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After nothing but rough sports betting news for Ohio came in over the summer, people were hoping that a bounce back would be on the way to start off the fall. Luckily for everyone who was worried about the numbers in recent months, that concern was wiped away not long ago. That’s because Ohio posted massive sports betting numbers for September and it feels like it’s a great sign of things to come for the coming months.
According to a report, Ohio posted a sports betting handle for $690.4 million in September, which was a major increase from what we saw in June, July and August. Not only that, but that means that the total handle for Ohio since things were launched back in January has topped $5 billion. This is fantastic news for everyone involved, as the Year 1 projections have been smashed out of the water.
The September stats have a lot of people talking and rightfully so. The numbers for September aren’t a total surprise, as the return of college football and the National Football League were expected to get things rocking. That turned out to be the case, with people in the state of course paying close attention to the Ohio State Buckeyes and their NCAAF betting odds. The hope is that OSU can punch their ticket to the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State is currently the No. 3 team in the country and they have one foot inside the CFP. However, a key showdown with Michigan to end the season is going to play a major role in how things go down. We don’t have to tell you that there are going to be a massive amount of bets on this game, as both Ohio State and Michigan will hope to land a knockout blow. This will surely provide major numbers for the November sports betting report.
🌰 𝘽𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙚𝙚𝙠 🌰
@jordanhancock_ 🗝️ pic.twitter.com/awhZ3yK0Hf— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 6, 2023
Bengals and Browns bets have been massive for Ohio
Over the past two months, there’s no question that Bengals and Browns bets have been massive for Ohio sports betting. Both these AFC North franchises are coming off big wins in Week 9 and they did so in convincing fashion. Starting with the Browns, quarterback Deshaun Watson was able to return from a shoulder injury and he looked great in the start. Watson has a strong right arm and people loved seeing him in action.
The main takeaway for the Browns, though, has been the play of their elite defense. On Sunday against the Cardinals, the Browns defense posted a shutout, with Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune having a day to forget. Myles Garrett continues to be one of the best pass-rushers in the game. With Garrett playing so well, there’s a great chance he finishes with the most sacks in the NFL this year.
As for the Bengals, they only boosted their NFL betting odds to win the division thanks to a great win over the Bills during Sunday Night Football in Week 9. Joe Burrow tossed for two touchdowns, while running back Joe Mixon also had a rushing score. Defensively, the Bengals did a great job containing Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who had a rough night trying to move the chains.
Looking ahead to the postseason, the Bengals and Browns should make it in, but then it will be on Watson and Burrow to try and keep their Super Bowl betting odds high. The Ravens are the favorites to win the AFC North and push for a title out of the squads mentioned, but both the Bengals and Browns have fans believing that it can be a year to remember. This of course means that bets will keep on rolling in for both these teams.
Joe Mixon had to pick up the first down and he did 😤
📺: #BUFvsCIN on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/T6GLEfxpQv pic.twitter.com/PsTxnPtsE5— NFL (@NFL) November 6, 2023
Online betting has been key for Ohio sports betting
With the way things played out in September, there’s no question that online betting has been key for Ohio sports betting. The online sportsbooks have been having a field day since September and we have a feeling that numbers are going to be high for both October and November thanks to the football season. Then once December rolls around, people will be focused on the College Football Playoff and the end of the NFL regular season.
Online bets won’t slow down, that’s for sure. The great thing too, is that there’s overlap between the football season with the NBA and NHL. Soon enough, the college basketball season will start too. As much as people love Ohio State football, there’s going to be a lot of attention on the school’s basketball team as well. It could be a strong season for the Buckeyes’ hoops squad.
In the NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to have plenty of NBA betting attention on them too. While LeBron James no longer suits up for the Eastern Conference side, the Cavs have a ton of young talent on the roster. All in all, things are moving in the right direction for Ohio sports betting after the tough summer. This has been great to see for lawmakers and officials.
