Numerous Ohio sports betting bills have undergone minor tinkering and extreme overhauls since the state first looked to legalize sports wagering. With the Buckeye State’s legal sports betting market launching on Jan. 1, 2023, Ohioans can finally bet with the best retail and online Ohio sportsbooks.
The following timeline summarizes the history of sports betting in Ohio:
Aug. 22, 2024: Bovada exits Ohio as the nationwide crackdown on unlicensed and illegal online gaming products continues.
Aug. 1, 2024: Ohio is one of four states to surpass $500 million in betting activity in June.
July 22, 2024: SuperBook Sports pulls out of eight post-PASPA states, including Ohio.
July 22, 2024: BetFred to exit Ohio later this summer, marking the second U.S. market that the UK-based sportsbook has exited recently.
July 15, 2024: Three Ohio House Republicans voice their support for college player prop betting in iGaming within the state.
July 4, 2024: Ohio’s sports betting handle tops $600 million for the ninth straight month.
June 13, 2024: Two Ohio men are sentenced for an illegal gambling operation that ran between 2009 and 2018.
June 13, 2024: Bernie Kosar — a former Cleveland Browns quarterback — sues podcast company for losing his job job due to placing a sports bet.
June 4, 2024: Ohio’s lifetime sports betting handle hits $10 billion, making it the fastest U.S. market to reach that mark.
May 6, 2024: Ohio regulators propose a “use it or lose it” amendment for all sports betting operators.
May 2, 2024: Ohio sees a huge jump in handle, but loses revenue in March. The Buckeye State took in $808.1 million in wagers but made only $63.8 million in revenue.
April 3, 2024: Ohio reports lowest sports betting revenue in February since August 2023.
March 4, 2024: A local organization “Ohio for Responsible Gambling” raises awareness in March after sharing from a recent survey that 20% of Ohians are now at risk of problem gambling, which has tripled since 2012.
March 1, 2024: Ohio sports betting revenue tops $113 million in January, while the total monthly handle reached $810 million.
Feb. 26, 2024: Covers’ own Geoff Zochodne weighs in on Ohio’s ban on college player prop betting and how it could easily be adopted by other states.
Feb. 23, 2024: Ohio bans college player prop betting. The ban will take effect on March 1, 2024.
Feb. 6, 2024: Ohio could ban betting on college player props following an NCAA request following several college sports wagering-related incidents and reported harassment of athletes.
Feb. 1, 2024: Ohio’s betting revenue in December reaches eight-month high, bringing in $829.9 million in wagers.
Jan. 26, 2024: bet365 launches free-to-play fantasy contest in five states, including Ohio, ahead of NFL Championship Weekend, offering a $25,000 prize pool for each game.
Dec. 26, 2023: Covers’ Ethan Matthew outlines Ohio’s 2023 year in review.
Dec. 13, 2023: The Ohio Casino Control Commission recently met to discuss several initiatives to curb the online harassment collegiate athletes receive from sports bettors.
Nov. 14, 2023: ESPN BET goes live with online and mobile sports betting, launching in Ohio and 16 other states.
Nov. 2, 2023: ESPN BET plans to launch on Nov. 14, 2023, with online sports betting going live in 17 U.S. states, including Ohio.
Oct. 2, 2023: The OCCC reports an Ohio August sports betting handle of $378.8 million. With its $133.8 million handle, DraftKings leads the way for the second consecutive month.
Sept. 13, 2023: The newest operator in Ohio — Prime Sportsbook — announces a soft launch, making it the 20th online betting site in the state.
Sept. 5, 2023: The OCCC approves a request to allow wagering on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Sept. 1, 2023: Ohio sports betting surpassed $4 billion in total handle since launching on Jan. 1.
Aug. 30, 2023: Bally Bet goes live in Ohio, making it 19 online sportsbooks active in the state.
Aug. 24, 2023: Fanatics opens its retail sportsbook in the Arena District of Columbus in partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
July 31, 2023: The OCCC announces a sports betting handle of $362.1 million for June, including $348.37 million online and $13.73 million for retail.
July 25, 2023: Fanatics plans to open a retail sportsbook in late August — adjacent to Nationwide Arena — in partnership with the Columbus Blue Jackets at 401 N. Front Street, Columbus.
July 5, 2023: Gov. Mike DeWine’s office announces the 2024-2025 budget will increase the tax on Ohio sports betting operators to 20%, up from 10% of revenue. The state will also have the power to ban abusive bettors.
June 30, 2023: Sports betting handle in Ohio continues to decline, with May seeing $446.2 million in wagers, down from $520.6 in April.
June 21, 2023: BetMGM announces it will move its retail sportsbook from Great American Ball Park to The Banks. BetMGM will open its new sportsbook at Nation Kitchen & Bar on the corner of Second Street and Joe Nuxhall Way.
June 15, 2023: The OCCC approves a new betting market — the Premier Lacrosse League.
June 1, 2023: Ohio sportsbooks accept $520.6 million in total wagers in April.
May 26, 2023: University of Cincinnati fires two baseball staffers for gambling-related violations.
May 17, 2023: Ohio regulators continue to crack down on fantasy sports operators that offer “fantasy sports” contests closely resembling sports betting.
May 2, 2023: Ohio sports betting regulators prohibit wagering on Alabama baseball due to integrity concerns.
May 1, 2023: Fanatics launches the 18th mobile sportsbook in Ohio. Fanatics Sportsbook is available to existing Fanatics customers.
April 27, 2023: The Fanatics Sportsbook app will launch in Ohio on Monday, May 1. Existing Fanatics customers will receive a unique code to access the app.
April 19, 2023: PlayUp pulls its Ohio sports betting license bid as part of a settlement reached with the OCCC. The sportsbook operator also agrees not to pursue gambling-related licenses in Ohio for four years.
April 11, 2023: The OCCC deems gift cards acceptable forms of payment when funding legal Ohio sports betting accounts.
March 31, 2023: Ohio’s sports betting handle drops by 42.6% in February. Still, the state’s $638.8 million February handle ranks fourth in the nation behind New York, New Jersey, and Nevada.
March 19, 2023: The Xavier Musketeers (-5.5) knock off the Pittsburgh Panthers to advance to the men’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.
March 15, 2023: The OCCC fines BetMGM $150,000 for failing to include responsible gaming messaging in all of its sports betting ads.
March 8, 2023: Ohio sees a sizable increase in problem gambling helpline calls during the first month of legal Ohio sports betting.
March 3, 2023: The World Baseball Classic receives approval as an eligible sports betting event from the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Feb. 28, 2023: Ohio reports $1.1 billion in combined retail and online sports betting handle in its initial month of legal wagering.
Feb. 21, 2023: Ohio’s regulator of legal retail and online sports betting is seeking a budget bump in connection with wagering in the state following lawmakers’ concerns over advertising issues.
Feb. 15, 2023: The Ohio Casino Control Commission approves Ohio sports betting-related fines for Barstool and DraftKings.
Feb. 14, 2023: betPARX launches its online sports betting product in Ohio, becoming the Buckeye State’s 17th active sportsbook.
Feb. 12, 2023: Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed budget would double the tax on Ohio sports betting — to be paid by casinos and teams operating sportsbooks with mobile partners — from 10% to 20%.
Feb. 8, 2023: The Ohio Lottery Commission gets updated on Ohio sports betting kiosks, with attention to “cannibalization” of keno.
Jan. 25, 2023: Betfred, the official sports betting partner of the Cincinnati Bengals, pays out all bets on the Bengals to win Super Bowl 57.
Jan. 18, 2023: The OCCC approves WynnBET for an Ohio online sports betting license.
Jan. 13, 2023: Fresh off a 27-16 victory in Week 18, the Cincinnati Bengals (-9.5) will look for back-to-back victories against the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday’s all-AFC North Wild Card matchup.
After a successful Jan. 1 soft launch, Betr officially launches its microbetting app in Ohio. Betr now accepts statewide deposits and withdrawals.
Jan. 10, 2023: PlayUp’s SPAC deal with IG Acquisition Corp. (IGAC) falls apart after the sportsbook operator fails to provide the acquisition company with its financial statements. PlayUp continues to pursue an Ohio sports betting license.
Jan. 8, 2023: Browns radio voice and former quarterback Bernie Kosar is fired for violating NFL rules related to betting on games.
Jan. 5, 2023: The OCCC issues notices of violation to three Ohio sports betting online operators — BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings. All three companies allegedly advertised “free” or “risk-free” promotions and failed to include responsible gambling messaging.
Jan. 3, 2023: Ohio lottery sports betting faces a gradual rollout at bars, restaurants, and other establishments.
Jan. 2, 2023: Caesars Sportsbook opens its Ohio retail sportsbook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Jan. 1, 2023: Ohio online sports betting goes live at 12:01 a.m. ET. Sixteen mobile sportsbooks launch in the Buckeye State.
Dec. 30, 2022: Tipico announces that Cleveland football legend Bernie Kosar will place the first legal bet on the sportsbook’s platform in Ohio — a $19,000 moneyline wager on the Browns in Week 18 of the 2022 NFL season.
Dec. 29, 2022: Several agencies unveil new Ohio sports betting problem gambling campaigns ahead of the New Year’s Day launch.
Dec. 28, 2022: Ohio’s retail sports betting operators prepare for Jan. 1 opening.
Dec. 26, 2022: Las Vegas-based SuperBook Sports announces its upcoming launch in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023.
Dec. 23, 2022: The Ohio sports betting regulator issues an email warning over advertising.
Dec. 22, 2022: The Cincinnati Reds announce the BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park will have its Grand Opening at 11:00 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2023.
Dec. 21, 2022: Allegations leveled against PlayUp and its Ohio sports betting ambitions are being treated with “utmost seriousness,” according to a spokesperson.
Dec. 20, 2022: Joey Levy, CEO and co-founder of Betr, announces that the sports betting platform expects to be part of the January 1 launch after receiving licensing from Ohio regulators.
Dec. 19, 2022: Legal Ohio online sports betting is less than two weeks away. Ohioans will soon be able to wager on the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals, Columbus Blue Jackets, and other Ohio-based teams.
Dec. 15, 2022: FansUnite obtains a sports gaming supplier license in Ohio. The company will provide Betr with its B2B gaming technology.
Dec. 14, 2022: Bally Bet, Betway, Out the Gate, and Underdog are approved as Ohio online sports betting operators. PlayUp‘s application is denied due to alleged illegal gambling activity. The OCCC has now awarded 20 mobile sports betting operator licenses.
Dec. 13, 2022: The OCCC will meet tomorrow to discuss four mobile management services provider licenses for Bally Bet, Betway, Out the Gate, and Underdog. If licenses are awarded, these Ohio sportsbook operators could launch on Jan. 1, 2023.
Dec. 12, 2022: June Taylor, Chair of the OCCC, reveals that some Ohio sports betting operators will not be prepared for the state’s Jan. 1, 2023 launch. Smaller sportsbook newcomers like BetFanatics and Betr may be among those arriving later in 2023.
Dec. 8, 2022: Kroger delays the launch of sports betting kiosks at its 42 locations until later in 2023.
Dec. 6, 2022: Tipico inks a strategic partnership with AEG Presents, becoming the exclusive sportsbook partner of AEG Presents-owned music venues like A&R Music Bar, Agora Theatre & Ballroom, KEMBA Live!, and Newport Music Hall.
Dec. 1, 2022: betPARX and MVGBet withdraw management services provider applications for retail sports betting in Ohio.
Nov. 30, 2022: This is the final day to lock in $100 in free bets from Hard Rock Sportsbook Ohio. Starting Dec. 1, 2022, the sportsbook will offer just $50 to users who register an account in 2022.
Nov. 26, 2022: The Ohio State Buckeyes drop their first game of the season, falling to the road dog Michigan Wolverines by a score of 45-23.
Nov. 21, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission outlines Ohio’s set of initial wagers and events. Betting on celebrity awards shows, coin flips, and other non-athlete performance criteria (e.g. Super Bowl Gatorade color) will not be permitted in Ohio. Notably, betting on events such as the NFL Draft and NFL Awards will be allowed.
Nov. 16, 2022: Four more sportsbook operators are conditionally approved to launch on Jan. 1 in Ohio: Jake Paul’s Betr earns an Ohio license, along with betPARX, Fanatics, and MVGBet (Betly).
Nov. 15, 2022: Tipico launches its “Win Ohio” free-to-play game, giving passionate Ohio sports bettors an opportunity to win free bets and entries into Tipico’s Grand Prize Sweepstakes.
Nov. 3, 2022: FanDuel Ohio improves its pre-live offer consisting of $100 in free bets by including a free NBA League Pass three-month subscription.
Nov. 2, 2022: Ohio sports betting regulators greenlight more mobile licenses, with BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, Hard Rock Sportsbook, and Tipico, all conditionally approved for a five-year term.
Oct. 27, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook goes live in Ohio. New users can download the Caesars OH app, register, and make a deposit with the sportsbook to claim a $100 bet credit using promo code COVERSTIX.
Oct. 19, 2022: Stark Enterprises, a real estate development company, applies for Type-A and Type-B sports betting licenses in Ohio.
Oct. 18, 2022: The Cleveland Cavaliers lost their Ohio online sports betting partner due to the abrupt closure of Fubo Gaming.
Oct. 17, 2022: Fubo shuts down its online sportsbook after a strategic review is unable to locate a suitable sports betting partner. The operator had been live in only three states — Arizona, Iowa, and New Jersey — but planned to enter the upcoming Ohio market.
Oct. 11, 2022: BetMGM and the Cincinnati Reds partner for Ohio sports betting. The multi-year agreement includes plans for a retail BetMGM sportsbook at Great American Ball Park.
Oct. 5, 2022: The OCCC approves five mobile sportsbooks. bet365, Betfred, Caesars, PointsBet, and SuperBook can all go live on Jan 1, 2023.
Oct. 1, 2022: FanDuel releases Ohio’s first pre-live sign-up bonus worth $100 in free bets. New customers can register accounts and claim the bonus through Dec. 31, 2022.
Sept. 21, 2022: Regulators approve 10 Ohio sports betting proprietor licenses. The Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cleveland Guardians are among the licensees to obtain conditional approval to partner with sportsbook operators and offer sports betting in Ohio.
Sept. 7, 2022: Matt Schuler, Executive Director of the OCCC, says that 33% of Ohio sports betting applicants have omitted key information from their submitted sports betting applications. The companies are given a new Oct. 5, 2022, deadline.
Aug. 17, 2022: Ohio awards 200 Type-C sports betting licenses.
Aug. 15, 2022: Betway, MaximBet, and Prophet Exchange apply for second skin licenses. Should the OCCC approve their applications, the three operators will be permitted to go live on Jan. 1, 2023.
Aug. 11, 2022: It is revealed that Instabet, the official online sports betting partner of Hall of Fame Village, is now known as Betr Sportsbook, a “micro-betting” (live betting) focused sportsbook backed by social media personality and professional boxer Jake Paul.
Aug. 10, 2022: Forty-two Kroger locations are pre-approved as Type-C sports betting operators in Ohio, allowing each grocery store to feature betting kiosks in 2023. Bettors will also be able to cash winning bets at 205 Kroger stores across the state.
Aug. 3, 2022: Approximately 1,000 restaurants and bars have applied for Type-C sports betting licenses in Ohio. These locations, if approved, would feature self-service sports betting kiosks.
Ohio Casino Control Commission Executive Director Matt Schuler confirms that licensed Ohio sports betting operators will be permitted to offer legal wagering at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, 2023.
July 19, 2022: The owner of BetRivers applies for a mobile sports betting license four days shy of the July 15, 2022, deadline. As a result, there is no certainty that BetRivers — which aims to partner with Hollywood Casino Columbus — will be approved to go live in Ohio by Jan. 1, 2023.
July 19, 2022: Matt Schuler, executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, underscores the OCCC’s commitment to vetting all Ohio sports betting applicants thoroughly.
July 18, 2022: With 22 Type-A applications submitted ahead of the July 15 deadline, Ohio sports bettors could see nearly two dozen online sportsbooks go live on Jan. 1, 2023.
July 13, 2022: A Cincinnati Bengals and Betfred partnership is struck, making the British bookmaker the NFL team’s official sports betting partner.
July 12, 2022: Bettors are backing Ohio State to win the College Football Playoff National Championship in a big way: The Buckeyes have garnered three times as much money as any other team over at BetMGM.
July 11, 2022: FanDuel, Fanatics, and the Cincinnati Bengals apply for licenses as the march toward legal Ohio sports betting continues. The first window for retail and online sports betting license applications closes on on July 15, 2022.
July 1, 2022: Ohio sports betting applications continue to file in as HOF Village Newco applies for Type-A and Type-B sports gaming proprietor licenses. Hall of Fame Village partnered with Rush Street Interactive (RSI) in December 2021.
June 30, 2022: Penn Sports Interactive LLC applies for a mobile management services provider license in Ohio.
June 29, 2022: Elys Gameboard Technologies applies for a Type-C license. The company will look to offer its technology to local bars and restaurants with sports betting kiosks in 2023.
June 22, 2022: DraftKings applies for a mobile management services provider license. JACK Cleveland Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino apply for Type-A and Type-B licenses.
June 20, 2022: In addition to PointsBet, sportsbook operator BetMGM also applied for its Ohio sports betting license.
June 16, 2022: PointsBet submits an application for a mobile management services provider license.
June 15, 2022: The Ohio sports betting application window opens for online and retail operators. BetMGM submits applications for mobile management services provider and management services provider licenses. The two licenses would allow BetMGM to partner with a Type-A (online) and Type-B (retail) licensee.
June 1, 2022: The OCCC announces Ohio sports betting will launch on Jan. 1, 2023; Caesars Racebook launches in Ohio and Florida.
May 23, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission anticipates receiving about 3,000 license applications for the launch of sports betting in the Buckeye State, meaning that the universal go-live date will likely be close to or on Jan. 1, 2023.
May 18, 2022: The OCCC confirms it will reveal Ohio’s sports betting launch date on June 1.
May 4, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission confirms its plans to have a universal go-live date, meaning all approved operators will launch on the same day. The OCCC also reveals that operators can begin submitting applications for sports betting licenses on June 15, 2022.
April 26, 2022: Bally’s Interactive and the Cleveland Browns announce a deal that will make Bally Bet the official sports betting partner of the team when legal wagering arrives. The agreement is pending licensing and regulatory approvals in Ohio.
April 5, 2022: The betJACK sports betting app goes live in Ohio. The free-to-play platform aims to give Ohioans the opportunity to get their reps in ahead of the state’s upcoming online sports betting launch.
March 16, 2022: The PGA Tour and betPARX partner for a mobile sportsbook license in the state.
Feb. 28, 2022: Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co. (HOFV) inks a deal with Genesis Global. The ten-year pact makes Genesis the official mobile sports betting partner of HOFV.
Feb. 24, 2022: Caesars and the Cleveland Cavaliers strike a partnership to open a retail sportsbook on the street level of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Feb. 18, 2022: DraftKings reports that market access has been secured in Ohio, setting the stage for the sports betting operator to launch its mobile platform once legal wagering comes to fruition.
Feb. 13, 2022: The Cincinnati Bengals fell to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi stadium in Super Bowl 56.
Feb. 8, 2022: Fubo Sportsbook and the Cleveland Cavaliers enter into a market access agreement, positioning Fubo as the official mobile sports betting partner of the Cavs.
Jan. 18, 2022: The Ohio Casino Control Commission releases “Batch 1” of the state’s sports betting rules. The 21-page document outlines general provisions, provisional licensing, certified independent testing laboratories, and certified independent integrity monitors.
Dec. 22, 2021: Gov. Mike DeWine signs HB 29 into law, guaranteeing Ohio will launch legal sports betting by Jan. 1, 2023.
Dec. 8, 2021: The Senate and the House both approve amendments made to HB 29. The legislation goes to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature. Legal online and retail sports betting is coming to Ohio.
Dec. 6, 2021: Sen. Schuring confirms that state lawmakers “have an agreement on sports gaming” that would hand out licenses no later than Jan. 1, 2023.
Dec. 1, 2021: Rep. Bill Seitz, Sen. Kirk Schuring, and Rep. Jay Edwards agree upon revisions to Ohio sports betting language in HB 29 and send the bill to the Legislative Service Commission.
Nov. 11, 2021: Details on a path to legalization remain scant. Legislation sits with a conference committee formed in October, and the typically upbeat Sen. Schuring remains confident yet cautious on a 2021 rollout.
Oct. 25, 2021: Sen. Schuring proclaims 90% of Ohio’s sports betting bill is agreed upon, citing sportsbook licenses — and where exactly sports betting will take place — as the primary issue yet to be resolved.
June 2021: The Senate passes SB 176 by a vote of 30-2. Looking to legalize Ohio sports betting before the House’s summer break, Sen. Schuring makes an amendment to HB 29. The Senate passes HB 29, but the bill won’t be heard by the House until fall 2021.
May 2021: Sen. Kirk Schuring introduces SB 176 as the latest Ohio sports betting legislation. The bill calls for 20 mobile licenses and 20 standalone retail licenses.
May 2020: The Ohio House of Representatives passes HB 194, calling for the Ohio Lottery Commission to regulate all Ohio sports betting activity. The bill eventually dies in the Senate.
May 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), opening the door for states to set their own sports betting laws.
Jan. 2018: Ohio becomes the 18th state to legalize daily fantasy sports, as then-Gov. John Kasich enacts the Buckeye State’s DFS bill into law.
