Gambling Investigations Could Lead to More Regulatory Changes in Ohio Sports Betting

A gambling-related investigation affected Ohio sports betting in 2025 following federal indictments involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz. Prosecutors charged both players in connection with alleged efforts to rig bets tied to specific in-game pitches.

The case led to regulatory and operational adjustments within Ohio’s sports betting market.

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Ohio Sports Betting Regulatory Changes

Ohio’s Casino Control Commission had already taken steps to restrict certain wager types prior to the MLB case. In January 2024, the commission removed collegiate player proposition bets after college athletes reported receiving threats related to betting activity.

Additional restrictions followed. Effective March 1, 2024, the Ohio Casino Control Commission limited the availability of player prop bets. The action came after the NCAA formally requested that states prohibit prop betting on intercollegiate athletic competitions.

Microprop Bet Restrictions After MLB Case

Following the indictments of Clase and Ortiz, Major League Baseball worked with the Ohio Casino Control Commission and licensed Ohio sportsbook apps to establish new regulations governing microprop bets. These bets, which focus on highly specific in-game events, were significantly limited compared to previous offerings.

The changes were implemented as part of coordinated efforts between regulators, professional leagues, and betting operators.

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New Betting Investigation in 2026

Another betting-related investigation emerged in early 2026 involving basketball. Federal prosecutors announced charges against 20 individuals connected to a betting scheme involving NCAA and Chinese Basketball Association games.

According to prosecutors, 15 of the defendants played Division I college basketball as recently as the 2024–25 season.

The investigation renewed attention on sports betting oversight and regulatory approaches among legalized betting states, including Ohio.