Legal Online Sports Gambling In Ohio
Ohio is a sports centric state. Between the metropolitan areas of Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus, there are plenty of sports teams to go around. Ohio hosts teams in five major professional sports leagues. They also host the Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the best college football teams in the country.
Sports betting is an exciting way of getting more involved with your local teams, or any team for that matter, and is legally available through the online sportsbooks that we’ve recommended for Ohio residents. This guide will teach you about the several state and federal laws that apply to sports betting and also how to access legitimately licensed and regulated sportsbooks.
Is Online Sports Betting Considered Legal In Ohio As Of 2024
Ohio state gambling laws do not allow state regulated sports betting entertainment either online or offline. Even if they wanted to embrace sportsbook gambling, they would be unable to due to several federal gambling laws that govern sports betting across the nation. Thankfully this does not eliminate all opportunities for residents of the Buckeye State to enjoy legally sanctioned sports betting.
None of the state or federal gambling laws prohibit US residents, including those living in Ohio, from participating in online sports betting at legitimate sportsbook destinations that are licensed, regulated and located outside of the United States. So the answer to this question is yes, Ohio sports fans can wager on their favorite sports teams legally. We go into more detail about these laws a little further down on the page.
Most Reputable Sports Gambling Websites for Ohio Residents In 2024
All of the online sportsbooks in our list have established themselves as premier sports betting brands within the industry—specifically for Ohio residents. These sportsbooks are all legally licensed and have the necessary certifications to operate within their own country’s jurisdiction.
They are also regulated through their local government. These sportsbooks offer betting odds comparable to the ones you’d find in a Las Vegas sportsbook and provide Ohio residents the best options for legally and safely placing sports bets without having to travel to Nevada.
| Site Name | Bonus Offer | Rating /5 | USA | Play Now Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bovada Sportsbook | 50% up to $1,000 | 4.8 | Yes | Play Now |
| BetUS Sportsbook | 100% up to $2,500 | 4.6 | Yes | Play Now |
| Mybookie Sportsbook | 100% up to $1,000 | 4.5 | Yes | Play Now |
How State and Federal Laws Regulate Sports Betting in Ohio
Ohio state law considers any bets made on sports void. They have strict laws against fixing sports and ban state based sports betting as a preventative measure.
Paspa
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is a federal law that banned sports betting in 46 states back in the early 90s, and Ohio is one of them. PASPA and Ohio state law specifically prohibit state regulated sports betting within Ohio state lines.
Federal Wire Act
The Federal Wire Act was passed to restrict placing bets online with US-based sportsbooks. With online gambling on the rise over recent years, the DOJ came out with a Formal Opinion in 2011 that states the law strictly applies to sports betting, freeing up the possibility of online poker or other gambling forms to states’ discretion.
UIGEA
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed to monitor transactions being processed by banks related to gambling. It doesn’t affect individual bettors and is in place to prevent any financial transactions with illegal sportsbook operations
All of these laws combine to restrict placing bets with US-based sportsbooks. The offshore sportsbooks that we’ve recommended are all legally sanctioned and provide Ohio residents Nevada-style sports betting without breaking any laws since they are outside the jurisdiction of any state or federal laws.
Popular Teams To Bet On In Ohio
There are a few sports teams scattered throughout the state of Ohio. Cleveland hosts the Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Indians (MLB) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA). Cincinnati is home to the Bengals (NFL) and Red (MLB.) Columbus hosts two other league teams in the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and Columbus Crew (MLS). Of all these teams, the Cavaliers are considered the most popular and successful, though the Indians have been on the rise as well.
NFL Teams in Ohio
MLB Teams in Ohio
NBA Teams in Ohio
NHL Teams in Ohio
MLS Teams in Ohio
Popular College Sports Teams In Ohio
FAQs About Betting On Sports
Can I Bet On More Than One Team At Online Sportsbooks?
Certainly. In a state like Ohio it would be impossible to just bet on one team. Luckily for bettors, these sportsbooks don’t restrict the number of bets you place or the number of teams you bet on. You can even bet on teams outside the state, even outside the country, should you choose to do so.
How Do I Place A Bet At Online Sportsbooks Accepting Ohio Residents?
First you have to browse the betting lines available to you to see if there’s anything you’d like to bet on. Once you are ready to place a bet you have to deposit money into your account. You can deposit money into your account in several ways, though credit/debit card, wire transfer and Bitcoin are among the most popular options. After depositing money simply click on the bet you want to make and you’ll be prompted to enter your wager on your bet slip.
How Do Bet Slips Work?
Bet slips are where you can keep track of all the bets you’ve made. They usually pop up in the top right or left hand corner of your screen. Bet slips also allow you to see how much you stand to make if you win your wager. Be mindful before placing your bet, because all bets are considered final.
Are There Any Bonuses Available To Ohio Bettors?
Yes. These sportsbooks offer many bonuses to their bettors as incentives. Bonuses come in the form of additional money to add to your bankroll and are usually a percentage of your deposit. Most sportsbooks offer you your first bonus upon completion of your first deposit. There are other bonuses given throughout the year as seasonal and promotional offerings. There are also refer-a-friend bonuses that can get you lots of extra cash. Different sportsbooks have different bonuses so be sure to keep up to date on them.
Can You Have Accounts With Multiple Sportsbooks?
Yes. There are no rules or regulations against having accounts with multiple sportsbooks at the same time. Different sportsbooks offer varying betting lines, wagering options and bonuses, so it would be a good idea to have multiple accounts in order to ensure you’re getting the best odds possible for your money.
How Do I Receive My Winnings?
Payouts are a simple process that can be done in several ways. Some sportsbooks restrict your payout method based on the options you chose for deposits, so be mindful when selecting your deposit methods. You can always confirm this in the sportsbooks’ Terms of Service. Some of the more common payout methods include check by mail (can take up to 7-10 business days), money transfer or Bitcoin.
Is There A Chance Of Any Team In Ohio Winning A Title in 2024?
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Indians are your best bets for National Championship contenders. The Indians were just in the World Series, though ultimately lost out to the Chicago Cubs. You can expect the Indians to be back with a vengeance. The Cavs are heavily favored to represent the Eastern Conference for a third straight year. They will most likely play the Golden State Warriors of the Western Conference for a third straight matchup. The Cavs one the NBA Championship last season and are looking to repeat.