Online Poker in Ohio in 2023: legal games for Buckeye State residents

Can I play online poker in Ohio? The answer is yes!

Is it legal to play online poker in Ohio? The answer to this is also yes!

Ohio is one of those states that doesn’t get the credit that other large states do, but it does have some fairly bustling cities with affluent populations. These well-off populations of notable size have allowed the live poker market to grow substantially in the last few years and supply a ton of players for online poker in Ohio too.

Something that has not seen a lot of movement up to this point though has been regulated Ohio online poker. While it might be something that is done in the future, that is still a few years away at the earliest, so the citizens of Ohio shouldn’t bank on it right now. Luckily, they still have great choices at the moment with offshore sites providing full services for the state.

It's perfectly legal for you to frequent these virtual poker halls. Ohio's gambling statutes have never been used to prosecute individuals who engage in online poker play. When it comes to federal laws, you're in the clear as well. All of the anti-gambling legislation that has been passed by Congress, like the UIGEA, targets those actually running the sites, not ordinary players. Thus, you're perfectly secure, from a legal perspective, if you want to log on and fire up a few tables.

As someone who's looking for a place to play Ohio online poker, it's in your best interest to only consider those companies that are sound. We've compiled an enumeration of the leading reputable internet poker rooms, which we've presented below. Whichever one of them you wind up joining, you'll be assured of fair gameplay, smoothly functioning software, and the prompt payment of your winnings. Continue reading for all the details on these first-rate internet poker operators.

1

IGNITION

BONUS:

150% up to $1,500

★★★★★

4.5 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE POKER SITE WITH THE MOST TRAFFIC

NETWORK:

PAIWANGLUO

EXTRAS

CASINO

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Ignition is the largest site for U.S. poker players, a testament to the esteem in which it's held by the poker-playing community. Numerous cash game formats including NL Hold'em, PLO, and PLO/8 are available featuring blinds up to $10/$20. Other notable offerings include fast-fold Zone Poker, sit and gos, lotto-inspired Jackpot SNGs, and a multitude of multi-table tournaments. Ignition features a weekly MTT guaranteeing a $150,000 prize pool. Play at Ignition is anonymous to protect recreational players from being targeted at the tables.

Ignition Poker offers a downloadable poker client for Windows and Mac systems. Players who wish to play using other devices can access a browser-based version of the software, which is compatible with virtually any modern computer, tablet, or mobile device. New players can get a poker bonus equal to 100% of their first deposit, and this bonus increases to 150% up to $1,500 for crypto depositors. Further bonuses await you in the attached casino as well.

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2

SB POKER

BONUS:

100% up to $1,000

★★★★★

4.4 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE POKER SITE FOR BAD BEAT JACKPOT

NETWORK:

CHICO

EXTRAS

CASINO, SPORTSBOOK

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SB Poker is home to a wide variety of cash games such as NL Hold'em, PLO, and Limit Hold'em featuring blinds up to $5/$10. SB Poker houses the most impressive Bad Beat Jackpot available, occasionally topping $1 million. Fast-fold Boost Poker, multi-table tournaments, sit and gos, and randomized Windfall SNGs are also available at SB Poker. Leaderboards for cash games and SNGs alike can also help to grow your bankroll.

SB Poker is available for download on any Windows or Mac system. Android and iOS users can also access the poker room utilizing a well-designed mobile application. You can receive a poker bonus of 100% up to $1,000 as well as other valuable promos in the attached sportsbook and casino.

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3

BETONLINE

BONUS:

100% up to $1,000

★★★★★

4.3 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE SITE FOR MOBILE POKER

NETWORK:

CHICO

EXTRAS

CASINO, SPORTSBOOK

MORE INFO

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Of the numerous internet poker sites that offer mobile poker software, BetOnline may boast the most impressive mobile client. The BOL mobile app works on any iOS or Android device and it offers all of the same games that can be found in the desktop version. The app runs smoothly and provides a top-tier playing experience. BetOnline is a partner of SB Poker on the Chico Poker Network, so the poker games and promotions on offer are generally the same. BOL also offers a full bevy of casino games as well as a highly-regarded sportsbook.

You can download the BetOnline poker software on any PC, Mac, Android, or iOS system. You'll be able to benefit from a poker bonus equal to 100% of your first deposit up to $1,000. Visit the attached sportsbook and casino to receive additional promotional value.

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4

BOVADA

BONUS:

100% up to $500

★★★★★

4.2 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE POKER SITE FOR SPORTS & CASINO

NETWORK:

PAIWANGLUO

EXTRAS

CASINO, SPORTSBOOK

MORE INFO

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The games at Bovada.lv are identical to those at Ignition Casino because they're both partner sites on the PaiWangLuo Network. Nevertheless, there are differences between the two organizations, not least of which is the fact that Bovada has a sportsbook and racebook, unlike Ignition. Bovada offers bets on all popular sports including NFL football, NCAA athletics, MLB baseball, soccer, and more. In addition, the racebook at Bovada lists more than 100 tracks worldwide.

Bovada Poker client is compatible with desktop systems (PC and Mac), as well as a browser-based version that is compatible with any computer, tablet, or mobile device. The poker bonus is equal to 100% of your first deposit up to $500, and there are additional casino and sports promos worth up to $3,000 and $250 respectively. Cryptocurrency users get even larger bonuses.

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5

ACR POKER

BONUS:

100% up to $2,000

★★★★★

4.0 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE POKER SITE WITH FREE BANKROLL OFFER

NETWORK:

WINNING

FREE

$10

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ACR Poker is the second-largest poker site available to U.S. players. ACR is the place to play if you enjoy tournaments as it boasts a comprehensive selection of multi-table tournaments across all buy-in levels. Sit-and-gos, cash games across numerous blind levels, and fast-fold Blitz Poker are also popular offerings at ACR.

ACR Poker is available to download on any Windows or Mac system. Mobile users can access an instant play version of the site, but the available game types are limited. Our exclusive ACR bonus code PRB10FREE is valid for a $10 no deposit bonus to get started. You will also receive a 100% bonus up to $2,000 after making your first deposit.

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6

COIN POKER

BONUS:

100% up to $700

★★★★★

4.0 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE POKER SITE FOR CRYPTO TABLES

NETWORK:

STANDALONE

EXTRAS

33% RAKEBACK

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Of the endless online poker sites operating using only crypto, CoinPoker is the largest and the most heavily trafficked. Tables at CoinPoker are denominated in USDT, or Tether, but you can utilize a few additional cryptocurrencies, like BTC and ETH, to deposit and withdraw your funds. There are plenty of cash game formats here including NL Hold'em, PL Omaha, and 5 Card Omaha. You may also benefit from weekly cash game and SNG leaderboards if you put in significant volume at the tables.

The CoinPoker client runs on almost any type of device including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. You'll receive three deposit bonuses here when you signup including a 100% bonus worth up to $700, and an additional two 100% bonuses of $300 and $100 each. You will receive 33% rakeback every week if you invest in CHP, CoinPoker's proprietary coin.

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7

EVERYGAME

BONUS:

200% up to $1,000

★★★★★

3.9 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE POKER SITE FOR RAKEBACK

NETWORK:

HORIZON

EXTRAS

CASINOS, SPORTSBOOK

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Everygame is not as busy as its larger competitors, but it makes up for its smaller player pool by offering numerous valuable promotions. 36% rakeback is offered as the standard and other bonuses including rake races, reload bonuses, overlay tournaments, and a top-tier VIP program make Everygame an excellent choice for players in Ohio.

Everygame Poker is available to install on Windows PCs. Users of other hardware can play utilizing an instant play version that is compatible with almost any modern computer, tablet, or mobile device. The welcome bonus for poker is 200% of your first deposit up to $1,000 plus 25 free slot spins in the casino. Additional value awaits you with bonuses in the attached sportsbook and casinos.

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8

SWCPOKER

BONUS:

NONE

★★★★★

3.6 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE SITE FOR DIFFERENT POKER VARIANTS

NETWORK:

STANDALONE

EXTRAS

FREEROLLS

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SwCPoker is an online poker site that utilizes BTC (Bitcoin) and BCH (Bitcoin Cash) for all poker play and its cashier operations. SwC is recognized for offering an extensive array of unique poker variants including Mixed Games, Draw Games, and more. Another benefit here is that micro-stakes tables pay zero rake.

SwCPoker is fully compatible with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android systems. You won't receive any first deposit bonus here, but you will be able to earn up to 50% rakeback, based on your total volume of play.

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9

NITROBETTING

BONUS:

100% up to 25mBTC

★★★★★

3.3 / 5

BEST OH ONLINE POKER SITE FOR LOYALTY FREEROLLS

NETWORK:

STANDALONE

EXTRAS

CASINO, SPORTSBOOK

MORE INFO

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Nitrobetting is a Bitcoin-only poker site and betting platform that offers impressively quick cashouts. There is a variety of poker available here including games like NL Hold'em, PL Omaha, and Crazy Hold'em. Daily and weekly freerolls can add additional value to playing here, as long as you play significant volume to earn your free entries.

Nitrobetting’s browser-based poker software results in widespread compatibility across a multitude of devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. You can get a poker bonus equal to 100% of your first deposit up to 25mBTC. Be sure to visit the attached casino and sportsbook for other promotional offers.

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How to Choose the Best Ohio Poker Site For Your Style of Play

The sites we've talked about all have their own particular selling points and drawbacks. Thus, we can't really nominate any one of them as the unquestioned best. Based upon your own preferences and needs, you'll have to choose the one that seems right to you. We have, however, come up with several things for you to bear in mind while contemplating which site to sign up for.

How Do I Receive Withdrawals and Payouts?

Moving money around the internet is a lot easier than it used to be because of the emergence of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. You can conduct your poker deposits and withdrawals using old-school methods, like credit cards and money transfer services, but they may subject you to irritating fees and/or delays before you have your money in your hands. With Bitcoin, you can avoid these hassles. If you're not acquainted with this digital currency, then check out our beginners guide to Bitcoin setup for instructions on how to use BTC.

Alternatives to Registering Your Poker Account in Ohio

Maybe you are fortunate enough to have another address in a nearby state, whether it be your business address, summer home, second apartment, family home, etc. If so, then you may have other online poker options available. Here is a list of the states that border Ohio and Professional Rakeback's review on each of them: Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. For more information on internet poker in general throughout the United States, head over to our USA online poker guide.

Ignorance is rife regarding online poker in Ohio, but you can do something to reduce it. Please think about sharing this page with any of your friends and family who play poker but are unfamiliar with their options for playing over the internet.

Facts About Ohio's Poker Industry

The sections below will serve to provide accurate information detailing the legality of online poker, live gambling venues, state regulation, the history of gambling and poker, and famous poker players from the state of Ohio.

The Legality of Playing Online Poker in Ohio

The Ohio statutes governing gambling are exceptionally long, but making them easier to read is the fact that there are tons of definitions given for the specific words used in the laws. We're getting our information from Title XXIX, Chapter 2915 of the Ohio Revised Code, which is entitled “Gambling.” First things first, let's see how the Buckeye State defines games of chance:

"Game of chance" means poker, craps, roulette, or other game in which a player gives anything of value in the hope of gain, the outcome of which is determined largely by chance, but does not include bingo.

We see that poker is mentioned by name as a game of chance, side-stepping the entire skill vs. chance debate as it relates to Texas Hold'em poker and other varieties of the game. Section 2915.02(A) gives a list of seven activities that are deemed to be gambling. We'll focus on the ones that might pertain to online poker:

(2) Establish, promote, or operate or knowingly engage in conduct that facilitates any game of chance conducted for profit or any scheme of chance;
(3) Knowingly procure, transmit, exchange, or engage in conduct that facilitates the procurement, transmission, or exchange of information for use in establishing odds or determining winners in connection with bookmaking or with any game of chance conducted for profit or any scheme of chance;
(4) Engage in betting or in playing any scheme or game of chance as a substantial source of income or livelihood;

Items (2) and (3) relate to those who run and promote games rather than those who merely play in them. Number 4 is interesting as it does affect regular players but only those who derive “a substantial source of income or livelihood” from chance gaming. Unfortunately, there's no clarification anywhere in this portion of the law as to how much someone would have to win to fall under the provisions of this rule. Clearly, recreational players, those who lose, and small winners have nothing to fear. Even if you're a big winner, it seems unlikely that anyone would know about it unless you spread this information around. Regardless, we couldn't find any stores of Ohio internet poker fans being charged for gambling online in card games. Realistically, online poker in Ohio is a safe pastime to engage in without any fear of negative legal consequences.

The penalties for illegal gambling are as follows:

(K) Whoever violates this section is guilty of gambling, a misdemeanor of the first degree. If the offender previously has been convicted of any gambling offense, gambling is a felony of the fifth degree.

In Ohio, a misdemeanor of the first degree is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of as much as $1,000. Repeat offenders are subject to being found guilty of a fifth-degree felony, which carries a sentence of 6 to 12 months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $2,500. Remember, though, that no ordinary player has ever been charged with a crime as a result of playing poker over the internet. So these convictions are mainly a concern of those who operate illegal games, and it is they who bear the brunt of law enforcement crackdowns.

If we look back at parts (2) and (3) of 2915.02(A), which treat organizing and facilitating gambling, we see that only actions that are performed “for profit” are included. Social poker home games are therefore fine unless the host is levying an entrance charge or taking a rake as compensation.

There's one other legal snafu that possibly lies in wait for unaware pokerists. It is 2915.04, which deals with public gaming:

(A) No person, while at a hotel, restaurant, tavern, store, arena, hall, or other place of public accommodation, business, amusement, or resort shall make a bet or play any game of chance or scheme of chance.

Public gaming is deemed to be a minor misdemeanor, which subjects anyone found guilty to a fine of up to $150 and doesn't carry any penalty of incarceration. This probably goes without saying, but you'll want to do your online poker playing at home rather than in any public place to avoid potential legal trouble.

Other parts of Chapter 2915 deal with bookmaking, operating a gambling house, sweepstakes, and bingo games (both legal and illegal). Four other chapters relate to gambling: Chapter 3763 (gaming), Chapter 3769 (horse racing), Chapter 3770 (state lottery), and Chapter 3772 (casinos). This last chapter contains details of the consequences for breaking the rules governing licensed casinos in Ohio, which can include forfeiture of licenses, civil penalties, and convictions for misdemeanors and felonies depending on the severity of the infraction.

The owners and managers at offshore poker sites don't seem too troubled about their legal status perhaps because there have never been any high-profile incidents of Ohio prosecutors going after them or their assets. Their legal professionals have almost certainly pored over the relevant statutes and given them the all-clear to proceed. Virtually none of these entities that serve the other states have opted to exclude themselves from Ohio.

Land-Based Gambling

Ohio has seen some of the biggest changes in approved land-based gambling of any state in the past decade. This is largely due to the fact that commercial casinos have been built and heavily promoted for the first time in the state. This has allowed a lot of the traditional casino power to move into the state and become part of the economy in the major cities.

Hollywood Casino Columbus may be the best brick-and-mortar venue for card players. It has 36 tables, which offer No Limit Texas Hold'em up to $10/$25 and LHE as high as $30/$60. There are small stakes Omaha Hi and Hi/Lo games too. Another option is membership-based cardrooms, which circumvent the laws against for-profit gaming by charging neither rake nor tournament fees.

Seven racinos operate in Ohio, but they only allow pari-mutuel betting and slot machine gaming. There are no tribal gambling facilities anywhere in the state perhaps because there are no federally recognized Indian tribes in Ohio. Other gambling possibilities in the Birthplace of Aviation include the Ohio Lottery and charitable games. These charitable events include bingo, raffles, games of chance, and poker, subject to certain filing requirements and other regulations.

Because there are already a few traditional gambling brands involved in the state's four land-based casinos, they would probably be first in line to operate any legalized online poker rooms in the event of the appropriate legislation being passed. The state's seven racinos might want in on the action, but it's more likely that they would have to add live poker tables first before there would be even the possibility of their running online sites.

State Regulation

Ohio isn't expected by most observers to be one of the next states to implement an online poker regulation scheme, and there haven't been any recent bills introduced to enable it. However, it could be included in a future wave of states that see what their neighbors are doing and wish to join them.

Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan have already passed internet gaming licensing laws in the past few years, and so OH lawmakers might be enticed into doing the same. With a decently large population and several types of offline gambling already accepted by the state, the prospects for licensed online poker rooms appear good over the long term.

Ohio Gambling History

Even before Ohio achieved statehood, when it was still a part of the Northwest Territory, there were attempts to curtail gambling. A 1790 law prohibited all forms of real money gambling, and this was followed by a 1795 decree that prevented inn and tavern owners from keeping billiards tables, cards, and other gaming implements at their establishments. Once Ohio became the 17th state in 1803, the new authorities wasted no time in passing additional gambling ordinances. In 1805, all lotteries were banned except those that obtain special permission from the legislature. In 1830, even this limited form of using lotteries for raising funds was deemed illegal, and in fact, all “schemes of chance” were outlawed at this same time.

In many parts of the United States at around this time, gaming for cash was frowned upon by the government and the respectable classes of society while being accepted by ordinary people. There is evidence, however, that even the humbler ranks of Ohioans disapproved of it. On July 23, 1835, a group of angry Cincinnati citizens threatened to burn gaming houses to the ground and hang professional gamblers. This crisis was only averted when Mayor Samuel W. Davies hastily closed the saloons and ordered the creation of a 500-man police force.

With attitudes like that prevailing among the public at large, there were very few opportunities for people who wished to play cards or table games for money especially those who wanted to do so professionally. However, the Ohio River offered an escape. It flows into the mighty Mississippi, and it hosted its share of riverboats although not quite as many as Old Man River did to the south. Given the lack of profitable betting activities in OH, it's no surprise that many aspiring gamblers headed to the water to test their skills against the other passengers on river-borne vessels.

George H. Devol
King of the Riverboat Gamblers

One such individual was George H. Devol who was born in Marietta, Ohio, in 1829. Sometime after running away from home to become a cabin boy on a riverboat, he discovered the allure of cards. Abandoning more humdrum work, he devoted himself to the career of a professional gambler. George's repertoire of games continually increased as he learned more of them, and before long, he was adept at Seven-Up, Faro, Three-Card Monty, Rondo, and of course Poker. He had no problem scooping up every last penny from his opponents and took special delight in out-cheating those who were attempting to profit from him in dishonest games. Yet, he did have a soft spot and would sometimes return his winnings back to the losers. After one session during which he won all of a minister's cash, he returned it back to the man of God, saying, “Go and sin no more.” As the river vessels where Devol worked slowly faded away, he transitioned to playing in railroad cars. However, this backfired when he won $1,200 from a railroad director, and the irate exec banned gambling on his railroad thereafter. His gambling opportunities dwindling, George decided to write his autobiography, called “Forty Years a Gambler on the Mississippi,” in 1887.

Heading into the 20th century, it appeared as though real money gaming was destined for extinction in Ohio. But then Prohibition occurred. Driven by bootlegging profits, gangsters diversified into other enterprises, including gambling. The Mayfield Road Mob, including Frank Milano, ran gambling dens in Cleveland and Toledo. There were periodic vows by officials to wage battle against these mobsters, but somehow they always seemed to be a step or two ahead of the law. Even smaller cities, like Youngstown and Steubenville, hosted houses where illicit games could be had.

Perhaps jealously eyeing the receipts of these unauthorized businesses, the legitimate leaders of the state opted to legalize pari-mutuel racetrack betting in 1933. Then in 1973, a state lottery was allowed followed in 1975 by charitable games. In 2009, the Ohio General Assembly voted to license four commercial casinos, and then in 2011, racetracks were permitted to add video lottery terminals. The newest addition to regulated gambling in the Buckeye State was daily fantasy sports, which became legal when Governor John Kasich signed the relevant bill into law in December 2017.

In an effort to summarize the history of gambling and poker in Ohio, our team has compiled a detailed gambling timeline, which can be found below.

Famous Poker Players From Ohio

Ohio is pretty distant from Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and other traditional poker epicenters, but there are nevertheless several famous players who hail from the Buckeye State. The king of these Ohio poker grinders was probably Centerville native David Edward “Chip” Reese who unfortunately passed away in 2007.

David Edward “Chip” Reese
1951 - 2007

When Chip was a youngster in the '50s, he had to stay home from elementary school due to illness for close to a year. To help him pass the time, his mother showed him how to play a number of board and card games, including poker. His love affair with poker was thus begun, and he continued playing after he started attending high school and at Dartmouth where he majored in economics.

Reese soon became a professional player, and he was known for excelling in multiple poker disciplines, like Seven Card Stud and HORSE. He amassed close to $4 million in live tournament winnings during his career: a feat that's all the more impressive when we consider that he was mainly a cash game player. His biggest score came at the 2006 World Series of Poker where he prevailed in the $50,000 buy-in HORSE event for a payday of $1.8 million.

Byron Kaverman is from Fort Jennings, and he dabbled in poker in high school during the early 2000s. After winning about $1,500 in a multi-table tournament at PokerStars, he was hooked. Byron soon transitioned over to the live tournament circuit.

Kaverman has earned one WSOP bracelet: the $10,000 six-max event in 2015 for which he picked up $657,351. He has 24 other WSOP cashes, including a fifth-place finish in the 2018 Big One for One Drop $1,000,000 buy-in tourney: good for $2,000,000. In total, Byron Kaverman has won $14.5 million in his live tournament poker career.

Other Types of Online Gambling

Although the primary focus of this article is poker, there are many other types of gambling available online including slots, table games, video poker, and sports betting. There are numerous operators catering to Ohio residents, so it can be somewhat hard to decide where to play. We have researched all of the available options and below, we will provide our top recommendations for trusted and reliable online casinos and sportsbooks.

Online Casinos

Casino games are a fine diversion when you need a breather from the poker tables. Although there are brick-and-mortar casinos within the state, playing on the internet is more convenient, and so you may wish to play online instead of live.

Today's modern internet casinos have hundreds of games from multiple software providers to give you a well-rounded experience. Whether baccarat is your fancy or you prefer video slots, there's bound to be a perfect online destination for you.

1. Ignition Casino - $1,000 bonus to start with and weekly reloads

2. Bovada Casino - Live Dealer section and cashback from Bovada Rewards

3. SB Casino - Many slot and blackjack contests

There are other trustworthy online casinos that you can play at from Ohio, and you can read more about them in our list of the most trusted online casinos for USA players.

Online Sports Betting

Although there has been some movement toward legalizing sports betting in Ohio in the wake of the Murphy v. NCAA Supreme Court decision, nothing solid has materialized so far. Yet, you can easily bet online on the sporting contests that catch your eye. Minimum bet sizes are in the $1 range, but you can put thousands of dollars down at once if that's what you want to do. Here's our list of the best internet bookies for Ohio bettors:

1. Bovada Sports - 50% up to $250 bonus (75% up to $750 with BTC)

2. Sportsbetting.ag - Unlimited sports reload bonuses and other promos

3. Everygame Sports - Bonus of 100% up to $250 on First Three Deposits

You can learn more about the leading online bookmakers for Americans with our page of the best online sportsbooks USA bettors can access.