will be able to bet anywhere within state lines whether or not they're residents. That's the case in every state in the U.S. that has so far legalized online sports betting, and there's no reason to expect that to be any different in the Buckeye State.
Will I Be Able to Bet on My Phone in Ohio?
Based on legislation proposed in 2020, we expect that online sports betting will be a part of Ohio's future, allowing adults to bet on their phones anywhere within state lines once a bill is passed and betting is launched.
Which Sportsbooks Will Be Available in Ohio?
It's too early to say, though we'd expect all of the big names in the industry like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, William Hill, and PointsBet, to name a few, to join the party as soon as possible. Those books are live in surrounding states, and with Ohio ranking as the seventh-largest state in the U.S. by population, it will likely be a priority for operators.
Ohio Sports Betting Tips
Sports Betting for Potential OH Bettors
Sports betting isn't currently legal in Ohio, but is the idea is currently under consideration by legislature. Want to get ahead of the curve? Check out our 11 sports betting tips for beginners so you can get started, whether you want to bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes or the Cincinnati Bengals.
Sports Betting Glossary
The sports betting lexicon is vast and sometimes confusing, especially to new bettors. Check out our sports betting glossary to get up to speed with every term you might need to know before a parlay or prop bet.
Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid
Betting on your favorite teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers might seem like a no-brainer, but you need to be careful if you’re going to stay healthy all around in the sports betting world.
Here are nine mistakes to avoid.
Ohio Sports Betting Timeline
| Casino | Sportsbook | City |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Casino Cleveland | TBD | Cleveland |
| Jack Thistledown Racino | TBD | North Randall |
| Hollywood Casino Columbus | TBD | Columbus |
| Scioto Downs | TBD | Columbus |
| Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Ctr | TBD | Anderson Township |
| Hard Rock Casino | TBD | Cincinnati |
| Hollywood Casino Toledo | TBD | Toledo |
| Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course | TBD | Austintown |
| Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway | TBD | Dayton |
| MGM Northfield Park | TBD | Northfield |
| Miami Valley Gaming | TBD | Turtlecreek Township |
Ohio Teams to Bet on
Ohio Teams to Bet On
The Buckeyes predictably dominate the state of Ohio, but there are plenty of other universities that compete in Division I in either football, basketball, or both. Be sure to take advantage of our resources once you're able to bet on college sports in the state of Ohio:
- College Football Betting Tips for Profitability
- College Football Betting Tips on Fading the Public
- How to Bet on College Basketball
- Trends to Know Before Betting Conference Tournaments
Here's more on the college programs in the state:
Ohio State University
Location: Columbus
Conference: Big Ten
Football
The Buckeyes have been the kings of the Big Ten for the better part of this century, having won the conference five of the last seven years and 12 times since 2002. That includes a national championship in 2014 and additional College Football Playoff appearances in 2016, 2019, and 2020.
Ohio State Buckeyes | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The men's basketball team has playing in 10 Final Fours and last won the national championship in 1964. The last Final Four appearance came in 2006-07 when a team led by Thad Matta and featuring Greg Oden and Mike Conley finished as the national runners-up. The current team, led by Chris Holtmann, has made two straight NCAA Tournament appearances (excluding the canceled 2020 version).
Ohio State Buckeyes | Schedule | Roster
Akron Zips
Location: Akron
Conference: Mid-American Conference
Football
The Akron football team has competed in the MAC since 1992 and has one conference title, which came in 2005. The Zips have fallen on hard times of late, going a combined 0-14 in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The Zips have played in three bowl games in the program's history, going 1-2. Their last appearance was in 2017 when they lost to Florida Atlantic in the Boca Raton Bowl.
Akron Zips | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The Zips' men's basketball team, on the other hand, is a regular MAC contender, having taken home regular-season conference titles five times since 2012, including in 2020. The Zips have made the NCAA Tournament four times in their history, going 0-4. Their most recent appearance came in 2013 when, as a 12-seed, they lost to VCU.
Akron Zips | Schedule | Roster
Bowling Green State Falcons
Location: Bowling Green
Conference: Mid-American Conference
Football
One of the most successful teams in the MAC, the Falcons have the second most conference championships in league history with 10, trailing only Miami (Ohio). The last decade has been last successful, as their last bowl appearance came in 2015, and that doubles as the last time they won the MAC.
Bowling Green State Falcons | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The Falcons' men's basketball program doesn't have a similar history of success. The team hasn't won the MAC regular-season title since 2009 and has an NCAA Tournament drought that dates all the way back to 1968.
Bowling Green State Falcons | Schedule | Roster
Cincinnati Bearcats
Location: Cincinnati
Conference: American Athletic Conference
Football
After spending 25 years as an Independent, the Bearcats have jumped recently from Conference USA to the Big East to the AAC, in which they've competed since 2013. The Bearcats have remained competitive for the better part of the last two decades, only missing out on a bowl game four times since 2000. In 2020, the team found unprecedented success, going 9-0 and earning a berth in the Peach Bowl, where they lost to Georgia.
Cincinnati Bearcats | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
A program that counts the great Oscar Robertson among its notable players has maintained consistent success dating all the way back to the 1960s. From the back-to-back national titles in 1961-62 through the Bob Huggins era to Mick Cronin and not John Brannen, the Bearcats are regular conference contenders and NCAA Tournament participants, although they haven't reached as far as the Sweet 16 since 2012.
Cincinnati Bearcats | Schedule | Roster
Cleveland State Vikings
Location: Cleveland
Conference: Horizon League
Men's Basketball
The most famous moment in Cleveland State men's basketball history was in 1986 when, as a 14-seed, the Vikings upset Bobby Knight's Indiana Hoosiers in the first round and ultimately made it to the Sweet 16. Just one NCAA Tournament appearance has taken place since then, in 2009. The team's last Horizon League title came in 2011.
Cleveland State Vikings | Schedule | Roster
Dayton Flyers
Location: Dayton
Conference: Atlantic 10
Football
Well known for its basketball program, Dayton's football team competes in Division I FCS and has since 1993. The Flyers competes in the Pioneer Football League and has won 11 conference titles, with the most recent coming in 2010.
Dayton Flyers | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The Flyers have become one of the most dominant "small school" programs in the country over the last 20 years, with eight NCAA Tournament appearances, including a magical run to the Elite Eight as an 11-seed back in 2014. The 2019-20 team was maybe the school's best ever, going 29-2 and 18-0 in Atlantic 10 play before the remainder of the season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dayton Flyers | Schedule | Roster
Kent State Golden Flashes
Location: Kent
Conference: Mid-American Conference
Football
A MAC member dating back to 1951, Kent State hasn't had a large share of success in its program history. The Golden Flashes have one conference title, which came back in 1972. Their last MAC East title came in 2012, and they lost in double overtime to Northern Illinois in the conference title game.
Kent State Golden Flashes | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The basketball program has found regular success in the 21st century, making NCAA Tournament appearances five times and six going back to 1999. The Golden Flashes' last conference title came in 2015, but has finished .500 or better in every season since 1997-98.
Kent State Golden Flashes | Schedule | Roster
Miami RedHawks
Location: Oxford
Conference: Mid-American Conference
Football
Just a few of the prominent football coaches who once worked at Miami include: Woody Hayes, Bo Schembechler, Jim Tressel, and Weeb Ewbank. The success is such that the RedHawks call it their "cradle of coaches." The RedHawks have won 22 conference titles in program history and 15 since joining the MAC. Their most recent came in 2019.
Miami RedHawks | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The RedHawks have an NCAA Tournament drought that dates back to 2007, and they haven't won a MAC regular-season title since 2005. Their most notable accomplishment in recent years came back in 1999 when, as a 10-seed, the RedHawks advanced to the Sweet 16.
Miami RedHawks | Schedule | Roster
Ohio Bobcats
Location: Athens
Conference: Mid-American Conference
Football
The Ohio football program dates all the way back to 1864 and includes 581 all-time victories. Even with all that history, much of their success has occurred since 2005 when Frank Solich took over as head coach. Since then, the Bobcats have had 11 bowl game appearances, five bowl game victories, and four MAC East titles.
Ohio Bobcats | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The 2012 Bobcats team was the most famous in recent history. As a 13-seed, they upset Michigan in the opening round and South Florida in the Round of 32 before dropping an overtime game to North Carolina in the Sweet 16. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, that was their last NCAA Tournament appearance.
Ohio Bobcats | Schedule | Roster
Toledo Rockets
Location: Toledo
Conference: Mid-American Conference
Football
The Rockets have won 14 conference titles, with 11 coming since they joined the MAC. Their most recent conference title came in 2017 when they went 11-2, and that snapped a 13-year drought. Toledo has played in a bowl game every year since 2010 except 2013 and 2019.
Toledo Rockets | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The Rockets' NCAA Tournament drought stretches back to 1980, and they last won an NCAA Tournament game in 1979 against Iowa. The Rockets have won a few MAC titles during that span, including in 2007 and most recently in 2014, but have not been able to break through with a tourney appearance.
Toledo Rockets | Schedule | Roster
Wright State Raiders
Location: Fairborn
Conference: Horizon League
Men's Basketball
The Raiders have seen the national spotlight several times since moving to Division 1 in 1979. They made the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 1993 and have done so on two other occasions, 2007 and 2018. In 2019, they finished first in the Horizon League for the first time since 2007, but lost in the conference tournament and were relegated to an NIT berth.
Wright State Raiders | Schedule | Roster
Xavier Musketeers
Location: Cincinnati
Conference: Big East
Men's Basketball
The Musketeers have been something of a breeding ground for Division I coaches, employing the likes of Thad Matta, Sean Miller, and Chris Mack before they moved on to other jobs. That type of coaching expertise has led to prolonged success, as the Musketeers have made the NCAA Tournament 16 times this century, have advanced to the Sweet 16 seven times, and made the Elite Eight three times. Xavier is still chasing its elusive first Final Four berth.
Xavier Musketeers | Schedule | Roster
Youngstown State Penguins
Location: Youngstown
Conference: Horizon League/Missouri Valley
Football
The Penguins have long been one of the most successful programs in Division I FCS, with 13 playoff appearances and four national titles. All four of those titles came under Jim Tressel, who plied his trade in Youngstown before moving on to Ohio State. They won it all in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1997.
Youngstown State Penguins | Schedule | Roster
Men's Basketball
The Penguins have competed in the Horizon League since 2001 and are still chasing their first NCAA Tournament appearance. they have two winning seasons since joining the conference, with a CIT appearance in 2013 qualifying as their most successful season.
Youngstown State Penguins | Schedule | Roster
Pro Sports in Ohio
NFL Teams in Ohio
The Cleveland Browns ended their run as one of the laughingstocks of the NFL with a playoff appearance in 2020. Not only did they qualify for the playoffs, they put a beating on their arch-rival Pittsburgh Steelers and took the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs down to the wire in the divisional round. With a young core built around former No. 1-overall picks Baker Mayfield and Myles Garrett, the Browns are looking to become perennial contenders. To prime yourself to bet on the Browns, you can check out our ongoing NFL insights and analysis to bet smart.
Official Website | Schedule | Roster
The Cincinnati Bengals were regular playoff participants during their run under former coach Marvin Lewis, and are hoping to get back to that level and beyond with 2020 No. 1 draft pick Joe Burrow at the helm at quarterback. The Bengals haven't made the playoffs since 2015, but are in the beginnings of building a team they hope can snap that streak sooner rather than later. To prime yourself to bet on the Browns, you can check out our ongoing NFL insights and analysis to bet smart.
Official Website | Schedule | Roster
NBA Teams in Ohio
The Cleveland Cavaliers' history is headlined, of course, by LeBron James, who spent 11 seasons with his hometown team across two different stints, and brought the city its long-awaited NBA title in 2016. The post-James Cavaliers are loading up on young talent, led by their talented but volatile backcourt of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. For more on the Cavaliers and the rest of the NBA, check out our insights and analysis to bet smart once you can in the state.
Official Website | Schedule | Roster
MLB Teams in Ohio
The 2020 Cincinnati Reds snapped a playoff drought that stretched back to 2013, but it's now been more than 30 years since the Reds made it to the Fall Classic, which last occurred when they won it all in 1990. Cincinnati became a free-agent spender for one memorable offseason before being swept away by the Braves in the Wild Card Round, and even featured a Cy Young winner in Trevor Bauer. What comes next for the up-and-down franchise is anyone's guess. For more on the Reds and the rest of MLB, check out our insights and analysis to bet smart once you can in the state.
Official Website | Schedule | Roster
The longest World Series drought in Major League Baseball belongs to Cleveland, which announced after the 2020 season that it was dropping its nickname. The Cleveland baseball team last won the World Series in 1948 and has come oh, so close in recent years, never closer than in 2016 when they went to extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs. Cleveland traded its star Francisco Lindor in the offseason ahead of the 2021 season, signaling a long rebuild. It seems the fans on the shores of Erie will have to wait even longer for the World Series drought to end. For more on Cleveland and the rest of MLB, check out our insights and analysis to bet smart once you can in the state.
Official Website | Schedule | Roster
MLS Teams in Ohio
FC Cincinnati is one of the newest teams in MLS, having been founded in 2018 and beginning play for the 2019 season. As is to be expected with expansion teams, it's been a slow start for FC Cincinnati. In 2019, they finished 12th in their conference and 24th overall, and in 2020 finished 14th in their conference and 26th overall.
Official Website | Schedule | Roster
The Columbus Crew, on the other hand, is one of MLS's oldest teams, having been around since the league's inaugural season in 1996. In the club's storied history, they have two MLS Cup titles, having won in 2008 and in the most recent iteration in 2020. The 2020 victory came after an eight-year playoff drought during which the club's ownership flirted with a relocation to Austin, Texas. That being unsuccessful, the club is now thriving and under new ownership.
Division I Football & Basketball
Division I Basketball Only
Pro Sports Teams
Ohio has a bunch of professional sports teams.
Other Events
- The Buckeye State hosts a PGA Tour event every year: The Memorial Tournament, played at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio. It's one of the most popular events of the year, mostly due to the course, which was designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, a native of Columbus, Ohio.
- Ohio also hosts every year the Cincinnati Masters (now branded the Western & Southern Open), an ATP World Tour tennis tournament. It's the longest-running event in the United States still held in its original location: It's been hosting the tournament since 1899.
- There are numerous minor league sports teams in the state, including baseball, football, hockey, soccer and softball.
- Ohio also regularly hosts games for March Madness, college basketball's end-of-season tournament every year.