Traditionally, gambling is known to provide people with the kind of entertainment that comes with other benefits. Some of these benefits include making people happier, learning new skills, and engaging in socialization. But where does online gambling stand in today’s society, and how did online gambling in Ohio come about?
With online gambling being new to most people, there are so many questions that need to be answered. Old-fashioned people have their minds closed off in exploring the virtual world. In comparison, there are others who are unsure about the idea of online gambling.
And so today, we’ll reveal all the information you need to have a better understanding of online gambling, from how it began to some FAQs you need to know.
- Top list of Ohio online gambling sites
- How it started in OH
- What games are considered legal and illegal?
- How online gambling works
- Pointers when gambling online in Ohio
- How to find the best gambling sites in Ohio
- Best gambling sites in Ohio
- Other gambling sites in Ohio
- Who controls gambling in Ohio
- FAQ Ohio online gambling
Top list of Ohio online gambling sites
Ohio Online Gambling: All sites are 100% legal & licensed by the OCCC.
| Company | Bonus | Features | Visit |
 | DraftKings Sportsbook Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets |
| Bet now DraftKings Ohio Review |
 | bet365 Sportsbook Bet $1 Get $365 in bonus |
| Bet now bet365 Ohio Review |
 | Betfred Sportsbook Get up to $1,111 in Fred Bets |
| Bet now Betfred Ohio Review |
 | Caesars Sportsbook Up to $1,500 in bet credits |
| Bet now Caesars Ohio Review |
 | SuperBook Sportsbook Get up to a $250 bonus |
| Bet now SuperBook Ohio Review |
 | BetRivers Sportsbook Up to $500 in bonus bets |
| Bet now BetRivers Ohio Review |
 | FanDuel Sportsbook Bet $5 get $200 in bonus bets |
| Bet now FanDuel Ohio Review |
 | BetMGM Sportsbook Up to $1,000 in bonus bets |
| Bet now BetMGM Ohio Review |
How it started in OH
The Buckeye state locals now have a reason to celebrate as they may already participate in online gambling. But before going head over heels about it, it’s always good to look back on the events that transpired prior to this new change.
1930s-1990s
The approval of horse gambling in 1933 by the Ohio General Assembly is where it all started. In 1980, the Lotto Commission was established; unfortunately, land-based gambling got denied. In the ‘90s, Ohio state residents disapproved of both brick-and-mortar gambling and riverboat casinos.
2009-present
In 2009, land-based casinos became legal in four cities, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. This was closely followed by the establishment of VLTs in Ohio racetracks. In 2021, Ohio passed the sports betting bill, and then after two years of waiting, the launch finally happened.
What games are considered legal and illegal?
Legal
The only games that have the state’s approval in online gambling are sports betting and pari-mutuel betting. It’s been a couple of years since the legalization of online sports betting in Ohio. Yet it was only in January 2023 that sites launched
Illegal
The state is starting to accept online gambling in terms of sports but there’s still no news about the legalization of online casinos. In this case, bettors still won’t be able to participate in table games or live games. At least, not just yet. Nevertheless, they can just hope that the state would consider their appeal and give them their full trust.
How online gambling works
With the help of modern technology, the news about online gambling has reached different parts of the world. What makes it well-received is that it brings convenience and at the same time, a huge collection of games. Those who want to begin their online gambling in OH should do the following:
Register in an online sportsbook
Initially, you must look for an online sportsbook that has legitimate credentials. Apart from the gambling license, it must be certified by third-party agencies to keep it easy-flowing and free from identity theft. Prior to setting up an account, check reviews and see to it that your chosen gambling site is also favored by other people too.
Complete your account registration by entering your personal information. You will be asked to put in your complete name, birth date, and email address and create a case-sensitive password. Then, you’ll need to verify the registered email address to finish.
Make your first deposit
After successfully signing up online in OH, it’s time to deposit real money. Using your preferred payment channel, enter the amount you wish to deposit into your gaming wallet. Adding money into your account may only take several minutes, depending on the payment method selected.
Always go for a platform that offers plenty of payment methods available. Having many choices gives bettors an advantage. This allows them to move funds from one channel if there’s not enough balance on the other.
Use bonuses and promotions
Many offer welcome bonuses to attract more members. These offers appear in the promotions tab; other times, it just pops up on your screen. So make it a habit to check on the promotions tab for certain offers.
Get the upper hand and use online casino offers to have a good start on your gambling experience. Bear in mind that you must meet some wagering requirements before you can turn your earnings into real money. Thus, read through the terms and conditions on how you can claim your prize money.
Begin your online gambling journey
You’re all ready to start gambling if you have put up enough funds into your account and once your account is fully verified. Don’t be too hyped up, and place your bets immediately. Study how a certain type of gambling works, then place your bet wisely and learn skills throughout your experience.
Pointers when gambling online in Ohio
If you are a beginner, you may be new at comparing the perks. You may even be unsure on how to use your welcome bonuses effectively. Without learning the strategies, you may struggle and eventually lose to your opponents.
Don’t get easily swayed by the generous offers. You must learn how to spot which suits you best. Here are some pointers on how to become a sure winner:
Don’t go overboard
If you’re just starting your gambling journey, it’s best to start small. You may start with a minimum of one percent and a maximum of five percent of your bankroll. This way, you have self-control and won’t need to touch your life savings.
Check other sites
This tip not only enables you to check whether you like the sign-up offer but also see whether you’re comfortable with the features too. You will have a feel of what it’s like playing for real. By trying them out, you can decide for yourself if that’s the platform you want to spend your time and money on.
Use bonuses wisely
Although some people may see bonuses as luring offers, it’s not bad at all. In fact, you may take advantage of the bonuses and use them to build a bankroll. At the same time, you can get bet credits even as a beginner.
Read the reviews
After doing your own research plus side-by-side comparison, look for online reviews you’re interested in. With this technique, you’ll learn about other people’s experiences. Consequently, you can easily choose what provides the best service and cross out what the majority dislikes.
How to find the best gambling sites in Ohio
Other people may say that finding the best sites for Ohio gambling online may be a burdensome task. But if you just put your mind and heart into it, it’s quite easy to find the ones that are best in the market. There are, however, some factors to consider.
Guide to finding the best gambling site:
- User interface: Choose a gambling site that has been carefully designed by pros
- License and Security: Ensure that the gambling site you’re interested in has a valid license and an SSL certificate
- Bonuses and Promotions: Assume dominance in online gambling in Ohio by means of grabbing offers
- Mobile compatibility: Research whether the gambling site is accessible on your device
- Payment methods: Select a gambling site that provides various payment options
- VIP rewards: Go for the gambling site that knows how to reward their loyal customers
Reputation: Check reviews or forums to see whether the gambling platform is who they say they are
Best gambling sites in Ohio
Gambling sites offer unique services that make them stand out from the crowd. Therefore, one can say that no two gambling sites are exactly alike. The ones that have withstood the test of time are the ones that offer premier services, while there are newly established ones that may have limited benefits. All of these are available in the list of all Ohio sportsbooks.
BetRivers: Great for NHL
When deciding where to go online gambling in Ohio, you can trust BetRivers Ohio to provide you with the ultimate gambling experience. It is available in nearly all states where gambling is legal. The downside is that they still have no Ohio-based retail location at present.
FanDuel: Perfect for mobile gambling
Ever since FanDuel went live in New Jersey back in September 2018, it has branched out to other states including Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, and Tennessee. This gambling went live on January 1, 2023, and is accessible to gambling enthusiasts via PC or mobile app. One fun fact about FanDuel Ohio is that they are working together with Belterra Park Cincinnati.
DraftKings: Best for beginners
Among the top-notch gambling providers in the US is DraftKings. On their website, Ohio bettors will see tons of active promotions that you may be interested in grabbing. At the moment, DraftKings lacks an Ohio-based retail gambling location, but it is likely to have a partnership in a couple of years’ time.
PointsBet: Finest choice for gambling credits
Aside from DraftKings or FanDuel, another operator that has launched this year is PointsBet Ohio. Although it’s not as popular as the other ones, it has competitive offers that attract players. It has a user-friendly page that’s easy to navigate, but a drawback is that it has yet to establish a partnership with a retail location.
Other gambling sites in Ohio
Barstool
One of the promising platforms that recently opened its doors in Ohio is Barstool. It grants new online sports bettors the ability to take advantage of promotions as there are numerous promotions available on their site. The Ohio residents can access the gambling site via mobile phones, but they can also proceed to Hollywood Casino Toledo for some live action.
BetMGM
Ever since it launched in 2018, BetMGM continuously went all out. It’s the top online destination if you’re into gambling mainly because of the rewards they give to both new and old customers. In October 2022, they announced their partnership with the Cincinnati Reds.
Bet365
Ohio locals who are looking for something else may want to try the UK-based gambling site. Since January this year, they have been offering the best gambling odds in different sports, including football, basketball, golf, tennis, table tennis, and mixed martial arts, among others. Bet365 has built a partnership with the Cleveland Guardians to exert influence on gambling aficionados.
Betly
Although Betly is in its early years, it has already made its mark in the gambling industry. It is a good addition to online gambling in Ohio; it’s simple yet full of essentials for placing a wager. What’s more, it’s likely to have a physical presence soon at the Miami Valley Gaming racino.
WynnBET
Get yourself a luxurious online gambling experience in WynnBET Ohio. Visit their site to enjoy multiple gambling options to increase your chances of winning. Surely, it will catch people’s attention with Jack Thistledown racino as its local partner.
Who controls gambling in Ohio
Any form of gambling offers fun and excitement. But for everybody to play securely and have an equal chance at winning, there must be a body that oversees the gambling action. This is where the Ohio Casino Control Commission enters the picture.
Ohio Gambling Authority
The Ohio Casino Control Commission or OCCC is responsible for regulating gambling activities in the state. Their responsibilities include:
- Issuing licenses,
- Providing supervision,
- Conducting an investigation, and
- Implementing state laws
FAQ Ohio online gambling
Ohio state residents may now engage in online sports gambling and online horse race gambling. However, gambling in online casinos is prohibited.
Yes. The legal age at which one can participate in online gambling in Ohio is 21. They follow strict verification procedures in accordance with state laws.
Only those gambling sites that have been issued a license to operate by the OCCC should be the ones offering their gambling services in Ohio. Check their website to verify if the service they offer is legal or not.
The type of gambling depends on your preference. People who love gambling at their convenient time can bet using their PCs or mobile phones. But those who have the luxury of time may visit the physical location of the gambling platform in Ohio to experience live betting action.