With the launch of Ohio sports betting right around the corner on Jan. 1, you’re probably wondering if you are allowed to bet on the college football playoff semifinal between the Ohio State Buckeyes (11-1) and the Georgia Bulldogs (13-0). 

The game takes place on New Year’s Eve - the day before launch day in Ohio - and we’re here to tell you if, and how, you can bet on this huge matchup between two storied programs.

Can You Bet College Football Playoff In Ohio?

The first thing to say is this: Wagering on college sports - including in-state teams like Ohio State - is legal in Ohio.

Sports betting in Ohio officially goes live on New Year’s Day. From Jan. 1, Ohio sports bettors will be able to access the best Ohio betting apps and start placing wagers on all of their favorite teams. 

There are a number of big events taking place on Jan. 1, including a slate of NFL games, plus a handful of NBA matchups and NHL games. But the Ohio State vs. Georgia semifinal might be the biggest game of the weekend as far as many Ohioans are concerned. But it takes place on Dec. 31.

That makes placing a legal wager on this matchup tricky for Ohio sports bettors. But it’s not impossible, as we’ll explain below...

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

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OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum bet credit $1,000; must be used within 14 days of receipt. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

How To Bet Ohio State vs. Georgia In Ohio

Ohio sports betting will be live and legal from Jan. 1, but the Ohio State vs Georgia game takes place on Dec. 31. What does that mean for Ohio sports betting fans?

The only way for Ohio bettors to bet on Ohio State vs. Georgia will be to sign up for Ohio sports betting apps ahead of time, and then hope the game goes to overtime. As soon as the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, the biggest betting apps like DraftKings and BetMGM are set to go live. At that point - should the Ohio State vs Georgia game still be going - you could place a live wager on it. 

That’s the only way to bet the game since you won't be able to place a pre-game wager as it kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 31.

So while there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to bet on Ohio State vs. Georgia, there is a chance you can – but only if it goes to OT. You definitely will be able to bet the College Football National Championship game, which is set for 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 9.

Which Ohio Sports Betting Operators Will Go Live Jan. 1?

A number of sports betting apps are expected to go live on Jan. 1 in Ohio. Here is a list of the sportsbooks that Ohio sports bettors can expect to go live:

• Caesars Sportsbook Ohio
• DraftKings Ohio
• FanDuel Ohio
• BetMGM Ohio
• PointsBet Ohio
• Barstool Ohio
• BetRivers Ohio (Hall of Fame Village)
• bet365 Ohio
• Betfred Ohio
• BetJACK Ohio
• BetFanatics Ohio
• Hard Rock Ohio
• Tipico Ohio

How To Sign Up To Bet Ohio State vs Georgia

Many of the biggest Ohio sports betting apps are now offering Ohio sportsbook promos for new customers, including free bets and deposit matches. Here are some of the best:

BetMGM Bonus Code BOOKIES

If you sign up today at BetMGM Ohio, you'll get $200 in free bets deposited into your account for launch day (Jan. 1). Hit 'Bet Now' below to access the deal. You must use the BetMGM Ohio promo code BOOKIES when you sign up to qualify. There is no deposit needed.

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses Promo Code: BOOKIES

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in OH. In partnership with MGM Northfield Park. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for T&Cs. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

DraftKings Ohio Registration Offer

Register today at DraftKings Ohio to get $200 in free bets. You will also be automatically entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a $100,000 free bet at DraftKings. You must sign up before Jan. 1 to access this deal. Hit 'Bet Now' to get started.

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Must be 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

FanDuel Ohio Registration Offer

FanDuel Ohio is giving away a three-month free subscription to NBA League Pass for customers who sign up today. You'll also get $100 in free bets credited to your account on launch day. Hit 'Bet Now' to get started.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

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Used 35 Times Today

Must be 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Caesars Sportsbook Early Sign-Up Offer

Sign up today and deposit $20 at Caesars Sportsbook Ohio for the chance to win Cavs ticket, plus get $100 in Bet Credits for launch day.

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Tap for Promo Activated! Visit site

Used 68 Times Today

OH only. 21+. New users and first wager only. Must register with eligible promo code. Bet amount of qualifying wager returned only if wager is settled as a loss. Maximum bet credit $1,000; must be used within 14 days of receipt. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

bet365 Early Sign-Up Offer

This is one of our favorite deals. Sign up today at bet365 Ohio and get $100 in free bets. Then, when bet365 Ohio goes live on Jan. 1, you can wager $1 to get $200 more in bet credits. That's a potential total of $300 in bonuses from bet365.

First Bet Safety Net Up To $1,000

Tap for Promo Activated! Visit site

Used 45 Times Today

Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. Must be 21+ and present in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.