Governor of Ohio advocates for prohibition of proposition wagers amidst gambling scandals
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has requested the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) to consider a complete ban on prop bets in professional sports, following recent integrity concerns and investigations into suspicious betting activity involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers. This move expands on the existing prohibition of prop bets on collegiate sports, which was implemented in 2024.
DeWine argues that prop bets harm athletes and the integrity of professional sports, calling it a failed experiment that needs correction. The Governor plans to lobby sports governing bodies and unions across the six major professional sports leagues in the US to support the proposed ban on prop bets.
The proposal, however, faces pushback within Ohio. The American Gaming Association and influential state lawmakers, including House Finance Chair Brian Stewart, criticize the ban, arguing that it may drive bettors to illegal markets and could significantly reduce state revenue from sports betting. Some lawmakers, such as Senator Nathan Manning, oppose a full ban but may be open to restricting certain types of hyper-specific prop bets with negative outcomes, cautioning against a broad, reactive policy.
In contrast, no indication of a current or proposed ban on micro prop bets has emerged from other states like New Jersey. The unusual betting activities connected to suspicious wagering also involved betting accounts in New Jersey, but no reported legislative or regulatory bans on prop bets in that state are mentioned.
The recent MLB investigation into the Cleveland Guardians may serve as a critical impetus for policy reform in Ohio's sports betting regulations. The Guardians' pitcher Ortiz was placed on paid leave through the All-Star break, and his leave was later extended through 31 August. The players were removed from team activities due to their connection to an investigation involving sports betting, focusing on suspicious prop betting activity in Ohio, New York, and New Jersey during June.
The ubiquity of sports betting platforms, especially mobile apps that facilitate in-game wagers, has accelerated the popularity of prop betting nationwide. The league has offered limited public comment, but has made clear that integrity remains a paramount concern as it continues its internal inquiry. Neither player has been accused of wrongdoing, but the non-disciplinary nature of their leave indicates the seriousness with which MLB is treating the allegations.
Ohio's recent developments in sports betting regulations, including Gov. DeWine's campaign against prop betting, highlight a growing tension between the economic benefits of legalized sports gambling and the inherent risks posed to game integrity and athlete safety. In February last year, the OCCC removed prop bets on collegiate sports as a partial response to these concerns. However, no restrictions were placed on prop bets in professional sports at that time.
In early 2023, after Ohio's sports betting market launched, there was a surge in threats made against student-athletes, prompting Gov. DeWine to advocate for tighter regulatory oversight. The Guardians are a baseball team based in Ohio that is currently involved in the ongoing MLB investigation.
Gov. DeWine argues that the prop betting experiment has not delivered net benefits and urges immediate regulatory change. The OCCC's potential consideration of a complete ban on prop bets in Ohio may be influenced by these recent developments.
- Governor DeWine, advocating for stricter regulations, plans to appeals to sports governing bodies and unions in the US to support a ban on prop bets in professional sports.
- The American Gaming Association and some lawmakers in Ohio question the proposed ban, fearing that it might drive bettors towards illegal markets and potentially decrease state revenue from sports betting.
- Despite calls for a ban in Ohio, no current or proposed ban on micro prop bets has been reported in states like New Jersey, where similar suspicious betting activities have occurred.
- The ongoing MLB investigation into the Cleveland Guardians could serve as a catalyst for policy reform in Ohio's sports betting regulations, potentially leading to a reconsideration of prop bets by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC).
