How to bet on live sports in Ohio: 5 best sportsbook promos for Ohio sports betting

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Eagles

Sports betting is growing at an incredible rate and is now officially set to launch on January 1st 2023 in the state of Ohio. What better way to bring in the New Year?! If you don’t live in Cleveland, don’t sweat! You can already take advantage of some salivating sign-up offers from Philly Sports Network by clicking here. If you do live in Cleveland, then welcome to the fun!

Ohio is the latest in a long line of states who are legalizing sports betting and this page is your ultimate guide to all things betting within the Ohio area. Whether it’s wanting to back the Cleveland Browns, or even the Ohio State Buckeyes, the options will be limitless for residents of the area, and so will the amount of exciting offers and promos available to you.

Whether you’re a first-time bettor, or a grizzled veteran looking for a way to spice up their next 12-leg parlay, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to bet on sports in Ohio right here.

Ohio Sports Betting Launch info

Sports betting will go live in Ohio on January 1st 2023 to those over the age of 21. But the good news is that you don’t have to wait until then to get in on the action. As sportsbooks prepare to open their doors to a world of new customers, they bring explosive offers to the table. This period is likely to take place in October 2022 and could see sportsbooks giving out huge bonuses just for signing up!

Most sign-up offers require you to deposit or place a wager. Pre-registration offers just need you to sign up. This means it’s an amazing way to get free bets right before the run-up to the Super Bowl!

For instance, Draftkings gave out $100 to anyone that signed up during the pre-registration window when Kansas Sports Betting went live. Barstool, FanDuel, and even BetMGM offered similar promos.

Expect to see similar types of deals leading up to the launch of Ohio sports betting.

Sportsbooks expected to go live in Ohio in January

Bally Bet
Barstool Sportsbook
Bet365
BetFanatics
BetFred
BetMGM
BetRivers
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings
FanDuel
Fubo
Parx
PlayUP
PointsBet
SuperBook
Tipico
Underdog Sports
WynnBET

How to take advantage of the pre-registration process

Once Ohio sports betting opens its doors, there’s going to be a whole world of new and exciting ways to bet. But before we get to that point, it’s important to learn how to sign up to the sportsbooks who will be active in Ohio.

The good news is that the process is similar across the board and largely simple. The most difficult part is choosing a sportsbook you like as they will all offer something different. While one may offer a free bet, others may offer a matched deposit.

Here are basic simple steps to follow for how to bet on sports in Ohio (must be 21+ years of age and located within state boundaries on the day of the launch)

Select a sportsbook of choice from the various options in the list above (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM etc)

  1. Complete the online registration and fill out the personal information required. This includes name, address, email, and date of birth
  2. Deposit the minimum amount required to place a wager using any of the available deposit methods
  3. Punch in your sign-up promo code to take advantage of whichever bonus you’ve chosen
  4. Enjoy all the Ohio sports betting fun!

Ranking the best Ohio Sports Betting Sportsbooks/Mobile Apps

As you may have guessed, there is an endless list of sportsbooks and it can be overwhelming to decide where you want to place your bets. Do you prefer a good UI, or frequent rewards for your loyalty? This ranking will help you decipher which Ohio sports betting app is the best for you!

FanDuel
Fanduel Sportsbook
States: NY, LA, AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV
New Player Bonus
Risk Free Bet
Up to $1000

FanDuel have done a great job at expanding on what was once a ‘Daily Fantasy Sports’ app. Now boasting a fully-fledged sportsbook with an app that’s simple and easy to understand, it makes betting easy.

One of the best features on the app is the ability to add ‘same-game parlays’. You’ve probably seen these on Twitter, where someone has posted a bet where they’re hoping for Joel Embiid to knock down three 3-pointers and score 25+, Maxey to score 18+ and maybe an opposing player to hit a milestone. These ‘bet-builders’ can be as simple or as complex as you like, making them personal to you.

Draftkings
Draftkings Sportsbook
States: NY, LA, AZ, CO, Il, IN, IA, MI, NH, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV
New Player Bonus
Risk Free Bet
Up to $1000

DraftKings might be the biggest brand on here. Their in-play betting is unmatched and there is an abundance of promotions. The fun doesn’t stop with sign-up offers, as DraftKings try to bring as much to the table as possible.

DraftKings have gone above and beyond to legitimize themselves as the premier brand in this space. They acquired Golden Nugget Online Gaming to bring users even more ways to bet and experience the thrill of Casinos from the comfort of their own home, and will often be aligned with reputable names in promotional campaigns.

If it’s trust and comfort you want, DraftKings may be the best option.

BetMGM
BetMGM Sportsbook
Get your risk-free $1,000 bet today!
New Player Bonus
Bet $10
Get $200

BetMGM are a new player in the market and as a result, their sign-up offer is much more competitive. MGM has focused its attention on brand awareness since expanding to the sports-betting arena, bringing in people like Jamie Foxx to endorse the product. This comes after the success of Allen Iverson’s work for PointsBet.

The offer here sounds like one of the most low-risk, high-reward ones of them all, and it is. But just be aware that the bonus will be paid out in the way of eight $25 bets. This isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it’s definitely a hurdle if you wanted to bet that $200 all at once, or simply try to take it out from the account immediately, as it’s going to require some extra legwork.

The app itself is pretty sleek and the company is an up-and-comer. If you already have an account with the bigger players, there’s no reason why you can’t take advantage of an enticing sign-up offer here and see if their app is for you.

Unibet
UNIBET
$500 Risk Free Bet
New Player Bonus
$500
Risk-Free Bet

Unibet are best-known in PA for their direct relationship with the Eagles. This alone will probably convince many Eagles fans to bet with them after seeing their twitter account and logo appear on a lot of promotional content this year.

The app itself is very basic in what it does. It’s not going to give you the most bang for your buck in terms of promotions and offers, but there’s enough there to cover all bases just without some of the bells and whistles from other apps.

Bet Rivers
Betrivers Sportsbook
$100 Deposit Match up to $250
New Player Bonus
$100 Deposit Match
up to $250

This was once known as SugarHouse Sportsbook. They offer a very competitive sign-up offer, where they’ll match your first deposit with only a 1x wagering requirement. This means that they’ll match whatever amount you deposit up to $250, and if you wager that amount just once a single bet), then it’s yours to keep.

The really cool thing about this app is that it shares a wallet with their Casino, which offers all the slots, card games, and casino fun you could imagine. It’s really tidy not having to split deposits between two apps, or move winnings between them. It’s seamless and something that other sportsbooks should look to incorporate.

Best odds for Sports betting in Ohio

Ohio is an amazing area for sports. Whether you’re a Browns fan, or willing the Cavaliers back into playoff contention, there’s always something going on. Here are the current average odds for teams to win their respective championships. (Sept 29th, odds may change)

Cleveland Browns to win the Super Bowl +4700

Cincinnati Bengals to win the Super Bowl +2400

Ohio State Buckeyes to win the College Football Playoff +230

Cleveland Cavaliers to win the NBA Finals +3150

Depending on which sportsbook you use, odds will change. Draftkings, for instance, has the Browns to win the Super Bowl at +5000, which is far more appealing than FanDuel’s +4400. This makes finding the best app for you even more important. Alternatively, it makes the decision to try out various sportsbooks a much more enticing one.

Ohio

How to bet on the Cleveland Browns

The Browns have endured a tumultuous offseason. With Deshaun Watson sidelined and shrowded in controversy, it’s down to Jacoby Brissett to protect the rock and at least push the Browns to a point where they can compete for a playoffs berth

Ohio sports Fans have several ways to bet the Browns. Whether it’s individual matchups, or markets like the team winning the Super Bowl or Nick Chubb to win MVP, the opportunities are endless. 

How to bet on the Cincinnati Bengals

After falling just shy of a miracle Super Bowl run, the Cincinnati Bengals have had a bumpy start to the year. But Joe Burrow is beginning to find his footing and that receiving corps is heating up.

Like betting on the Browns, there are endless ways to back the Bengals. Maybe you want to bet on Ja’Marr Chase leading the NFL in receiving yards, or perhaps it’s a bet on Joe Burrow to win MVP. If you can think it, you can bet it.

How to bet on the Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers fans will be among the most excited in the entire NBA after a blockbuster trade to saw them nab Shooting Guard Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. 

Cavs fans feeling like this could be a huge step forward for the team will have a plethora of betting options. Whether it’s the Cavs to win the Eastern Conference, make the playoffs, or to win individual games, there are endless options.

Donovan Mitchell to win MVP will surely be a popular bet too!

How to bet on the Ohio State Buckeyes

Betting the Ohio State Buckeyes is always a fun experience. Head Coach Ryan Day has built a dominant team in Columbus and playoffs feel like a certainty.

The ability to bet on Ohio State to win the Big 10 as well as the College Football Playoff will be a great experience for Ohio sports betting fans. C.J. Stroud will be carrying the Buckeyes hopes on his shoulders, and potentially your wagers!

Ohio residents will also be able to bet on Ohio State to go all the way in the March Madness tournament next spring.

How to bet on the Cincinnati Reds

The Reds have hardly been an exciting team to watch this year, but an outright bet on some markets such as divisional crowns and playoff appearances next season ma be worth exploring to those bullish on the short-term future. For those a little bearish, you can always bet on the ‘next manager to be fired’.

Ohio Sports Betting Retail Locations

As if a flurry of mobile apps wasn’t enough, there are plenty of brick and mortar sportsbooks to go and place your bets at. Maybe you fancy a night at the Casino, or just want to watch the game, get some wings, and watch your bets play out. There are some brilliant bars and restaurants that now have betting licenses.

FanDuel Sportsbook: Belterra Casino

  • 6301 Kellogg Road, Cincinnati, OH 45230
  • (513)-232-8000
  • Monday – Friday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
  • Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

The FanDuel kiosk at Belterra Casino, Ohio, has 4 self-service terminals, 12 screens, and a HUGE video wall that displays scores. You can bet on anything you’d find on the FanDuel app, including:

  • Soccer
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Boxing
  • Motorsports
  • Collegiate Football and Basketball

Barstool Sportsbook: Hollywood Casino Toledo

Barstool Sportsbook isn’t open yet, but will be opening in Toledo when sports betting is legalized in 2023. This has the biggest license a sportsbook can get, meaning you can bet on most things with very few wagering limits, ensuring that this will be a hotspot for sports fans in 2023.

Bally Sportsbetting Lounge: FirstEnergy Stadium

  • 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, OH 44114
  • (440)-891-5001
  • Hours of Operation: N/A

The Cleveland Browns actually have an exclusive partnership with Bally’s to bring a sports betting experience to FirstEnergy Stadium. This is similar to the Philadelphia Eagles and Unibet.

There will be a Bally Sportsbook lounge at FirstEnergy Stadium, with details coming soon. Fans will likely get exclusive bonuses and on-site offers, as well as bonuses through the app.

Caesars Sportsbook: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

  • 1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115
  • (216)-420-2000
  • Hours of Operation: N/A

The Browns aren’t the only team with a betting partner. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed a sports betting deal with Caesars Sportsbook. Caesars is one of the bigger names in the sports betting world and offers markets on global sports such as:

  • Australian Rules Football
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Cricket
  • Cycling
  • Darts
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Hockey
  • MMA
  • Motorsport
  • Rugby League
  • Rugby Union
  • Soccer
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis

The Cavs have also signed a separate deal with Fubo Gaming, which will bring a new sports lounge to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, set to open next year.

How to Bet on Sports in Ohio FAQ

When can sports bettors legally place online wagers?

Jan. 1, 2023: Ohio sports betting (both online and in person) is set to officially launch on the first day of 2023.

How can Ohio sports bettors legally place bets?

Ohio sports bettors will have the ability to place sports wagers both online and at select retail locations after January 1st 2023.

How old will Ohio sports bettors have to be?

All Ohio sports bettors will have to be 21 years or older to place a sports wager. 

How Can Ohio sports bettors get started on Jan. 1, 2023?

Ohio sports bettors can download one of the licensed/approved online sportsbooks or by visiting one of the retail locations.