After governor Mike DeWine signed legislation approving sports betting in December 2021, the pastime finally went live in the state of Ohio on January 1 of this year. As of now, the state of Ohio has 13 retail betting locations operational: here’s a look at some of the best ones.
4. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland
First on the list is the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’re an exciting young team and are set to make the playoffs comfortably this season after barely missing out in 2022. Ohio’s Caesars Sportsbook (which is now available in Ohio) gives the Cavs the tenth-best odds of winning it all this season, as they’re listed at +3000. A deep playoff run would mean they play into the summer months, however, and it’s hard to beat the idea of placing bets at the FieldHouse on the way to watching championship basketball. If you want to bet on the Cavs or any other sports team, be sure to use a Caesars Sportsbook promo code to increase your chances of winning big.
3. Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
It’s impossible to separate the summer months from America’s national pastime, making the home of the Reds one of the best places to put down bets this summer. The Guardians won’t offer a retail betting location until at least 2025, so for now their southwestern neighbor is cornering the market.
Located on the banks of the Ohio River, you’ve got a nice backdrop (although a look at the Cincinnati skyline might be better than the view of the rolling hills of Kentucky that you currently get), and the close fences at GABP ensure you’ll see plenty of home runs while you wait to place your bets.
2. Scioto Downs, Columbus
Are you sensing a trend yet? Some of the best places to bet on sports this summer all revolve around live events. The Scioto Downs are also operated by Caesars, and the casino gives you a two-for-one with front row seats to horse racing action, one of the oldest and most established sports in the United States, as well as a fully outfitted casino and sportsbook replete with more than 2,100 games to play. Scioto Downs holds races Tuesdays through Saturdays from May to September, meaning that if you’re in Columbus, you’re never far from the action.
Honorable Mention
It isn’t operating yet, so I can’t give it one of the top spots, but a sportsbook is set to debut at the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Hall of Fame Village this summer.
It’ll be an experience like no other, learning the legends of some of the games all-time greats (and placing bets against that hallowed backdrop), giving you another two-for-one if you ever want to visit Canton.
1. And the Winner Is…
While all of these betting locations offer something unique, whether it’s the live sports you can take in there, the amount of gambling opportunities available or the unique backdrops, all of them pale in comparison with the best location for sports betting in Ohio. What is the location, you ask? Anywhere you want, whether it’s the comfort of your own home, your job or your favorite restaurant.
The advent of mobile betting apps means that you don’t have to travel halfway across the state to place your bets… you can do it at your leisure. Gambling winnings are taxed at a flat 10 percent rate in Ohio, compared to other states which set a higher rate for mobile bets as opposed to the in-person ones. As such, there’s no drawback to the power offered by mobile betting apps, the ability to place a bet wherever you please.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
