While the state of Ohio is an important market for sports bettors due to its large population and incredible stadium betting odds, these enthusiasts must always respect the laws of the state. In particular, the state does not allow sports wagering on “college or professional football games, horse racing, or any other athletic competition”. However, there are ways that Ohio sports bettors can get around these restrictions and limitations. Below we will discuss the legalities of sports wagering in the state of Ohio.
Is There A Legal Online Sportsbook?
One of the biggest concerns for sports bettors that want to place wagers in Ohio is whether or not they will become legal. Fortunately, the state does allow for online sportsbooks to operate within its borders. In fact, you can currently sign up for a free trial at DraftKings.com, and they will allow you to make wagers on the NFL, NBA, NCAAF, and Major League Baseball. Additionally, they will let you place wagers on horse racing, as well as on collegiate sports (for NCAAF and College Football games, as long as these games are not affiliated with the NFL or NBA). If you are interested in legal betting within the state of Ohio, then DraftKings.com is a great option for you.
Is It Legal To Bet In-State?
The first and most basic question that any sports bettor must ask is whether or not they are supposed to bet within the state of Ohio. Thankfully, the answer to this is clearly “yes”. In fact, the Ohio Revised Code specifically allows for “the wagering of sports in the State of Ohio”. Furthermore, this code also stipulates that “no restriction shall be imposed by law on the number of bets or wagers that a person may make or accept”.
What State Laws Relate To Sports Betting?
As mentioned above, Ohio does allow for legal sports betting. However, this does not imply that all state laws have to be bent or broken to allow for this. In fact, several restrictions and limitations surround this type of wagering. Below we will discuss these laws and requirements:
Federal Law
No one legal requirement stands out more than federal law when it comes to sports betting, and it’s something that almost every sports bettor will have to be mindful of. Even if you are confident that your state has legalised sports betting, you must still be careful not to violate any federal statutes. For instance, there is the Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1976, which makes it a crime to engage in “transporting of speed or power for wagering”. This law makes it illegal to send wagering information over state lines, which essentially makes online sports betting an international activity. Additionally, anyone that is involved in illegal sports wagering will be subject to federal prosecution and punishment.
State Law
While some states have a fairly permissive approach to sports betting, others have taken a very strict stance. Below we will discuss some of the more interesting bits of state legislation that relate to sports betting:
Cash Betting
One of the biggest differences between the state of Ohio and some other places when it comes to sports betting is that Ohio actually requires that you use a certain form of payment. In particular, if you want to place a wager on the football game, you will need to use what’s known as “Cash or Check”. This is in contrast to other states, where credit cards are sufficient. In some cases, you may need to pay by check even if you have a credit card on file.
Credit Card Betting
Another big difference between the state of Ohio and some other places when it comes to sports betting is how credit cards are handled. In some other states, if you want to bet on the football game, you will simply need to have a credit card on file. In Ohio, you must have a valid PIN number for any credit card used for wagering. This may seem like a small thing, but it is a crucial distinction when it comes to whether or not your credit card is going to be accepted when you make a sports bet. If you do not remember your PIN number or if it is incorrect, then the credit card will not be accepted in Ohio. It could even result in you being shut out of the state’s bookmaking altogether if you are not using a credit card that is accepted there.
Age Restriction
While most states let adults make their own decisions about what happens in their lives, the state of Ohio actually requires that you be at least 18 years old to be able to place bets. Additionally, you must be 21 to purchase tickets to sporting events, which is a legal requirement. If you want to wager some money on a sports game, then you will need to ensure that you are old enough to do so and that you have the appropriate ID.
ID Requirement
Every state in the country requires that you have some form of identification when you want to place a wager. In Ohio, this form of identification is known as an “ID Card”, and it must be shown when requested by an “authorized person”. This could be another individual or a bookmaker that is “licensed, registered, or otherwise in good standing”. In some cases, you may need additional identification such as a passport, visa, or driver’s license. In other cases, you could be asked to provide a utility bill or bank statement showing you have money in an account. However, in most cases, you will simply need to provide a valid email address. Once this is confirmed, you can make your wager without any trouble at all.
Are There Any Illegal Sportsbooks?
While most states and legal entities are aware that there is a widespread epidemic of online sportsbook fraud, it is still considered a taboo to do business with these entities. Instead, they often prefer to work with underground bookies that can be less scrutinised and less liable to prosecution. However, with time and ingenuity, anyone can set up a semi-legitimate sports betting website. Below, we will discuss some of the more interesting things that you will need to keep an eye out for if you decide to set up a betting account with one of these sites:
Avoid Free Trials
In the same way that you should never get something for nothing, you should also be wary of any offer that appears too good to be true when it comes to sign-up offers for online sportsbooks. These are often times designed to get your money. One common ruse is to tempt you with a free trial that will end in a hacked account and all of the associated fees being charged to your credit card. If you value your time and money, then you should avoid these types of trials and instead, look for a reputable online sportsbook that is open to US residents.
If you are looking to place a bet in Ohio, then do your research. Make sure that the company you are considering working with is licensed and that your state’s sportsbooks are operating within the law. Additionally, make sure that you understand what your specific rights and responsibilities are if you decide to place a wager. If you are wondering whether or not it is legal to bet in your state, then you can contact the appropriate government agency or sportsbook for an answer. Alternatively, you can contact a trusted lawyer who specializes in sports law for legal advice. Setting up an offshore betting account is easy for anyone and, in some cases, it could be the only way to make legal betting available to you.