Two recent gambling controversies involving professional athletes with ties to Northeast Ohio have sparked renewed discussions about the necessity for Ohio to impose limits or even ban “microprop” bets, which are wagers on individual player actions within games. Despite the rising unease, state lawmakers indicate they currently have no intention of amending gambling regulations.

Earlier this month, Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz faced federal indictments for allegedly manipulating certain pitches, allowing others to profit over $450,000 from microprop wagers.

This case followed last month’s arrests by the FBI of multiple NBA players, including Miami Heat guard and former Shaker Heights High School standout Terry Rozier, who was accused of simulating an injury during a March 2023 game, enabling gamblers to win substantial amounts on prop bets.

In response, Major League Baseball has enacted new restrictions on microprop wagers. Betting companies responsible for nearly all U.S. sports wagers have agreed to halt bets on individual pitches and limit other bets to a maximum of $200.

Governor Mike DeWine, who previously recommended an outright ban on performance-related prop bets, expressed hope that these new limits will prove beneficial through a spokesperson.

Governor Mike DeWine

“Would I support legislation banning prop betting? Absolutely,” DeWine stated. “However, until the legislature adopts such measures, I can only implement what I can, hence the (ban on) microprop bets in baseball exceeding $200.”

DeWine further added that he hopes other significant professional leagues will follow suit with comparable restrictions.

While legislative leaders acknowledge the severity of the scandals, none have pledged to pursue new legislation. House Speaker Matt Huffman, a Republican from Lima, emphasized the need for lawmakers to investigate how these betting types may facilitate misconduct.

“It is vital to comprehensively assess the types of betting that may potentially encourage this,” he remarked. “Point shaving is alarming, but if I’m going to throw one (pitch) low and outside, and someone stands to gain $1,000 from it, that’s a serious concern.”

House Speaker Matt Huffman

Huffman suggested that the legislature could further investigate the issue but admitted he currently has no plans to introduce new legislation. “I’m unsure what any proposed bill may entail,” he remarked.

Democratic House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn from Cincinnati also expressed apprehension about the swift rise in microprop gambling. “We must assess what has resulted from the widespread adoption of a gambling form that not only jeopardizes the integrity of sports leagues but also causes profound damage to those who become addicted,” Isaacsohn commented.

Nonetheless, he questioned if the issue should be managed at the state or federal level. “I doubt the federal government is equipped at the moment to make significant progress on essential topics,” he mentioned, referencing the ongoing government shutdown.

“Thus, we must do what we can in Ohio to address this sports betting issue,” he added.

House Finance Chair Brian Stewart from Pickaway County, who previously opposed DeWine’s call for an outright prop bet ban, expressed support for a more focused initiative. “As long as we target a specific subcategory of prop bets, I doubt the legislature will become overly involved,” he noted.

State Sen. Nathan Manning of North Ridgeville, the Senate GOP’s main point of contact for gambling issues, indicated his support for MLB’s restrictions. “However, if legislative action is necessary, and certain leagues and sportsbooks aren’t willing to address these microprop bets with negative outcomes, we will certainly need to take steps towards change,” he remarked.