Governor of Ohio Proposes Prohibition of Prop Betting due to Escalating Harassment Issues
In a move aimed at preserving the integrity of sports, Governor Mike DeWine has urged the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) to remove proposition bets (prop bets) from the state's legal betting offerings. The decision follows concerns about the potential harm prop bets may be causing to athletics in Ohio, heightened by ongoing investigations into the Cleveland Guardians[1][2].
The ban, enacted on July 31, 2025, prohibits bets on individual player achievements in professional and collegiate sports, such as specific player actions or in-game statistics[3]. Traditional betting options like moneylines, point spreads, and over/under totals for college teams remain legal in Ohio.
The call for action came after an MLB investigation led to the non-disciplinary administrative leave of two Cleveland Guardians players, Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, in July[4]. The investigation focuses on suspicious prop betting activity related to Guardians games in Ohio, New York, and New Jersey during June.
Governor DeWine expressed particular concern over micro prop bets, which target very specific, player-driven events that can be easily manipulated[5]. He emphasized that bets on the outcomes of games continue to be allowed, noting that Ohio can only control betting within its borders.
The OCCC had already removed prop bets on collegiate sports as of January 2024, following a letter from NCAA President Charlie Baker advocating for stronger protections for student-athletes[6]. However, the regulatory changes did not address the issue of micro prop bets.
In response to these concerns, Governor DeWine has proposed stricter regulatory oversight and budget adjustments under House Bill 33[7]. He advocates for collaboration with other states and professional leagues to protect game integrity nationwide.
Despite the ban, bettors in Ohio have continued to place a wide variety of wagers on individual player performances in leagues like the NFL and MLB. However, with the OCCC's recent decision, Ohio joins a growing number of states taking steps to ensure the integrity of sports betting.
[1] Source: Ohio Governor's Press Release, July 31, 2025. [2] Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 1, 2025. [3] Source: Ohio Casino Control Commission Regulatory Update, August 2, 2025. [4] Source: MLB Investigations, Press Release, July 30, 2025. [5] Source: Ohio Governor's Press Conference, August 1, 2025. [6] Source: NCAA President's Letter to Ohio Casino Control Commission, January 1, 2024. [7] Source: Ohio House Bill 33, Proposed Amendments, July 31, 2025.
- Governor Mike DeWine's call for the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) to discontinue sports proposition betting (prop bets) reflects concerns over their potential impact on athletics in Ohio.
- The ban on prop bets, effective July 31, 2025, prohibits bets on individual player achievements in professional and collegiate sports, but traditional betting like moneylines, point spreads, and over/under totals remain legal.
- The call to action followed an MLB investigation leading to the administrative leave of two Cleveland Guardians players due to suspicious prop betting activity related to Guardians games.
- Governor DeWine is especially worried about micro prop bets, targeting specific, easily manipulated events, and has proposed stricter regulatory oversight and budget adjustments under House Bill 33.
- The OCCC had already removed prop bets on collegiate sports in January 2024, but the regulatory changes did not address micro prop bets.
- The proposed policy is part of a broader effort to protect game integrity across sports, league, and state jurisdictions, joining other states in implementing measures to ensure the integrity of sports betting.
