Ohio’s sports betting industry has seen consistent growth for the third consecutive month, indicating that the high numbers of bets in 2023 were not solely due to pent-up demand. In April, gamblers wagered $672 million on sports, a 29% increase from the $522 million bet during the same month last year. This data was compiled from the Ohio casino and lottery commissions.
Overall, Ohioans have placed just under $3 billion in sports bets in the first four months of the year, staying on track with the previous year’s numbers. While January saw a decrease in betting compared to the previous year, February and March showed increases. Sports betting was legalized in Ohio in January 2023, allowing for a direct comparison of year-over-year trends.
In April, Ohio’s sports betting operators collected $74 million in taxable revenue, up from about $65 million in April 2023. The majority of bets and revenue were generated through sports betting apps, while the state’s sportsbooks and lottery-operated kiosks accounted for a smaller percentage.
Sports gambling revenue in Ohio is taxed at 20%, resulting in approximately $14.8 million in taxes from April’s betting activity. Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services, with operators having no influence over news coverage. For those in need of assistance with gambling-related issues, resources such as the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline and the National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline are available.
