Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is sending a strong message to the sports betting industry in the wake of a major scandal.
He is calling for an immediate ban on proposition bets, or "prop bets," in the state. This comes after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, were suspended due to a sports betting investigation.
The controversy began when unusual betting patterns were noted on specific pitches by Ortiz.
Integrity monitors noticed heavy bets placed on the likelihood that Ortiz would throw a ball—a bet that came through when he delivered two wild pitches in different games in June. This raised red flags and triggered an investigation into possible match-fixing activities.
Clase has also been implicated in the investigation. Both players have been put on leave while inquiries continue, and their future in professional baseball remains uncertain.
It's similar to what happened in the NBA with Charlotte Hornets Guard Terry Rozier.
What Are Prop Bets?
Prop bets are a type of wager in sports that allows bettors to place money on specific events within a game.
These can include outcomes like how many strikes a pitcher will throw or whether a certain player will score a goal or a touchdown. Prop bets can cover everything from home runs to the amount of yards a running back will get in an NFL game.
They don't necessarily relate to the final result of the game but focus on individual performances and occurrences.
Governor DeWine's Response
In response to this scandal, Governor DeWine is pushing for significant changes in Ohio's sports betting laws.
He has called on the Ohio Casino Control Commission to ban all forms of prop bets, arguing that they pose a threat to the integrity of sports. DeWine highlights that the negative impact on athletes and the fairness of the game outweighs any benefits these bets might provide.
He stated, "The prop betting experiment in this country has failed badly. I call on the Casino Control Commission to correct this problem and remove all prop bets from the Ohio marketplace." DeWine is also seeking support from major sports leagues and players' unions for a nationwide ban.
How Many Casinos/Sportsbooks Does Ohio Offer?
Ohio currently has 4 land-based casinos and 7 racinos, for a total of 11 major gaming venues, each permitted to offer casino gaming and sports betting (casinos offer table games, slots, and sports betting; racinos offer slots and sports betting only).
There are 14 to 16 active online sportsbooks, with the Ohio Casino Control Commission allowing up to 25 licenses—15 are currently in operation as of July/August 2025. For retail in-person sports betting, there are 14 retail sportsbooks in addition to the casinos/racinos.
Ohio also features about 900 sports betting kiosks at bars, restaurants, and other venues with liquor licenses.
Here's a summary of Ohio's current gaming offerings:
4 casinos
7 racinos
14 to 16 retail/online sportsbooks, with up to 25 licenses authorized
Over 900 sports betting kiosks at non-casino locations
No traditional online casinos (offering games like blackjack or slots online for cash) are legal, but sweepstakes casinos are permitted. Legislation to legalize online casinos is in the works. Two bills are currently being discussed.
The Debate: To Ban or Not to Ban?
The proposal to ban prop bets has sparked debate among experts and the general public.
Some argue that removing these bets could push gambling into unregulated markets, making it harder to monitor and increasing the risk of game manipulation. Others believe that stricter regulations are necessary to protect athletes and maintain the integrity of sports.
Ohio's proposed ban on prop bets could address the issues exposed by this scandal. While opinions are divided, the focus remains on safeguarding the spirit of competition and ensuring fair play.
The important thing to remember is that practicing responsible gambling habits is crucial, whether you're betting on sports or trying your luck at a casino.
It helps ensure that gambling remains a fun and entertaining activity and prevents potential negative impacts on your financial health and personal life. Setting limits, being aware of risks, and recognizing when to stop are key to maintaining control and enjoying a positive gambling experience.
