Ohio 18 and Up Sports Betting Sites For 2024

Ohio state outlineThe history of Ohio gambling dates back to 1933 when the Ohio legislature created the Ohio Racing Commission. In 2012, the first casino opened in Cleveland, offering table games, poker rooms, and slot machines, but sports betting was not in the cards.

A bill was passed by the Ohio Legislature that made sports betting legal via online and in-person venues in 2021, and the first venues opened in January 2023. Although these domestic betting options have debuted, 18+ Ohio bettors have better alternatives and can wager on sports at international sportsbooks operating online.

Our guide to 18+ sportsbooks will arm you with all that you need to know to legally wager on sports in Ohio at 18 years of age.

Best 18 & Up Sports Betting Sites In Ohio

SportsbookBonusUSARatingVisit
Bovada Sportsbook Logo50% Bonus
Up To $1,000
5/5Visit SiteReview
BetUS125% Bonus
Up To $3,125
4.8/5Visit SiteReview
Betonline Sportsbook Logo50% Bonus
Up To $1,000
4.2/5Visit SiteReview
Sportsbetting.ag Logo50% Bonus
Up To $1,000
4.1/5Visit SiteReview

Is Sports Betting Legal At 18 In Ohio?

Yes, but only with an offshore sportsbook site that accepts members at the age of 18. The sports betting sites listed on this page accept Ohioans at the age of eighteen and allow them to wager on athletics over the web.

Ohio currently permits domestic sports betting, both online and brick-and-mortar, but the minimum age to partake is 21 years old. 18+ gamblers in Ohio can choose to bet on sports via one of our featured offshore betting sites legally because there are no state or federal laws that say they cannot.

Are Offshore Sports Betting Sites Legal In Ohio?

As with all offshore online sportsbooks recommended on this page, Ohioans that are 18 or older can legally bet real money. There are no sports betting laws in Ohio that prohibit the use of offshore sportsbook sites. Because these offshore books are operating outside US jurisdiction and no state laws are on the books prohibiting their use, it is not illegal for Ohio residents to enjoy these sites.

Are Online Sportsbooks Safe In Ohio?

Safety is key when deciding on the best offshore sports betting site to use. Our goal here is to present the most accurate information for online sports wagering. The sites listed on this page feature fraud protection, data encryption, and a full staff to constantly monitor their privacy protocols.

These sites are all licensed individually or through their group, meaning their security is under constant surveillance to protect players.

Are Online Sportsbooks Legal In Ohio?

In December of 2021, the Ohio Legislature approved of in-person and online sports betting. Domestic mobile sports betting apps began accepting members in OH in January 2023, with a minimum age of 21 to partake.

Currently, federal law and Ohio state law do not prohibit residents from using offshore online sportsbooks at the age of eighteen, and they remain the only option in the Buckeye State until domestic venues are granted licenses.

State-Licensed Sports Betting Available In Ohio

Ohio has state-licensed sports betting apps that can be downloaded to popular Apple and Android smartphones and tablets right now as long as gamblers are 21 and have some money to risk. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks should be open soon.

Sports betting online is also available in Ohio through offshore sportsbook sites, and we’ve included links to the ones that have earned our highest ratings on this page.

Legal Football Betting Options For 18+ In Ohio

18 & Up College Football Betting In Ohio

Although Ohio is Buckeye country and is hyper-focused on Big Ten pigskin action, the online College Football betting sites that we recommend for 18 and up gamblers in the area offer odds on all major NCAAF games, teams, and conferences. CFP betting odds are also on the boards, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are usually a part of that conversation.

Check out any of the links above for the best OH has to offer for 20 and under college football betting from anywhere in the state.

Over 18 NFL Betting In Ohio

The Bengals and Browns have produced legendary teams for decades, and the midwest’s bets 18 & over NFL betting sites let Ohio sports gamblers wager on teams in the AFC North, as well as all other franchises across the league.

Bet on the Browns or Bengals to go all the way at any time of year by becoming a member at the online Super Bowl sportsbook sites in OH by wagering on futures odds for each team’s chances at winning a Lombardi Trophy. Check out each of the online Ohio pro football sportsbooks we link to on this page to find out which one has the NFL odds that suit you the best.

College and Professional Sports Teams in Ohio

The state of Ohio is a hotbed for premier sports. With teams from every major professional sports league and high-profile Division I athletics, Ohio is never in shortage of good games.

NCAA Division I Teams:

  • Akron Zips
  • Bowling Green Falcons
  • Cincinnati Bearcats
  • Cleveland State Vikings
  • Dayton Flyers
  • Kent State Golden Flashes
  • Miami RedHawks
  • Ohio Bobcats
  • Ohio State Buckeyes
  • Toledo Rockets
  • Wright State Raiders
  • Xavier Musketeers
  • Youngstown State Penguins

Major Professional Sports Teams:

  • Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
  • Cleveland Indians (MLB)
  • Cleveland Browns (NFL)
  • Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
  • Columbus Crew (MLS)
  • FC Cincinnati (MLS)

Other Forms of Legal Gambling in Ohio

Ohio has a state lottery, bingo, keno, casinos, and pari-mutuel racinos that offer horse racing and a limited selection of slot machines.

Required Age for Gambling in Ohio

To play bingo in Ohio, the required age is only 16. To bet on horses, buy lottery tickets, or play Keno, the required age is 18. To play at casinos and bet on sports, however, gamblers must be 21 years old.

Additional Resources

If you or someone you know needs help with a gambling addiction, contact the Ohio Casino Control Commission.