Ohio Online Sports Betting 2026
Ohio launched online sports betting on January 1, 2023, and after a first-year tax doubling to 20%, the market produced more than $1 billion in revenue in 2025.
Overview
- Launched: January 1, 2023
- Regulator: Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC)
- Tax rate: 20% of gross sports betting revenue (raised from 10% in FY24)
- 2025 handle: $10.3 billion
- 2025 tax revenue: ~$209 million
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed HB 29 in December 2021 legalizing sports betting, and the state went live with a universal launch on January 1, 2023. Unlike most states, Ohio coordinated a single launch date for all licensed operators, meaning roughly 16 mobile books opened simultaneously on New Year's Day 2023.
Regulatory Backstory
Ohio issues Type A (mobile), Type B (retail), and Type C (kiosk) licenses through the Ohio Casino Control Commission. In the FY24 state budget, Governor DeWine successfully pushed the tax rate from 10% to 20%, doubling operator obligations. Tax proceeds are split with roughly 98% allocated to the Sports Gaming Profits Education Fund and 2% to problem gambling services.
Current Market Landscape
Ohioans wagered $10.3 billion in 2025, marking the state's third consecutive year of growth and generating over $1 billion in sportsbook revenue, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The 20% tax produced roughly $209 million in state revenue. FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM lead a market that also includes Caesars, Fanatics, ESPN Bet, and BetRivers.
What Makes This State Different
Ohio is one of only a handful of states that dedicates the majority of sports betting tax revenue specifically to K-12 education through the Sports Gaming Profits Education Fund. Ohio is also unusual for its universal launch structure, and for hosting retail sportsbook kiosks inside bars and restaurants (Type C), a model few other states replicate.
How to Sign Up
Ohio bettors must be 21 or older and physically located in Ohio. Registration is fully remote. Verification requires full legal name, SSN, and government ID. Bettors found placing wagers on unregulated offshore sites face potential penalties under Ohio law.
2026 Outlook
Governor DeWine has publicly called legalization a mistake and continues to explore further tax or advertising restrictions. A 2025 legislative proposal floated taxing both handle and revenue, though it did not advance. Expect continued political pressure on sportsbook marketing, especially around college athletics.
Responsible Gaming Resources
Ohio's official Time Out Ohio program now supports online registration and can exclude a player from casinos, racinos, and sports gaming for one year, five years, or a lifetime, while operators are expected to stop direct marketing and may extend bans across affiliated properties. The same support system directs players to the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966, the national 1-800-MY-RESET / 800GAM line, free access to the RecoverMe app, and complimentary Gamban subscriptions for device-level blocking.
The Bottom Line
Ohio has rapidly become one of the largest Midwestern sports betting markets, with strong revenue, a 20% tax, and an education-focused funding model. Bettors can expect continued regulatory scrutiny, but day-to-day market access remains broad and competitive heading into 2026.