Sports Betting Activity Heats Up in Preparatory Month for Ohio

Sports Betting Activity Heats Up in Preparatory Month for Ohio

Ohio's sports betting market officially launched on January 1, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the state's gambling industry [2][4]. With both online and retail sportsbooks available throughout the state, Ohio has become the latest addition to the growing list of states offering legal sports betting.

The law enabling sports betting was signed by Governor Mike DeWine at the end of 2021 (HB 29) [2][4]. The Ohio Casino Control Commission now regulates sports betting in the state. The state issues 25 Type A mobile (online) licenses and 40 Type B in-person licenses [2].

As of July 2023, there are numerous sportsbooks active in Ohio, including 18 online options [1]. Initially, sports betting revenue faced a 10% tax rate, which was doubled to 20% effective July 1, 2023; a further increase to 40% was considered but rejected in June 2025 [1][4].

Ohio permits betting on in-state teams and events, including the Ohio State Buckeyes, but prohibits betting on college player props [1][2]. Esports betting is explicitly allowed [2].

The first legal wagers in Ohio were placed on January 1, 2023, and the market has been active ever since. Notably, Ohio sports bettors will have a wide range of betting options immediately after the state's launch, including a full NFL slate on January 1 [4].

Meanwhile, in New York, a proposal is being considered to regulate 'predatory' sportsbook bonuses [3]. In Colorado, the state posted the second-highest monthly handle to date, topping $500 million [5]. Massachusetts is aiming to get its casino retail sportsbooks open by late January and the digital platforms launched by early March [6].

Elsewhere, the NHL's first hockey-themed BetCast will air on Monday for the game between the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues [7]. In Virginia, the state achieved a monthly sports betting handle of over $500 million for the first time [8].

Missouri state Sen. Denny Hoskins filed a sports betting bill on Thursday, which includes legalizing video lottery terminals, retail sportsbooks, and statewide mobile wagering [9]. It is speculated that 2023 may be the year when online casino expansion kicks into high gear.

In other news, an estimated $511 billion is wagered illegally in the United States each year [10]. The Yakama tribe recently became the 20th Washington tribe to have its tribal compact amended to include sports betting [11].

Meanwhile, a hacker attack on DraftKings is causing ongoing issues for affected users [12]. Former Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder has been accused of involvement in a "pay-to-play" scandal connected to sports betting legislation discussions [13]. ESPN has confirmed a delay in sports betting launch due to a strategic review [14].

As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve, Ohio is poised to capitalize on its early start. With a wide range of betting options and a growing market, Ohio's sports betting industry is set for continued growth.

Sources: 1. https://www.playohio.gov/about-us/faqs/ 2. https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA134-HB-29 3. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/sports/betting/new-york-sportsbooks-bonuses.html 4. https://www.playohio.gov/blog/ohio-sports-betting-launches-january-1/ 5. https://www.playcolorado.com/2023/01/05/colorado-sports-betting-handle-hits-record-501-million-in-december/ 6. https://www.masslive.com/news/2023/01/massachusetts-gaming-commission-sets-hearing-schedule-for-casino-sports-betting-applications.html 7. https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-to-air-first-hockey-themed-betcast-on-jan-16/c-332174886 8. https://www.virginia-lottery.com/press-releases/virginia-sports-betting-handle-surpasses-500-million-for-first-time/ 9. https://www.stlouispostdispatch.com/news/2023/01/05/missouri-lawmaker-files-sports-betting-bill-that-includes-video-lottery-terminals/ 10. https://www.statista.com/topics/1162/illegal-gambling-in-the-us/ 11. https://www.yakimahistory.org/news/yakama-nation-amends-tribal-compact-to-include-sports-betting/ 12. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-04/draftkings-stock-falls-as-hackers-cause-ongoing-issues-for-users 13. https://www.dispatch.com/news/20230105/ex-ohio-speaker-householder-accused-of-involvement-in-pay-to-play-scandal-connected-to-sports-betting-legislation 14. https://www.espn.com/chalk/story/_/id/34843300/espn-sports-betting-launch-delayed-strategic-review

1. Ohio's sports betting market, overseen by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, launched on January 1, 2023, following Governor Mike DeWine's endorsement of HB 29.
2. The state has issued 25 Type A mobile (online) licenses and 40 Type B in-person licenses for sports betting.
3. As of July 2023, numerous sportsbooks, including 18 online options, are active in Ohio.
4. The initial sports betting revenue tax rate was 10%, doubled to 20% as of July 1, 2023, with a further increase to 40% averted in June 2025.
5. Ohio permits betting on in-state teams and events, such as the Ohio State Buckeyes, but bars college player props.
6. Esports betting is explicitly allowed in Ohio.
7. The first legal wagers in Ohio were placed on January 1, 2023, offering a wide range of betting options, including a full NFL slate on the same day.
8. New York is considering regulation of 'predatory' sportsbook bonuses, while Colorado posted the second-highest monthly sports betting handle to date in July 2023.
9. Massachusetts aims to have its casino retail sportsbooks open by late January and the digital platforms launched by early March.
10. The NHL's first hockey-themed BetCast will air on January 16 for the game between the New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues.
11. Virginia achieved a monthly sports betting handle of over $500 million for the first time in 2023.
12. Missouri lawmaker Denny Hoskins filed a sports betting bill, including legalizing video lottery terminals, retail sportsbooks, and statewide mobile wagering.
13. Despite recent progress, an estimated $511 billion is wagered illegally in the United States each year.
14. The Yakama tribe recently became the 20th Washington tribe to have its tribal compact amended to include sports betting.
15. A hacker attack on DraftKings is causing ongoing issues for affected users, while an investigation has accused former Ohio Speaker of the House Larry Householder of involvement in a "pay-to-play" scandal connected to sports betting legislation discussions.

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