Ohio Governor Seeks Prop Bet Ban After MLB Probe

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has called for a statewide ban on sports prop bets after an MLB investigation led to Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz being placed on non-disciplinary paid leave due to suspicions of involvement in suspicious betting activity. DeWine emphasized the risks of 'micro prop bets' and their potential to undermine athlete safety and sports integrity, citing prior threats against athletes from bettors. Earlier this year, Ohio banned collegiate prop bets after threats targeting University of Dayton basketball players. DeWine now plans to ask commissioners and players unions from all six major U.S. sports leagues to support a national ban, describing the prop betting experiment as having 'failed badly.' He urges the Ohio Casino Control Commission to eliminate all prop bets from the state market. The resolution of the MLB investigation and the response from sports organizations could shape future sports betting regulations in Ohio.