The state of Ohio has been rather slow in passing laws that would allow for legal online and mobile betting. An Ohio sports betting bill was sent to the Senate in June after over 12 committee meetings. The goal was to pass a bill by June 30, but it will not be addressed until the fall of 2021.
Ohio sports betting was close to being passed in 2020, but too many changes were proposed by the Senate and there was not enough time to make the requested changes.
As of now, there are no legal OH sports betting sites that are operating. Those that wish to engage in wagering will have to do so at offshore sites until Ohio sports gambling is legalized. Ohio betting has been a topic of debate for a few years, but the state is taking steps to pass a bill that will hopefully provide legal access to sites in 2023.
Legal Sports Betting in Ohio
At this time, sports betting in Ohio is not legal in any form. No retail betting outlets are operating and the state is taking quite some time to pass any Ohio gambling bill that would allow the launch of betting sites. When the state does offer an Ohio sports betting update, it will include information on online, mobile, and retail access.
There are four major casinos in the state and they are located in Toldeo, Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. When Ohio sports betting is legalized, we expect that retail sportsbooks will open at these venues.
Ohio Sports Betting Bill – 2024 Timeline
Since the Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional, Ohio lawmakers have been discussing the possibility of legal sports betting Ohio options. Unfortunately, there have been various hurdles and the state has not made much headway on legalizing OH sports betting. Take a look at the timeline of events in regards to sports gambling Ohio.
March 2019 – The first motion to offer legal Ohio sports betting came when Senate Bill 11 was created. It would allow land-based sports betting at casinos, which could then partner with online betting companies.
May 2020 – SB 111 is still in place and HB 194 gets action. The House bill received favorable votes to pass with a margin of 83-10.
January 2021 – Bill progress is delayed and lawmakers look to add amendments before it is sent to the Governor.
June 2021 – SB 176 was signed in the Senate and passed to the House. This opens the door for Ohio sports betting to be legal by April 2023.
Potential OH Online Sports Betting Sites
As residents continue to look forwards to sports betting Ohio, they can prepare by learning about the possible sites that will enter the market. The Ohio sports betting 2021 bill will allow for mobile gambling at licensed sportsbooks and if the current bill passes, there will be as many as 40 licenses granted. Here are the best betting apps that you can expect to become available when Ohio sports betting is legalized.
- DraftKings Sportsbook Ohio – DraftKings currently operates a DFS platform in Ohio and when laws are passed, the company will launch an online betting platform for Ohio residents. The company has a partnership with Penn National Gaming which owns four gambling properties in Ohio.
- FanDuel Ohio – FanDuel is already active in the state of Ohio as a daily fantasy sports site. This form of Ohio online gambling is completely legal. Since FanDuel has a relationship with Boyd Gaming, the chances of this company offering an Ohio sports betting app is quite likely.
- BetMGM Ohio – As one of the best sportsbooks operating in the US, BetMGM will be at the top of the list when Ohio sportsbook is offered. The company already has ties to betting venues in Ohio such as MGM Northfield Park and Cedar Downs OTB.
- Caesars Sportsbook Ohio – Caesars rebranded their sportsbook in 2021 to integrate the online casino and sports betting experience. There is a current Caesars property in Ohio that would allow this company to have an easy entrance to the Ohio market and offer a secure app for real money betting.
- Barstool – Barstool is known as the in-house betting platform for Penn National Gaming and Penn National has already stated they will provide an online platform and mobile app when Ohio sports betting laws are finalized.
- TwinSpires – TwinSpires is also a likely name to enter the industry. The company already has a connection with the Miami Valley Gaming and Racing racino. The venue could be one of the first to offer in-person sports betting when laws are passed.
- Hard Rock Sportsbook Ohio – With a long history in the state, Hard Rock already has a huge fan base and operates the land casino in Cincinnati. With a self-branded app, you can expect a Hard Rock sportsbook Ohio among those listed to receive a license and launch in 2023.
FAQ
If you have any outstanding questions regarding Ohio Sports Betting, check out the answers below to some commonly asked questions.
