How to Verify an Ohio Sportsbook License Before You Deposit

By Trevor Langdon · Updated

Skip the guesswork. Before you deposit a single dollar, pull up the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) registry and confirm the site is on it. Takes two minutes. Costs you nothing. Could save you a real headache.

Who actually oversees Ohio sports betting?

The OCCC is the regulator. Every legal sportsbook in Ohio — whether an app, a retail window, or a kiosk — must hold an OCCC certificate. The commission maintains a public registry of licensed operators and has the authority to investigate and sanction any violations. That registry is your best friend. If a sportsbook isn't on it, walk away. For full background on Ohio's legal framework, see Is Sports Betting Legal in Ohio?

What's the difference between a Type A and a Type B license?

Type A covers online and mobile sports betting. Type B covers retail locations. When you're downloading an app, you want to see a Type A certificate holder. Betting at a physical sportsbook or kiosk? Look for Type B. Ohioans can legally wager online via licensed mobile apps, at licensed retail sportsbook locations, and at kiosks — but only through operators holding the right certificate type.

How do I actually check the OCCC registry?

  1. Go directly to the OCCC's official website.
  2. Navigate to the Sports Gaming section.
  3. Find the current list of licensed Type A and Type B sports betting certificate holders.
  4. Search for the sportsbook name you're considering.
  5. Confirm the certificate status shows as active before depositing.

That's it. No account needed. No fee. The list is public and updated by the OCCC itself.

Why does this matter so much?

Unlicensed offshore sites operate outside Ohio law. They offer zero consumer protections. If they withhold your winnings, you have no legal recourse. The risks go beyond losing money — read more at Why Offshore Sportsbooks Are Risky in Ohio. A quick registry check before you sign up is the easiest protection you have.

What should I do after I confirm a license?

Once you've verified the operator is OCCC-licensed, you're ready to move forward. Check out How to Sign Up for an Ohio Sportsbook for a step-by-step walkthrough of the account creation and identity verification process. And if you're newer to sports wagering in general, How to Bet on Sports in Ohio covers the basics from moneylines to parlays.

Bottom line: licensed means protected. Two minutes on the OCCC site beats any amount of time disputing a withdrawal with an unlicensed operator. Always verify first.

21+ only. Ohio residents only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.