Ohio bettors wagered a staggering $991.9 million in March 2025, making it the fourth-highest monthly handle in state history. Despite this massive volume, Ohio betting revenue reached just $66.5 million, as operators reported a win rate of only 6.70% – the second-lowest ever recorded in the Buckeye State.
This isn’t an isolated case. Across the U.S., many sportsbooks experienced low win rates in March, particularly during the NCAA basketball tournaments. Analysts point to a lack of major upsets in March Madness 2025 – favorites dominated the later rounds, resulting in high payouts on popular bets. According to Stats Perform, every game in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight was won by the higher-seeded team, making this one of the most predictable tournaments in recent history.
Across states that have published March 2025 data, a clear trend emerges – bettors had the edge, and sportsbooks paid out more than usual due to the tournament’s predictable outcomes.
FanDuel Reclaims the Top Spot
Behind the top two, bet365 and BetMGM maintained their usual third and fourth place positions. Meanwhile, Fanatics Sportsbook solidified its hold on fifth, continuing its steady performance since breaking into the top five in August 2024. Despite initial struggles in Ohio, Fanatics has managed to outpace Caesars and ESPN Bet in recent months.
Ohio Betting Handle Surges Nearly $200M Year-over-Year
Year-over-year, Ohio sports betting handle grew by $182.6 million, jumping from $809.3 million in March 2024 to $992 million in March 2025. This significant increase in total wagers reflects continued momentum in the state’s maturing market.
However, revenue growth did not keep pace. Gross gaming revenue rose only slightly – from $63.8 million last March to $66.5 million this year – as the win rate dropped from 7.89% to 6.70%. That means despite taking more bets, sportsbooks kept a smaller percentage of the money.
Another noticeable shift was in retail vs. online betting. Retail sportsbooks accounted for just 2% of total wagers in March 2025, down from 2.9% in March 2024, further highlighting Ohio’s preference for mobile platforms.
Finally, Ohio betting taxes increased to $13.3 million, up from $12.8 million last year – modest, but aligned with the slightly improved gross revenue.
March 2025 confirmed two clear trends in Ohio: bettors are becoming more active, and mobile betting continues to dominate. While sportsbooks didn’t enjoy a particularly strong month due to lower hold percentages, the growth in total wagers points to a healthy, competitive market.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: https://sportshandle.com/ohio-sports-betting-revenue-march-2025/
