Ohio’s betting history is a convoluted one, with both peaks and valleys. In the early 1900s, Ohio was a center for illegal betting, with many illicit gambling operations and speakeasies thriving during the Prohibition era. However, the state’s gambling landscape was altered in 1933 when Ohio legalized betting on horse racing. This event marked a new beginning for Ohio’s gambling industry, which continued to expand over time to include off-track betting and other gaming options. In 1973, Ohio established a state lottery, which has since become one of the most sought-after forms of gambling in the state. Additionally, Ohio voters authorized the opening of four new casinos in 2012, further expanding the gambling industry. Nonetheless, Ohio’s betting history has been marked by debates and controversy, with concerns raised over the potential negative effects of gambling on individuals and communities, prompting efforts to restrict or limit the industry’s growth. Despite these challenges, Ohio’s gambling industry remains an important contributor to the state’s economy, and betting continues to be a preferred activity for many Ohioans. Recently, on January 1, 2023, online sports betting was launched in Ohio, marking a new chapter in the state’s betting history.