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Ohio Becomes Second State to Float Micro-Betting Ban

Sports Writer

Publish Date: Aug 11, 2025

Fact checked by: Sara Jane Gamelli

Key Points

Ohio Casino Control Commission reportedly considering rule to ban micro-bets
Two Cleveland pitchers are under suspension and being investigated by MLB for alleged gaming violations
Ohio only second state linked to possible prohibition on micro-bets

An effort is reportedly gaining momentum in Ohio to ban micro-bets. According to ESPN, the Ohio Casino Control Commission is drafting a rule which would prohibit wagering on "specific events within games that are completely controlled by one player."

This possible rule change that would eliminate these narrow types of prop bets may be in response to high-profile scandals involving two pitchers on the Cleveland Guardians.

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Ohio is just the second state linked to a ban on so-called micro-bets

A micro-bet like the one involving Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase of the Guardians was based on whether those pitchers would throw a strike or a ball for the first pitch of a specified inning.

Major League Baseball is investigating both Ortiz and Clase for possible violations of gaming rules by purposefully impacting those micro-bets. Reportedly, federal law enforcement is also looking into the alleged activity.

Such bets on a very specific event in a game is classified as a micro-bet, and typically offered from sportsbooks under player prop or game prop odds.

According to David Purdum of ESPN, Ohio governor Mike DeWine has asked the OCCC to investigate options for amended rules to ban micro bets. Ohio has shown a willingness to change its gaming rules.

In 2024, the state passed new regulations to ban prop bets on college athletes after being promoted by the NCAA.

Some critics think a ban on all prop bets is an overreaction

While others point out that "micro-bets" is a misleading term, since many prop bets are in control of only one athlete. For example, the NFL draws the most sports betting action in the U.S., but many prop odds are tied to the performance of the quarterback or a kicker.

Ohio Governor wants all prop bets banned

After the news was released that Clase and Ortiz were under investigation for possibly impacting game events for the Guardians, DeWine called for a blanket ban on all prop bets. Such an action would have to be originated from the OCCC, which has not yet responded to the notion.

Ohio has been at the center of sports gambling controversies since it launched legal online sportsbooks on New Year's Day in 2023. In addition to the Cleveland Guardians scandals, in 2023, the state responded to advertising by sportsbook brands on college campuses with stringent rules to ban such activity.

Last month, a New Jersey lawmaker introduced a bill that would ban micro-bets in that state. New Jersey has legal casinos, online casinos, lottery, and sportsbooks. Ohio is still considering online casino legislation. Catch the latest news and updates on our Ballislife Play section.

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