Ohio Sports Betting Industry Hits $1 Billion Revenue Milestone in 2025, Fueled by Strong December Finish
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio's sports betting industry crossed a major threshold in 2025, with annual taxable revenue exceeding $1 billion for the first time since its launch in January 2023. A powerful December finish, where operators retained $138.4 million from wagers, propelled the market past the symbolic milestone, underscoring its entrenched position in the state's economy.
The December haul, reported jointly by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery, marked the second-highest monthly revenue in state history, trailing only the inaugural month's figures. The strong close was partly attributed to a favorable outcome for books in the College Football Playoff, where a loss by the heavily-backed Ohio State Buckeyes provided a late-year boost.
While the total amount wagered in December saw a marginal 1% dip to $954.8 million compared to the previous year, the full-year handle surged to $10.3 billion—a 15.9% increase from 2024. The revenue growth of 15.5% year-over-year slightly lagged the handle increase, indicating a competitive market but one where operators maintained healthy margins. The state collected $27.6 million in tax revenue from December's activity alone.
"Hitting the $1 billion revenue mark in just three years is a testament to Ohio's mature and fiercely competitive market," said Michael Torres, a gaming analyst with Midwest Financial Insights. "The consistent double-digit handle growth shows sustained consumer engagement, moving beyond the initial novelty phase."
Market leaders FanDuel and DraftKings continued to dominate. FanDuel posted $53.5 million in December revenue, its second consecutive month above $50 million, finishing the year with $419.3 million. DraftKings recorded its best month since launch with $45.6 million, bringing its annual total to $326.9 million.
Beyond the top two, the market showed vibrant competition. Bet365 became the third operator to surpass $200 million in all-time Ohio revenue, while BetMGM and Fanatics posted dramatic year-over-year gains of 30% and 90.9%, respectively. Hard Rock Bet also signaled its growing foothold with a strategically successful football season.
The influx of tax dollars remains a focal point for policymakers. Calendar year 2025 generated nearly $209 million for state coffers, a $28 million increase over 2024. Fiscal year receipts are also running ahead of projections, providing a steady new revenue stream.
User Reactions:
David R., a sports bettor from Cleveland: "The promos are still good, but you can feel the odds tightening up as the books get more data on Ohio bettors. It's becoming a tougher grind to stay ahead."
Linda Chen, state budget committee member: "The revenue for public services is welcome, but we must continuously evaluate the social cost. This report is a success on paper, but it's our responsibility to ensure responsible gambling infrastructure keeps pace with this growth."
"GamblingGreg" on social media: "A BILLION in profits? And they still shut down my account after one lucky parlay hit! This is a rigged system designed to suck money from fans. Where's the outrage that this cash isn't directly funding our schools?"
Sarah P., retail kiosk manager in Cincinnati: "The mobile apps get the headlines, but we're seeing steady, loyal traffic here. For some folks, it's still about the experience of placing a bet in person during a game night."