As the next big state prepares to offer legal sports betting to its citizens on New Year's Day, BetRivers has joined the slew of other sportsbook providers that will offer their products from day one.

As part of the launch, BetRivers is offering customers a special sign-up deal to bet using their platform.

The operator says it is ‘offering those who sign-up a ‘$500 Second-Chance Bet Promotion. New players can claim a second-chance bet worth up to $500 when they use the bonus code,’ alongside a suite of ‘Daily House Specials where bettors can expect a rotating line-up of value on the Bengals playoff push, the Cavaliers rise in the Eastern Conference, and all Ohio hometown favourites.’

Richard Schwartz, CEO of RSI, said of the launch: “We are really excited to offer Ohio’s nearly 12 million residents betting action on the upcoming college bowls and the NFL’s big game and expect our BetRivers sportsbook to be very popular as bettors come to appreciate and trust our high-quality and innovative product that we are known for in other states.

“In addition to football, BetRivers offers our customers endless entertainment with countless other sports and betting options available for their pleasure, including an exciting range of bets on NBA and NCAA basketball.

“At RSI we are constantly striving to provide a more trusted betting experience by emphasising usability, responsibility and transparency.”

The news comes soon after DraftKings announced it would be launching on day one in Ohio, too.