YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Super Bowl Sunday is right around the corner and a record 31.4 million adults are expected to bet on the game. That's according to new research from the American Gaming Association that predicts a 35% increase from 2021.

Super Bowl betting can be placed on just about anything imaginable - from the game itself, to the length of the National Anthem, the number of planes that will fly over, to details of the half-time show.

But, here in Ohio legal sports betting is not fully up and running. At least, not yet.

Status of legal sports betting in Ohio

In 2021, lawmakers approved legislation to legalize sports betting in the Buckeye State and Gov. Mike DeWine signed the legislation into law. But, the process takes time. The state has until New Years Day of 2023 to set regulations and license facilities.

This means, there won’t be any Super Bowl betting revenue in Ohio this year. 

Is Ohio missing out on a 'pay day' this Super Bowl?

Experts at PlayOhio.com project that sportsbooks would have generated about $100 million in wagers on this year's Super Bowl if Ohio was a mature market.

Their experts explain, sportsbooks "win" about 7.5% for an average single sporting event, which would equate to about $.7.5 million in operator revenue from the Super Bowl. At Ohio's tax rate, that would mean about $750,000 for the state.

But, PlayOhio experts strongly note a surprise result in any game could mean sportsbooks actually take a loss on the game, which would leave little or no tax money for the state.

“Ohio is putting together the best sports betting policy in the country, even if it will take a while to launch. With the large national operators all lining up to participate, it's hard not to think about the Super Bowl betting opportunity they're missing in 2022. Still, the foundation being put in place has this market poised to thrive over the long-term, even if it misses out on some revenue this year," said Eric Ramsey, Chief Data Analyst at PlayOhio.com and the PlayUSA.com Network.

But, there are ways sports enthusiasts can still have some skin in the game.

What current options are there for sport betting in Ohio?

Attorney Dave Betras says the below sites provide legal sports betting options for Ohioans:

  • BetOnline 
  • XBet 
  • Bovada
  • MyBookie
  • BetUS

"Those are Ohio sites that you could do," said Betras. "The big ones like Fanduel and Draft Kings, although sports betting is allowed in Ohio, they haven't licensed them yet."

The AGA predicts traditional sports wagering online or with a bookie will increase 78% compared to last year. The AGA also predicts casual betting with friends, as part of a pool or square contest, will increase 23% compared to 2021.

Attorney Betras says casual betting among friend is likely a safe bet to make.

"As long as nobody is taking a cut of the action, you're pretty okay," said Betras. "It's technically not even unlawful because there is no cut, no one is taking a cut. They put everybody's money in and then you split it up, it's like a raffle drawing in a sense."

Once Ohio sports betting is in place, gamblers will be able to place wagers at casinos, racinos, bars, restaurants and online. 

“The results are clear: Americans have never been more interested in legal sports wagering. The growth of legal options across the country not only protects fans and the integrity of games and bets, but also puts illegal operators on notice that their time is limited," said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO.