Ohio’s sports betting landscape shifted this week after the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) halted its efforts to prohibit player-specific micro bets. The decision follows Major League Baseball’s adoption of new nationwide standards designed to reduce integrity risks associated with pitch-level wagering. MLB’s updated policy places a $200 cap on all wagers tied to individual pitches and bars these bets from being included in parlays. These measures were developed in coordination with leading sportsbook operators and apply across major platforms such as FanDuel and DraftKings.
Ohio regulators began evaluating a potential ban in August, after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were indicted for allegedly manipulating pitches as part of an illegal betting scheme. The allegations intensified concerns surrounding micro bets, which focus on isolated events that can be influenced without affecting the outcome of a game. The OCCC drafted a proposal shortly after Governor Mike DeWine urged regulators to strengthen oversight in response to the investigation.
MLB’s new integrity-focused rules have shifted regulatory direction. Ohio officials now say the nationwide framework adequately addresses the underlying risks that prompted their internal review. This is consistent with Governor DeWine’s broader stance on sports betting oversight, which he has emphasized since Ohio launched legal wagering in January 2023. His administration has repeatedly highlighted concerns about in-play markets, particularly following incidents involving threats to student athletes early in the state’s betting rollout.
Across the United States, states and sports leagues continue to collaborate, refine policies, and examine emerging wagering trends. MLB’s adoption of pitch-level restrictions represents a significant step toward creating consistent standards and reducing opportunities for misconduct. With these changes now in force, Ohio has opted to pause its own regulatory initiative, signaling confidence in the league’s nationwide approach while maintaining its commitment to integrity oversight.
