Sports betting popularity in Ohio continues to climb amid World Cup, NBA Finals

June 12, 2026 - 02:53

It has been over three years since Ohio legalized sports betting, and the industry has only continued to expand. What started as a new form of gambling for the state has now turned into a multibillion-dollar market. The Buckeye State has seen steady increases in both the number of bets placed and the total amount wagered, with recent major sporting events giving the industry another significant boost.

The combination of the FIFA World Cup and the NBA Finals has drawn in casual fans and serious bettors alike. Sportsbooks across Ohio have reported higher handle numbers during these events compared to the same period last year. Mobile betting apps remain the most popular way to place wagers, accounting for the vast majority of the action. In-person betting at casinos and racetracks has also seen a modest uptick, but the convenience of phone-based betting continues to dominate.

State regulators have noted that the growth has been steady rather than explosive, which they view as a sign of a healthy, sustainable market. Tax revenue from sports betting has also climbed, providing additional funds for state programs. While some critics remain concerned about problem gambling, the overall trend shows that Ohioans have embraced legal sports betting as a mainstream form of entertainment. With more major events on the calendar, the numbers are expected to keep rising through the rest of the year.