Key Moments:
- MLB has initiated agreements with major sportsbook operators to eliminate micro prop wagers.
- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has advocated for a national ban on micro prop betting in collaboration with other sports leagues.
- Concerns have been raised about integrity issues following incidents involving Cleveland Guardians players and revelations of illegal betting linked to the NBA.
Push for National Micro Prop Ban
Major League Baseball has begun working with other major sports organizations to address the risks of micro prop bets. These are wagers on specific plays or outcomes within a single sporting event. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said Commissioner Rob Manfred is working with other league leaders to create a unified national policy. This policy aims to span all 50 states, with most primary sportsbook partners already in advanced discussions to remove these betting markets from their offerings on baseball games.
Integrity at the Forefront
Micro prop wagers—like bets on the first pitch or the number of hitters retired in an inning—have raised integrity concerns. They focus on individual, player-specific moments rather than overall team performance. Governor DeWine characterized these bets as presenting significant risks because they create more opportunities for unethical conduct by individuals with insider access.
“This kind of wagering directly challenges the integrity of the game,” DeWine said. He outlined the need for swift, unified regulatory action and indicated that Ohio may implement its own restrictions if national consensus is delayed. “We would prefer a national standard, but we won’t wait forever if it doesn’t come,” he added.
Recent Events Intensify Scrutiny
Concerns over micro prop wagering have grown following revelations of an illegal gambling scheme involving NBA-affiliated individuals. The issue has resonated further in Ohio after Cleveland Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase were temporarily removed from play earlier this year due to suspected betting activities. While no violations were ultimately found, the events reignited debate about the vulnerabilities associated with betting on individual athletes.
Earlier in 2024, Governor DeWine supported a ban on player-specific betting in college sports, a measure adopted by the Ohio Casino Control Commission in partnership with the NCAA after student-athletes reported harassment and threats.
Regulatory Path Forward in Ohio
Ohio’s Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review would need to evaluate any proposal to restrict micro prop betting within professional leagues. Governor DeWine pointed out that direct requests from organizations like MLB could expedite regulatory approval via the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Describing micro prop betting as a “growing weak spot” for the sports industry, DeWine stressed the priority of maintaining integrity over short-term financial gains. “Protecting the fairness of competition must come before chasing betting dollars,” DeWine concluded.
Recent Measures in Ohio
| Action | Target | Implementing Body | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ban on player-specific college bets | College athletes | Ohio Casino Control Commission with NCAA | Implemented in 2024 |
| Proposed micro prop ban in pro sports | Professional athletes | To be reviewed by Joint Committee; expedited if requested by leagues | Pending |
- Author
Daniel Williams
