Legal Cleveland Sportsbooks
BetMGM Cleveland
BetMGM Ohio is a great option for sports fans, especially if you like to watch the games you bet on.
Live streaming with this operator is just about the best in Cleveland because you can watch all NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB games live through your mobile app or website.
The $1,000 First-Bet Bonus is one of the best welcome offers available at Cleveland sportsbooks. Basically, if your first bet loses you will get that amount matched in bonus bets, up to $1,000. That's pretty good, right?
And, unlike many sportsbooks in Cleveland, they look after existing customers with promos, bonuses and enhanced odds.
Caesars Sportsbook Cleveland
When it comes to welcome bonuses, Caesars Sportsbook Ohio is favorable to bettors. Get a $250 bonus with a $50 deposit just in time for the NFL Season.
The sports betting operator is popular for its micro-betting feature, which enables bettors to engage and bet on the outcome of every play, including the outcome of every pass, possession and pitching in a game.
The other popular feature this sportsbook is Squares, which has quickly established itself as one of the most wagered-on prop markets for Cleveland bettors during big games.
PointsBet Cleveland
PointsBet Ohio is a great option thanks to its super-sleek and stylish app and website layout.
The side menu allows Cleveland bettors to browse sports alphabetically as well as providing easy access to features like parlay betting and promotions.
This operator has a unique selling point in that it not only offers the usual ways to bet on sports, but the app also offers PointsBetting. This is a high-risk, high-reward option for the more speculative bettors, than enables the bettor to win (or lose) more. In a nutshell, with PointsBetting, the more right you are, the more you win. The more wrong you are, the more you lose.
Another point of difference for this online sportsbook is the Revis Betting Academy which is a fantastic hub of blogs, tips and educational betting articles.
Betway Cleveland
Betway Ohio is a great all-round option for bettors because the bonus bets and bonuses keep on coming for existing customers. In addition, the loyalty program will give you points when you bet for extra rewards.
It's also ideal for fans that like to bet away from the mainstream sports and leagues.
With this operator you'll have a great option of odds and markets for sports like cricket, snooker, table tennis, etc., and that includes in-game options. Their odds are also very competitive so if you back a winner, the chances are you will win more with Betway.
Bet365 Cleveland
If you are a smaller-stakes bettor that wants to build up your account balance without risking too much initially, then Bet365 Ohio is exactly the right Cleveland sportsbook for you.
The welcome promo of $200 in bonus bets requires just a $1 wager on any sport to initiate.
Cleveland betting fans won't find an operator with a more comprehensive coverage of football and soccer games, both pre-game odds and in-game odds, than this operator.
Barstool Sportsbook Cleveland
Let's get the obvious negative out of the way to begin with. You won't get great odds with Barstool Sportsbook Ohio, and that's across any sport.
However, loyal "Stoolies," many of whom love the brand's controversial marketing strategy, are drawn to some great featured promos and hugely popular markets like Parlay+ (same game parlays) and multi-sport parlays, which have become super-popular on busy sport days.
One of the most popular app features is the "Quick Pick 6" which provides recommendations for building a winning parlay. The selections typically carry odds between -120 and +200 for a player’s preferred leagues and dates.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Cleveland, Ohio?
Absolutely it is. Sports betting in Ohio has effectively been legal in the state December 2021, although the first sportsbooks, both online and retail, didn't start taking bets until Jan. 1, 2023.
There are 18 online sportsbooks that bettors can access, along with three brick and mortar sportsbooks in Cleveland, so there are plenty of options for anyone wanting to place a bet on sports.
There are one or two caveats to what you can legally bet on in Cleveland, however. Whilst all sports betting is fully legit, including college sports (apart from on DFS games); betting on politics, award shows and other TV competition shows remains prohibited.
So, it's sports all the way for betting fans in Cleveland!
Cleveland Sportsbooks
There are currently three physical retail Ohio sportsbooks within the city boundaries of Cleveland.
In this section, we are going to take a closer look at each of the three Cleveland casinos that house a walk-in sportsbook.
JACK Cleveland Casino
If you are looking for a sportsbook in downtown Cleveland, then head to the JACK Cleveland Casino - you can't miss it!
Ready to roll on Jan. 1, 2023, the JACK Sportsbook at Cleveland Casino has proved hugely popular with sports betting fans so far this year.
Wall-to-wall screens provide non-stop action from any sporting event that is being televised and the luxiourus leather seating makes for a wholly enjoyable viewing experience.
There are also power points for your mobile devices so book yourself in for the day or night.
JACK has taken the opportunity to add in video poker terminals into the rear viewing area, allowing hardcore bettors to play poker while watching the game.
- Address: 100 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113
- Phone: +1 216-297-4777
JACK Thistledown Racino
Thistledown racecourse has been home to thoroughbred racing since 1931 but it's also now home to one one the three physical Cleveland sportsbooks.
The sportsbook is powered by Ohio-based JACK entertainment, whose betJACK sportsbook can also be found at the Cleveland Casino.
Customers at JACK Thistledown Racino can enjoy thoroughbred racing at the track through the summer months, while the Racino and sportsbook remain open all-year round.
You can bet and watch any of the major sporting events at betJACK sportsbook at Thistledown and the smartly decorated lounge offers a great spot for sports betting fans to chill and watch the game.
- Address: 21501 Emery Road, North Randall, OH 44128
- Phone: +1 216-662-8600
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Caesars Sportsbook Cleveland has proved an extremely popular sportsbook since it opened on New Year's Day.
Conveniently located at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, which is home of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as the Cleveland Monsters who play in the American Hockey League.
Split over two levels, there are ticket windows downstairs, along with the bulk of kiosks, although there are more kiosks upstairs in the bar and screen area. Caesars Sportsbook Cleveland is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and great service, whether that be at the ticket windows or at the bar!
You don't need to have registered with an account to place a bet at the ticket window or kiosk but you won't get access to any of their Ohio betting promos or loyalty bonuses.
If you have an account, you are free to bet via your mobile device and access those rewards.
- Address: 1 Center Court, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
- Phone: +1 855-474-0606 (Caesars Sportsbook Customer Support team)
Sportsbooks Near Cleveland, Ohio
There are also some great sportsbooks on the outskirts of Cleveland that don't involve too much travelling.
Let's take a look at what they have to offer.
MGM Northfield Park
MGM Northfield Park is a racino in Northfield, Ohio, which makes it the closest sportsbook to Cleveland.
As well as staging over 200 harness racing nights of its own, Northfield Park brings Cleveland sports bettors the best in all-breed horse racing action from tracks across North America, as well as Australia.
Gates open half an hour before first simulcast post and MGM Northfield Park remains open for simulcast racing until approximately 10 p.m. each evening.
The Trackside Lounge also broadcasts all major sporting events and customers can place wagers through the terminals or at the ticket windows.
- Address: 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, OH 44067
- Phone: +1 330-908-7625
- Distance: 21 miles
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course
Sports betting has come to Mahoning Valley Race Course thanks to the Barstool Sportsbook.
Mahoning Valley is almost 70 miles from Cleveland but is a popular venue for sports betting fans who love their racing. Racing takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays with post times of 12:45 p.m. EST and Saturdays with a post time of 12:15 p.m. EST, from late October to late April.
Sports betting fans can now watch the racing as well as betting on major sporting events via one of the many Barstool terminals.
All major sporting events are shown live on the many big screens.
- Address: 655 N Canfield Niles Road, Youngstown, OH 44515
- Phone: +1 877-788-3777
- Distance: 68.5 miles
Cleveland Ohio Sports Teams to Bet On
Cleveland is home to a whole host of sports teams, not least five professional teams across major leagues in football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer.
There are also several NCAA-level college teams in the city, including the Cleveland Stake Vikings, Dayton Flyers and Kent State Golden Flashes.
Cleveland Browns
The NFL's Cleveland Browns are the heartbeat of the city and one of the biggest sports teams in the country. Over half a billion fans watched Browns games at the Cleveland Browns Stadium in 2022.
The Browns, who are named after their original coach and co-founder, Paul Brown, are the only franchise in the NFL not to have a logo on their helmets after it was decided that the iconic solid-orange helmet looked better without one.
Success has been hard to come by for the Browns in recent times, especially through the 2010's, when they didn't post a single winning season throughout the decade. In 2017 they became just the second team in NFL history after the Detroit Lions in 2008 to go 0-16.
The Browns are one of just four NFL teams never to have even appeared in a Super Bowl, let alone won, but that doesn't stop fans flocking to the stadium every week to support their local team. This years Cleveland Browns playoff chances are looking optimal - which is great for any Cleveland sports bettor.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Created in 1970 as an expansion team, the Cavaliers could hardly have gotten off to a worse start in the NBA, losing their first 15 games in that inaugural season.
The team won their first Central Division title in 1976 but endured a mixed period of success before finally making their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007.
The Cavaliers hit a new low in 2010-11, enduring a 26-game losing streak, the second longest in NBA history, but their fortunes soon changed when they won the top pick in the NBA draft lottery three times between 2011 and 2014.
They won their first and to date only NBA championship when they beat Golden State Warriors in 2016, creating history in the process by becoming the first team in Finals history to come back from 3-1 down.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the best teams in last year's NBA, registering over 50 wins and ending the season in fourth place.
Cleveland Guardians
Two-time World Series title winners Cleveland Guardians play in the MLB's American League Central division.
Known as the Guardians since 2022, they have been called five different names since their establishment as a Major League franchise in 1901.
The Guardians have won 11 Central Division titles and six American League pennants but haven't won the World Series championship since 1948, which is the longest active drought amount all current Major League teams.
The Guardians, who play their home games at Progressive Field, finished top of AL Central in 2022.
Betting Kiosks in Cleveland
As of the end of June, 2023, there are a total of 30 Ohio betting kiosks spread around the city of Cleveland.
Some betting kiosks are standalone sports betting kiosks, while others combine sports betting, lottery and Keno.
Only four bet types are available at a kiosk: point spread, moneyline, over/under, and parlays of two to four legs.
A user's account information is shared across every machine, so that you can cash out your winnings from any kiosk host who agrees to do so. Also, each kiosk keeps the same running total of your weekly bets in order to cap your wagering when you hit the weekly $700 limit, which is a state-wide limit.
Advantages of Online Sports Betting in Cleveland
Online sports betting in Cleveland has taken off since it went live at the beginning of 2023 and with good reason.
The absolute convenience of betting via your mobile phone is the obvious advantage, especially as the top operators will allow you to watch the action through the Ohio betting app, no matter where you are.
It's so much easier to follow in-game odds betting online than if you are in a sportsbook, with all its distractions, especially on a busy game day.
Betting online also gives you access to a whole host of promos and bonuses that you simply just don't get at a physical sportsbook.
Finally, you can use online sports betting sites in the full knowledge that they are legal, safe and fully regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Responsible Betting in Cleveland
Ohio lawmakers made responsible gambling a key priority during the process of legalizing sports betting and every operator in Cleveland must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) which oversees sports betting regulation.
Every Cleveland sportsbook must have in place procedures that enable anyone that thinks they may have a gambling problem to self-exclude themselves from all gambling outlets in the state of Ohio.
Everyone who opens a sportsbook account in Cleveland will be able to set daily/weekly/monthly deposit or loss limits to ensure that they don't lose more than they can afford.
If you or someone you know in Cleveland has a gambling problem, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline on 1-800-589-9966.
We Found the Best Cleveland Sports Betting Sites
There are so many great sportsbooks in Cleveland and they are evolving all the time. Sports betting fans in this city have never had it so good.
Whether it be promos, competitive odds, in-game coverage (including live streaming) there are some great sports betting sites in Cleveland.
Hopefully this page has pinpointed some of the features that will appeal to the way you want to bet on sports in Cleveland.
Cleveland Sports Betting FAQs
Author
Gavin Beech is a writer and contributor for BetOhio.com and has worked in the betting industry for almost 20 years. Gavin is an experienced horse racing journalist, sports betting content writer and tipster. He has worked for some of the biggest online operators around, notably MailOnline and the Racing Post, where he is a regular on the Live Tipster slot.