Ohio Sports Betting Hits Record Handle in November
Summary
Ohio’s sports-betting market posted a record handle in November 2025 as online platforms drove a sharp rise in activity. Bettors staked more than $1.15 billion, breaking October’s mark, and the state reported $133 million in sports-betting revenue — a 35.5% month-on-month increase. Digital channels overwhelmingly dominated revenue ($131.2m) while retail sportsbooks contributed only $1.8m.
FanDuel and DraftKings widened their lead: FanDuel generated $55.4m in online revenue and held roughly 43.4% of the online market for the year, while DraftKings posted $39.3m and about 28.4% share. BetMGM trailed with $9m. Heavy promotional spending (around $33m) and peak NFL/NBA schedules helped power the surge, but the growth has attracted regulatory attention and policy adjustments.
Key Points
- November 2025 handle topped $1.15 billion, setting a new state record.
- Ohio reported $133 million in sports-betting revenue — up 35.5% from October.
- Online platforms produced $131.2m of revenue; retail sportsbooks only $1.8m.
- FanDuel led online revenue with $55.4m; DraftKings followed with $39.3m; BetMGM reached $9m.
- FanDuel and DraftKings combined to control the vast majority of online revenue (about 71.8% between them), squeezing smaller operators.
- Regulators have stepped in after suspicious betting probes (including two investigations tied to Cleveland Guardians pitchers) and Governor Mike DeWine publicly criticised marketing and integrity concerns.
- Tax rule changes for promotional credits are coming: partial deductibility begins in 2027 and phases to 20% by 2032, favouring well-capitalised operators.
- With NFL playoffs and college bowl season upcoming, December was expected to remain elevated, cementing Ohio’s fast growth among US markets.
Why should I read this?
Short version — if you follow the US betting market, this is a biggie. Online operators just smashed records, retail is fading fast, regulators are twitchy, and tax changes are about to reshape promo economics. If you work for an operator, regulator, sportsbook supplier or are tracking market consolidation, this saves you the hassle of trawling the numbers yourself.
Context and Relevance
The story highlights several wider trends: the ongoing dominance and consolidation of major online operators in newly regulated US states; the declining role of brick-and-mortar sportsbooks; and increasing regulatory scrutiny as states react to rapid growth and integrity risks. The forthcoming changes to how promotional credits are taxed will further advantage big players and could accelerate market concentration. For industry watchers, this offers a snapshot of where momentum—and risk—are focused in 2026.
Source
Source: https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/ohio-sports-betting-hits-record-handle-in-november/