Ohio Sports Betting Update: What You Need to Know 2 Weeks Out

For years, sports bettors in Ohio have been waiting for the big day – and that day is finally almost here. On January 1, 2023, sports betting goes live in the Buckeye State. 

In our guide to Ohio sports betting, we'll go over the launch of Ohio sportsbooks and their Ohio betting apps, plus what you can expect from what is set to become one of the largest legal sports betting markets in the U.S.

Is Ohio Sports Betting Legal?

Ohio sports betting is legal, but operators aren't permitted to start taking bets until January 1, 2023. That’s the big day for Ohio sports bettors, who will have as many as 16 sportsbooks to choose from on that day (as it stands now).

When Can I Bet in Ohio?

Ohio sports betting launches at midnight on January 1, 2023. You will then be able to bet on sports online in Ohio and at physical retail locations. Thus far, 16 sports betting operators have received licenses to launch on New Year’s Day. However, it’s expected that more operators will be given licenses in the coming weeks. Either way, January 1, 2023, is when Ohio sports betting launches.

Which Sportsbooks Will Launch In Ohio on Jan. 1? 

Thus far, there are 16 sports betting operators that are expected to go live in Ohio on January 1, 2023, although more could be added in the coming weeks and months. Here is the full list of the Ohio sportsbooks that will be launching on New Year’s Day.

In addition to the 16 sports betting operators that have already been approved, there are also several operators that have submitted their applications for Ohio licenses. They are:

• Bally Bet Sportsbook Ohio/Cleveland Browns
• BetJACK Sportsbook Ohio/JACK Casinos
• Betway Sportsbook Ohio/Belterra Park
• Out The Gate Sportsbook Ohio/Spire Institute
• PlayUp Sportsbook Ohio/JACK Cleveland Casino
• Prophet Exchange (Stake Trade)/Columbus Blue Jackets
• Underdog Sportsbook Ohio/Cincinnati Reds
• WynnBET Sportsbook Ohio/JACK Thistledown Racino

Where Can I Bet in Ohio on Jan. 1?

The Ohio Casino Control Commission revealed that four retail sportsbooks will be open on Jan. 1. Those are:

• Hollywood Casino Columbus (Barstool)
• Hollywood Casino Toledo  (Barstool)
• Hard Rock Cincinnati
• JACK Cleveland (BetJack)

Ohio Sports Betting Kiosks

Aside from mobile apps, or retail sportsbooks, Ohioans will also be able to place bets at kiosks that will be set up in places like grocery stores, bars and restaurants. There are expected to be roughly 1,000 businesses offering betting kiosks. As we mentioned these kiosks will be available at various locations, though not at popular grocery store Kroger initially (reports say they won't be available until the spring of 2023).

There are special rules attached to operating sports betting kiosks in Ohio. For instance, the types of wagers you can place at betting kiosks is scaled down. Below are your options:

• Spread betting
• Totals (over/under) 
• Moneyline bets
• Parlays

There are also limits on wagering activity. Each bettor can only place $700 worth of bets in a calendar week. Bettors will likely be able to place bets at these kiosks with debit cards, credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Play and PayPal.

As for cashing out your winnings at Ohio sports betting kiosks, there are several options. They are:

• On location
• Any lottery retailer in the state (gas stations, truck stops etc)
• Lottery offices
• Mail

Columbus Business First has a database of sports betting kiosk locations available in Central Ohio. Take a look below.

Notable Ohio Sports Betting Partnerships

• Betfred/Cincinnati Bengals
• Bally Bet/Cleveland Browns
• BetMGM/Cincinnati Reds
• Tipico/Columbus Crew FC
• BetParx Ohio/Memorial Tournament
• bet365 Ohio/Cleveland Guardians
• SuperBook Ohio/FC Cincinnati
• Caesars Ohio/Cleveland Cavaliers

Best Ohio Sports Betting Pre-Registration Promo Codes

Below is a list of the top Ohio promo codes for new users in Ohio. Many of the sports betting sites in Ohio have bonuses that are available right now.