The Ohio sports betting industry launches on Jan. 1, 2023. The Buckeye State could host one of the most robust selections of online sportsbooks in the nation when the market reaches full maturity.
This review offers an overview on the current status of Ohio sports betting:
Ohio Sports Betting Key Policy Points
- Ohio Legal Online Gambling Verticals – Online Sports Betting, Daily Fantasy Sports
- Ohio Online Gambling Revenue Tax Rates – Sportsbooks will pay a 10% tax on all sports betting revenue to the state.
- Ohio Available Online Sports Betting Licenses – There will be 25 Class A mobile licenses available in Ohio.
- Ohio College Sports Wagering Policy – Betting on college sporting events is legal in the state of Ohio. Therefore, bettors will be able to place wagers on in-state college teams.
- Ohio Sports Betting Legalization and Launch Dates – Ohio officially legalized sports betting on December 22, 2021. The industry is expected to launch on January 1, 2023.
- Ohio Gaming Regulation Agency – Ohio Casino Control Commission
January 1, 2023, is the current target launch date for legal sports betting.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has been working hard to draft rules and regulations to govern the industry. However, that group will also be tasked with issuing licenses, and this is a state that will have many licenses available.
Ohio Legal Sportsbooks
The push for legal sports betting in Ohio dates back to 2019, and this has been an intense battle in the state. Several bills were introduced that year, but it was S 111 that got support from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
It looked as if Ohio would be on track to pass that bill that year, but things started to unravel quickly. One of the biggest debates in Ohio was over which group would be put in charge of overseeing and regulating the industry.
Several bills were on the table in 2021 as well, but the top lawmakers eventually started to focus on HB 29, and it was the one that eventually passed. Governor DeWine was quick to sign the legislation, opening the door for both retail and online sports wagering.
One unique law passed in terms of sports betting is that betting on fixed-odds horse racing is not allowed in the state. However, betting on esports was approved, and those options will be available as soon as this industry launches.
Ohio Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting was included in all of the legislation introduced in Ohio, but there was some debate about who could offer this type of gaming. Ultimately, the state decided that casinos, sports teams, and racinos would be eligible to apply for an online sports betting license.
There will be 25 online sports betting licenses available in the state, but not all are expected to launch right away. The 11 casinos and 10 sports teams will have priority, but there will be room for online-only operators to launch.
Remote registration is allowed in Ohio, allowing bettors to sign up online without ever having to leave their homes. These online sportsbooks can also offer a mobile app downloaded on either an Android or iOS device.
It’s unclear what sportsbooks will go live in Ohio, but some have already formed a partnership in the state. For example, Fubo Gaming agreed to a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers that will make it the official sports betting partner of the team.
Ohio Retail Sportsbooks
Online sports betting in Ohio will bring in a majority of the action, but there will be plenty of retail sports betting options as well. There are two different retail sports betting licenses available in Ohio, and the state will hand out 40 Class B licenses.
A Class B license does come with specific criteria, which is the same for a Class C license. Ohio will have 40 Class B retail licenses available in the state, and these will only be located in locations with more than 50,000 residents.
Not only will casinos or racinos be looking to apply for a retail sports betting license, but professional sports teams or leagues will be looking to do the same. Therefore, these professional teams will have priority when applying for a retail sportsbook.
Class C licenses will allow those properties to have a liquor license to set up sports betting kiosks. This will be much smaller than the Class B licenses, but it will also provide more sports betting opportunities.
The fact that there will be so many retail sports betting options in Ohio sets this state apart from the rest of the industry.
Ohio Sports Betting Revenue
The first revenue reports won’t be available until at least a month after the first sportsbooks launch, but the projections have already come in. According to lawmakers, Ohio could see as much as $1 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, which would make it one of the biggest markets in the United States.
How Do I Know That Online Sports Betting Sites In Ohio Are Fair?
When Ohio sportsbooks launch, it will be easy to see just how fair they are. The betting lines will be fair and competitive, and each site will also come loaded with great bonuses and promotions.
Since there will be more than 20 online sportsbooks in Ohio, each site will have to be fair, or it will run the risk of losing customers. However, there is no limit to the number of sports betting accounts you can have, and you can try them all out to test just how fair they are.
Who Regulates Legal Online Sportsbooks In Ohio?
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has been charged with regulating and overseeing online sports betting in the state. This comes with several different tasks, and it will be this group that has to get the sports betting industry off the ground.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission first has to create the rules and regulations that will govern the industry, and then it will be tasked with issuing the licenses. After the sportsbooks launch, the OCCC will have to check up on the sportsbooks to see that they are following all of the rules.
Why Should I Trust Legal Online Sportsbooks?
Since all of these online sportsbooks will hold a license with the state, that is the biggest reason to trust them. Each site will have to follow the rules and regulations crafted by the OCCC and then approved by state lawmakers.
If these sites do not follow the rules, they could risk losing their online sports betting license. However, all your personal information will be safe and secure at these online sportsbooks.
How Do I Get Paid If I Win?
All of the payments that come from legal online sportsbooks will come directly from that individual site. Each sportsbook will have its banking department, and there will be different withdrawal options available for you to choose from.
If you are having an issue when trying to receive payment, the first step will be to reach out to customer support for that site.
Ohio Sports Betting FAQ
How old do you have to be to bet online in Ohio?
The legal age to wager on sports in Ohio is 21 years of age. This is the same age limit required for casino gaming, and it is also consistent with what other states do throughout the country.
Can I bet on college sports in Ohio?
Yes, betting on college sports will be legal in Ohio, and that includes betting on in-state college teams. Ohio is home to several professional teams, but this is also a state with popular and successful college programs.
Can I bet on esports at Ohio sportsbook apps?
Yes, the state sports betting law legalized betting on esports. Unfortunately, only a handful of states allow for betting on esports events, but sportsbooks in the state will be able to offer this when they launch.
Who can get a license to run an online gambling app in Ohio?
Casinos, racinos, and professional sports teams will get the first chance to apply for a license to offer online sports betting. This group could also apply for a second online skin depending on how many are available.
Is FanDuel offering an online sports betting app in Ohio?
FanDuel Sportsbook is expected to receive an online sports betting license in the state, and it already offers DFS games in Ohio. In addition, FanDuel Sportsbook has partnered with leagues and teams throughout the United States, which should occur in Ohio.