CLEVELAND, Ohio — Ohio’s appetite for sports gambling appears to be growing, despite it not being as novel anymore. In both March and February, the state’s betting market saw year-over-year gains.
Gamblers bet $809 million on sports in March, up from $739 million in the same month last year, according to compiled data from the Ohio’s casino and lottery commissions. February also saw an increase in bets, from $639 million in 2023 to $672 million in 2024.
It’s the first year that we can see in the data whether betting is increasing, or not, because sports betting first became legal in Ohio in January 2023. So far each month has shown growth except January, because 2023 started off with tons of pent-up demand and promotional betting dollars, like the Bet $5, Get $200 new customer deals.
Through three months Ohio has recorded $2.3 billion of sports bets, down from $2.5 billion at this time last year.
Ohio’s sports betting operators — whether it was by phone, in-person or at a kiosk — collected $64 million in taxable revenue after paying out the winnings and settling voided wagers, down from about $95 million in March 2023.
Sports betting apps collected 97% of bets and revenue in March. The state’s sportsbooks accounted for about 2.9% of bets and 2.6% of revenue, and the Lottery-operated kiosks accounted for the rest.
Sports gambling revenue is taxed at 20%, and the state will get about $12.8 million of taxes from March’s betting. From 2023 through March 2024, sports betting has generated about $183 million of tax revenue.
Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over news coverage. See operator site for terms and conditions. If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler