A sports-mad state like Ohio in America’s Midwest, with a population of 11.693million, is ideal to become a sports betting mainstay.
Among its sports teams Ohio has the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals and perennial college football powerhouse the Ohio State Buckeyes.
For years, however, the legalization of sports betting in the state encountered one hurdle after another, frustrating Ohioans eager to wager on upcoming matchups and events.
That all changed on December 22nd, 2021, when Ohio’s lawmakers finally legalized sports betting in the Buckeye state.
Ohio betting legislation permits the following types of operators:
- Online operators
- Casinos
- Race tracks
- Sports teams/events
- Other venues of “significant economic activity“
There are no restrictions on collegiate sports or any other athletics for that matter, making Ohio a veritable sports betting norvana, once market launch rolls around.
Is sports betting legal in Ohio?
Sports betting is not legal in Ohio yet, but it is scheduled to launch no later than January 1st, 2023.
This provides Ohioans with far more freedom for their wagering and gambling activities than most other states. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this state, so we can keep you updated on developments once things go live.
Legal sports betting near Ohio
While you can’t bet IN the state of Ohio just yet, you can bet in some neighboring states. Location-based law can be a beautiful thing. Here are your options right now:
Pennsylvania: Expected to be one of sports betting’s biggest hitters in terms of dollars wagered. Once in the state, you can bet in person at licensed casinos, or online and via mobile apps. As long as you are 21 or older, and not on an exclusion list – you are good to go.
West Virginia: An early adopter, and has land-based and online and mobile app options. The choice of apps is a little limited, but again way better than Ohio right now! The legal age is 21.
Indiana: Another state which offers both land-based sites and mobile and online products. The choice is growing – again you need to be in state and aged 21 or older.
Michigan: Online and mobile sports betting went live in January 2021, adding to the existing bricks-and-mortar sites. You need to be in-state to bet, and aged 21 or over.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Ohio?
We’ll say it yet again – offshore sportsbooks who offer their services in the state of Ohio are not doing so legally.
And if you are tempted to sign up with them, remember that you have no consumer protection due to their unlicensed status. A dangerous game in our view.
Far better in our view to look for legal ways to be with licensed operators, safe in the knowledge that Ohio is likely to legalize soon enough.
It would be a surprise if sports betting was not legal by the start of the 2021 football season (September) – COVID permitting.