Sports betting landscape in Ohio

Since then, states have proceeded with their rulings on sports betting within their respective jurisdictions at varying paces.

Some governments moved quickly to bring sports betting both online and in-person to their states, while others, like Ohio, decided to take a more patient approach, allowing them to analyse both the positive and negative effects of legalised gambling in other areas before making an ultimate decision in their own administrations.

After three years and six months of waiting, proponents in Ohio could finally celebrate, as House Bill 29 was passed by both the state Senate and House on the same day, December 8, 2021.

Both legislative fixtures agreed upon HB29 in an overwhelming majority, as the bill passed in the House 72-12 and the Senate 31-1.

Although conflicted about the pros and cons of sports betting in his state, then-Governor Mike DeWine inked his signature shortly after on December 22, officially bringing the market to Ohio.

The bill had included a deadline of January 1, 2023, as the latest possible date for sports betting to launch in the state. Senator Kirk Schuring had said, "We want to get this up and running as soon as possible, but we're building a whole new industry. We're hoping it can be done sooner (than 2023.)"

While many supporters of HB29 hoped to bring the industry along sooner than that, it would turn out that Ohio would require the full time period in order to get things rolling. With that mark, Ohio would become the 33rd United States territory to allow sports betting of some manner within its borders.

The state's more methodical procedure had its benefits as well, though, as its constituents were able to weigh out the positives and negatives before ultimately deciding to legalise sports betting both online and in-person in one move.

That decision made them just the 23rd state to have it fully legalized in all facets.

According to data provided by OH Betting, numerous bookies with years of experience are already available for examination.

Online bettors could almost immediately sift through various established internet betting sites such as FanDuel, DraftKings, or Caesars, or they could take advantage of some new operations that might have offered different props and bonuses such as Barstool and Betfred.

There are also already plenty of options for those who wish to cast their bets in person. Stretching from Cincinnati to Youngstown, brick-and-mortar sportsbooks have sprouted on both ends of the state, and Ohioans can choose between several different establishments to place their wagers including at Belterra Park Cincinnati and Mahoning Valley Race Course.

Whether residents prefer betting online or in person, Ohio offers plenty of different avenues for its residents to take part in their new sports betting market.

Although the state took its time rolling out sports betting, the patience has paid off handsomely, with the market launching at a perfect time coinciding with the rise of many of Ohio's major sports programs including the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Browns.

Unsurprisingly, with many waiting for years to place their first bet, Ohioans spent over $1 billion in wagers in just the first month that sports betting was legalised in the state.

It will be interesting to see if Ohio's fast start in sports betting can also experience the incremental growth that the market has seen year-over-year in other states.

The Columbus Dispatch: Ohioans placed more than $1 billion in sports bets the first month it was legal

Inquirer: Ohio sports betting: How the Buckeye State finally got in the game

USA Today: Mike DeWine signs deal to make sports betting legal in Ohio, but there's a catch