Governor of Ohio Proposes Prohibition of Proposition Bets amid Escalating Harassment Worry
Ohio Governor Pushes for Expanded Sports Betting Ban
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is advocating for a ban on proposition (prop) bets in professional sports, following a 2024 ban on prop bets in collegiate sports. This push comes in response to investigations into suspicious betting activity involving Cleveland Guardians players, which raised concerns about the integrity of sports in the state.
Background on Current Regulations
The initial ban on collegiate prop bets was implemented by the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) in February 2024, following a letter from NCAA President Charlie Baker advocating for stronger protections for student-athletes. As a result, prop bets on collegiate athletics were removed from the legal wagers.
Expansion of the Ban
DeWine has urged the OCCC to extend this ban to all professional sports, including MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, WNBA, and MLS, citing evidence that prop betting harms athletes and game integrity. The OCCC is currently researching possible next steps regarding this proposed ban, but regulatory action requires the commission's formal decision.
Impact on Professional Leagues
If a professional league like MLB were to make a formal request, it could expedite the ban's implementation without legislative review. However, as of now, MLB has not indicated it will request such a ban.
The Cleveland Guardians Investigation
The push for a ban on prop bets in professional sports is particularly relevant following the investigation into the Cleveland Guardians. Two players, Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, were placed on non-disciplinary administrative leave due to their involvement in a sports betting investigation.
The Future of Sports Betting in Ohio
The discussion around prop bets is politically charged. While DeWine advocates strongly for the ban citing athlete safety and integrity, some Ohio lawmakers oppose abolition, considering it counterproductive or economically disadvantageous.
Legalization of Sports Gambling in Ohio
Sports gambling was legalized in Ohio in January 2023, with a 10% tax on sportsbooks. Governor DeWine doubled the tax to 20% shortly after launch and pushed to increase again up to 40%, although the latest tax hike was not included in the 2026-27 budget.
Other States' Approaches
A current bill in New Jersey intends to ban college prop bets, citing rising concerns over threats aimed at university and college athletes. This move follows a trend of increased scrutiny on the impact of prop bets on the integrity of sports competitions.
In summary, Ohio is in the midst of a regulatory evolution regarding prop bets, with a firm push from Governor DeWine to ban prop betting on professional sports following high-profile MLB investigations. However, final regulatory decisions depend on the OCCC and the cooperation (or lack thereof) of professional leagues.
- Apart from the existing ban on prop bets in collegiate sports, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is advocating for a broadened sports betting ban that would encompass all professional sports, including casino-and-gambling activities related to them.
- The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) is currently researching possible policy-and-legislation measures in response to Governor DeWine's proposal, but any regulatory action requires the commission's formal decision.
- While the legalization of sports gambling in Ohio was implemented in 2023, the future of prop betting in the state is uncertain, with ongoing discussions centered around the impact on sports and athlete safety.
- As other states, like New Jersey, consider banning college prop bets due to concerns over threats to the integrity of sports competitions, the debate around sports betting and casino-games regulations continues to raise issues in general-news and politics.
