It is technically legal for Bovada to operate in Ohio though they do not have a state license to do so. While Bovada is good, there are better options available where payouts are made in just a few hours, not to mention more attractive lines  Jazz offers anonymous betting accounts with just a valid email. 

The state of Ohio could soon offer in-state licensed sportsbooks as lawmakers have drafted multiple measures as 2019 comes to a close.

As of November, it was still to be determined what body would regulate the industry:  The Ohio Casino Commission or the Ohio Lottery Commission.

Allowing bets on college sports is not a given.

Ohio’s public universities and more than 50 of the state’s private colleges have said they oppose letting people bet on college sports; so does the NCAA.

All the major professional teams are in opposition of sports betting in the state as well unless gaming companies are required to use their official data.

Sports betting is especially popular in the state with the Ohio State Buckeyes in college football, two NFL franchises - The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, two MLB clubs - The Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds - and a few other good college teams.

- Mary Montgomery, Gambling911.com