Cincinnati is not one of the larger cities in the United States, but it is home to three major sports teams with the Bengals of the NFL, the Reds of the MLB, and FC Cincinnati of the MLS calling Cincinnati home.
Sports betting is was legalized in Ohio in December of 2021 and the regulated sports betting market launched in the state in January 2023.
On this page I will touch on the legality of sports betting in Cincinnati, recommend a couple of great offshore betting sites serving the United States, and look at the horse race betting options in the city.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Cincinnati?
Yes, sports betting is now legal in Ohio. The sports betting law, HB 29, was signed into law in December 2021 and the regulated betting market launched in Ohio in January 2023.
There are 25 licenses available for online betting sites to operate in the state, as well as a few retail sportsbook options in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati residents can also join and place wagers through offshore betting sites that are licensed, regulated and located outside of the United States, like the ones we’ve recommended below.
Best Sportsbooks for Cincinnati Residents
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Visit |
|---|---|---|
 |
100% up to $250 | Visit |
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50% up to $250 in Free Bets | Visit |
These are our top two rated offshore betting sites for Cincinnati residents. Both sites are well established and trusted, having served the United States betting market for around 20 years.
Offline Sports Betting in Cincinnati
The regulated betting market launched in Ohio in January 2023. There are already a few retail sportsbooks opened in the Cincinnati, with more likely to launch in the city in the coming years.
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati is located in the heart of Cincinnati. It opened in 2013 as the Horseshoe Casino, and was rebranded to Jack Cincinnati Casino in 2016, and Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati in 2019.
Hard Rock Sportsbook was opened in January 2023. It is a Vegas-style sportsbook with a variety of betting windows, multiple odds boards, and large LED televisions. The sportsbook is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park
The Great American Ball Park, home to the Cincinnati Reds, opened a BetMGM Sportsbook in 2023. The sportsbook is located in the Wings and Rings Machine Room and features three betting windows, 15 betting kiosks, and several televisions with a great atmosphere to watch and bet on the games. The sportsbook is open from 11am to midnight, 7 days a week.
Belterra Park
Horse race betting is also allowed in Ohio, with tracks taking bets on their own races, and races from across the country. Belterra Park is a popular racetrack that is located in Cincinnati. It has live horse racing for half the year, and offers simulcast betting for other tracks year round.
Belterra Park is located in the south east part of Cincinnati and just a quick 15 minute drive from downtown. The racetrack has live races five days a week from late April to the end of September. You can see the live racing schedule daily on the Belterra Park website. The track also offers daily simulcast racing all year round with betting available on all major tracks across the country.
Belterra Park also has plenty of slot machines and lottery games, as well as some great dining options and a variety of events throughout the year. Overall, it’s a great place to hangout and place some wagers.
Belterra Park also launched a FanDuel retail sportsbook on the property in January 2023. The sportsbook is open from 11am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
Major Sports Teams in Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL – Football)
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB – Baseball)
- Cincinnati FC (MLS – Soccer)