Ohio’s sports betting landscape faces a pivotal moment as Governor Mike DeWine publicly calls for the immediate cessation of player prop betting statewide, a direct response to a burgeoning investigation involving two Cleveland Guardians pitchers. This decisive action underscores growing concerns about the integrity of professional sports amidst a wave of alleged gambling infractions impacting the league.

The controversy specifically centers on Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, both now on administrative leave as Major League Baseball scrutinizes their alleged involvement in sports betting activities. Investigations include suspicious wagers placed on Ortiz, particularly regarding pitches thrown as balls, suggesting a potential breach of trust and fair play within the sport.

Governor DeWine expressed grave concerns about the escalating situation, stating, “The evidence that prop betting is harming athletics in Ohio is reaching critical mass.” His remarks highlight a disturbing trend, citing previous threats against Ohio athletes and the recent suspensions of high-profile professionals, indicating a systemic issue that threatens the foundation of athletic competition.

In a firm statement issued Thursday, DeWine directly implored the Casino Control Commission to take swift action, urging them to “correct this problem and remove all prop bets from the Ohio marketplace.” He emphasized that the “harm to athletes and the integrity of the game is clear, and the benefits are not worth the harm,” labeling the nationwide player prop betting experiment a significant failure.

This local Ohio incident unfolds against a backdrop of broader MLB crackdowns on gambling. Just last June, Major League Baseball issued suspensions to five players for violations of its gambling policies, most notably imposing a lifetime ban on San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for placing over $150,000 in baseball bets.

Beyond Marcano, the league also handed down one-year suspensions to Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly and three minor league players: San Diego’s Jay Groome, Arizona’s Andrew Saalfrank, and Philadelphia’s José Rodríguez. These widespread disciplinary actions underscore MLB’s commitment to upholding the sanctity of the game, even as the league grapples with the pervasive influence of sports betting.

Further illustrating the severity of the issue, umpire Pat Hoberg was dismissed by MLB in February following an investigation into sharing legal sports gambling accounts and intentionally deleting pertinent electronic messages. These incidents collectively paint a concerning picture of how deeply sports betting can compromise professional athletics, reinforcing Governor DeWine’s urgent call for reform.