Ohio Sports Betting Exceeds Estimates With Over $7.6bn Wagered in First Year

  • January recorded the highest handle with over $1.13bn wagered
  • Online gambling made up 97% of the sports bets placed in the state 
  • Ohio made just under $190m compared to an expected $19m
Man placing sports bet on his phone
Ohioans wagered $7.6bn in 2023, the state’s first year of legalized sports betting. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Sports betting in Ohio had a great first year, bringing in over $7.6bn in handle in 2023.

According to figures from the Ohio Casino Control Commission, January recorded the most money wagered with over $1.13bn and July saw the least, just $331m.

David Forman, vice president of Research with the American Gaming Association, said it was the “fastest launch” they’ve seen outside of New York.

97% of bets were made through mobile or online devices

Notably, while both retail and online sportsbooks opened in Ohio on January 1, 2023, online betting has dominated. 97% of bets were made through mobile or online devices with FanDuel taking the largest market share at 43%.

When legislation was initially discussed, Ohio’s sports gambling revenue – the amount the state would receive in taxes – was estimated at around $19m in 2023 and $24m in 2024. The revenue the state has already made has obliterated those expectations. In 2023, Ohio made just under $190m, while sportsbooks took home nearly $750m in revenue.

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