Online sports betting has arrived in Ohio, and it couldn’t be coming at a better time. The major operators in the state have dozens of different sports betting markets to wager bets on at any given time—oddities like darts, bowling, and rugby along with international leagues of all sports. But the majority of players will want to place their bets on the major sports. Lucky for them, there is plenty of it happening. Here’s where we believe players should be spending their time once they register for new accounts and start betting:
When January 1 rolls around and the major operators in the state launch, providing bettors with some incredible offers and welcome bonuses, the winter sports calendar will be in full swing.
Take advantage of these Ohio sportsbook promos and get thousands for sports betting launch in the state.
NFL Sunday, Week 17
Typically reserved for the New Year’s 6, New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday in 2023 meaning we’ll get a full slate of NFL games. There are still a number of playoff spots up for grabs in both conferences—and seeding for teams already in like the Bengals—meaning there’s a ton at stake when those 14 games kick off on January 1.
A few that we’ll be keeping our eyes on: Dolphins-Patriots, Panthers-Buccaneers, Jets-Seahawks, Vikings-Packers, and Steelers-Ravens. Ohio bettors can watch the Browns try and spoil the Commanders’ postseason hopes, while they’ll need to wait until Monday Night Football to see Joe Burrow and the Bengals square off in a massive showdown against Josh Allen and the Bills.
Bowl season rages on
The College Football Playoff semifinals will kick off on New Year’s Eve, meaning Ohio bettors will just miss out on getting to bet on Ohio State (and against Michigan). They will get that opportunity nine days later when the winners of Michigan-TCU and Ohio State-Georgia square off.
In between that, bettors will get to wager on a quartet of bowl games taking place on Monday, Jan. 2—including the Rose Bowl between Utah and Penn State and the Cotton Bowl between USC and Tulane.
The stars come out in the NBA
There are only three games on the NBA docket for January 1, but the Association is making the most of them. Taking the floor on New Year’s Day will be Jayson Tatum’s Celtics against Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets; Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will host the Wizards; and Ja Morant’s Grizzlies will host the upstart Kings.
Five of the six teams playing are currently in the postseason hunt (sorry, Washington), meaning great basketball with the potential for the MVP narrative to shift at a moment’s notice. The award is Tatum’s to lose, but Giannis and Jokic—both two-time winners in the past—are hot on his trail. Where hoops lacks in quantity on Jan. 1, it more than makes up for in quality. The Cavaliers will host the Bulls on Jan. 2.
We’ll also add here that college basketball will have five Power 5 matchups taking place. The main event is No. 11 UCLA heading to Washington, while we’ll also be keeping an eye on Iowa vs. Penn State and Ohio State vs. Northwestern.
A couple of contenders square off in the NHL
There are five NHL games on tap for New Year’s Day, and the afternoon tilt is the one we’re most excited about. The Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils both have title aspirations and are among the top-six teams in Stanley Cup Title odds. Later on, Original Six teams like the Blackhawks (hosting the Sharks) and Rangers (at the Panthers) will take the ice. Ohio bettors will need to wait until Jan. 3 to bet on the Columbus Blue Jackets, who travel to Ottawa to take on the Senators that night.
English Premier League action
It isn’t exactly the greatest set of games in EPL history, but there will be two games nonetheless. Tottenham Hotspur face Aston Villa bright and early, followed by Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Liverpool on Jan. 2 and Arsenal on Jan. 3 may provide more excitement, but it’s a great start to the day for bettors who can’t wait to start placing their bets.
Can’t wait for baseball? You’re in luck
No, there won’t be any Major League Baseball action on Jan. 1. But free agency is just about over and teams will begin reporting to Spring Training next month. That, of course, means that player and team futures are beginning to trickle out across the various operators.
We don’t think many bettors will be looking at any postseason futures involving the Reds, but the Indians may be worth a look. No matter which team you’re rooting for or believe will host the trophy in early November, futures will be live once New Year’s Day rolls around and bettors begin registering at playing with online sportsbooks across the Buckeye State.
