Ohio Seeks to Regulate Micro-Betting on Sporting Events
The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is considering banning micro-sports betting, including bets on the first pitch in Major League Baseball (MLB) games. This measure comes amid an investigation into betting involving two pitchers from the Cleveland Guardians.
The OCCC, at the request of Governor Mike DeWine, is reviewing the types of micro-bets currently offered in the state. The goal is to draft a rule to remove certain player-specific bets from the list of approved bets, according to Executive Director Matt Schuler.
The new proposed rule will require approval from the OCCC and the Ohio legislature before taking effect.
In a press release published on July 31, DeWine mentioned the MLB’s “investigation into sports betting” on Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, and requested the OCCC to eliminate bets on “highly specific events within games that are completely controlled by a player”.
DeWine stated that he would ask commissioners and players’ unions from MLB, NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, and MLS to support the effort to “ban prop bets to ensure the integrity of their leagues.”
Schuler clarified that DeWine’s request focuses on specific in-game player micro-bets, not all player prop bets.
MLB is holding conversations about how to address micro-betting, according to a source. Commissioner Rob Manfred noted that certain types of micro-bets, such as those referring to individual pitches, are “unnecessary and particularly vulnerable”.
The OCCC, in collaboration with MLB and independently, has been investigating unusual interest in betting on Ortiz’s first pitches in select innings of two games played in June. Ortiz was placed on paid administrative leave on July 3. Clase was placed on paid administrative leave on July 28, as part of the investigation into MLB sports betting.
The Guardians reported that other players or club personnel are not expected to be affected.
