Ohio’s sports betting marketplace entered 2026 with a measurable decline in betting handle compared to the prior January, and one of the most visible variables was the absence of Ohio State football during the month. The statewide handle fell to approximately $931.1 million in January 2026—an 8% year-over-year decline—after exceeding $1 billion when Ohio State won the national title the previous January.
The Buckeyes’ season ended on December 31 with a College Football Playoff loss, eliminating the carryover effect that postseason games typically have on early‑January betting interest. In seasons when the team advances, the extra games generate high engagement from one of the most passionate fan bases in the country. Losing those contests removes a major wagering catalyst at a time when the sports calendar otherwise leans heavily on the NFL and limited college action.
Ohio bettors historically show strong interest in Ohio State football, evidenced by previous spikes in betting volume during deep playoff runs. When the Buckeyes advanced to the national championship the prior year, the state surpassed $1 billion in January betting handle. Without those games, momentum softened.
This pattern aligns with broader trends identified in earlier OCCC reports, which show that marquee football events—especially those involving Ohio teams—elevate both handle and operator activity. In 2025, for example, Ohio sportsbooks saw some of their strongest months when Ohio State played multiple playoff games under the expanded postseason format, generating additional opportunities for bettors.
Interestingly, while wagering volume declined, total gross revenue increased 24% year over year. Operators reported nearly $100 million in revenue for January 2026, benefiting from a higher statewide hold rate of roughly 10.7% compared to 7.9% the year prior.
Higher margins meant that sportsbooks extracted better performance from a smaller wagering pool. That dynamic appears to reflect both market maturation and a shift in bettor outcomes. This is not unusual; after months with heavy football favorites or bettor-friendly results, hold rates often normalize. It also suggests operators adjusted promotions, pricing, or risk exposure in a way that improved profitability even as overall volume dipped.
Breaking down operator results, major brands such as DraftKings and FanDuel again dominated the market, with FanDuel generating the highest revenue on a notably strong 13.2% hold. This reinforced a pattern seen across multiple OCCC reports in which the largest operators consistently capture the bulk of the online marketplace.
The decline in betting handle appears closely tied to the specific circumstances of the Buckeyes’ early postseason exit rather than a broader contraction of Ohio’s sports betting industry. Earlier-year and prior-year reports show the state regularly surpassing the $1‑billion monthly mark when major football events align, and overall annual growth trends have remained strong across the market.
As Ohio State remains central to the state’s sports identity, future playoff appearances—or expanded formats creating more high‑stakes games—could again drive elevated betting activity. For now, January’s dip illustrates how dependent localized sports betting volume can be on the performance and scheduling of a single high‑profile team.
