Governor DeWine Eases Prop Bet Stance, Praises MLB Action
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has significantly softened his stance on player performance prop bets after Major League Baseball (MLB) announced new national betting limits. Initially, DeWine had called for a total statewide ban on such wagers in August 2025. Now, he appears satisfied that the league’s less restrictive measures are enough to protect the integrity of the game. A spokesperson for DeWine confirmed the governor hopes these new limits will resolve recent betting scandal concerns.
Shift in Regulatory Position
DeWine’s position underwent a noticeable change over several months:
- Initial Stand (August 2025): The governor was emphatic in calling for a total ban on prop bets, which are wagers on specific in-game results for individual players. At the time, DeWine stated that “the evidence that prop betting is harming athletics in Ohio is reaching critical mass.”
- Current Stand (November 2025): DeWine has since praised MLB for taking action. He now seems content with the new, less severe limitations the league introduced on micro-prop bets.
MLB Action Drives Policy Change
The key factor influencing DeWine’s reversal was MLB’s decision to act at a national level, fulfilling the governor’s earlier requests.
The pressure began in July 2025 when DeWine asked MLB and other sports leagues to intervene after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were disciplined for alleged betting irregularities. Following this call, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the new restrictions on November 10, 2025. Manfred also commended Governor DeWine for his leadership on the issue.
The new rules, which apply to professional markets across more than 98% of the U.S. betting landscape, include:
- Wager Cap. Limiting bets on pitch-level markets to a maximum of $200.
- Parlay Exclusion. These bets must be excluded from parlay wagers.
- Offer Removal. MLB will no longer offer wagers on individual pitches.
DeWine applauded these steps. He said that by limiting the ability to place large wagers on micro-prop bets, Major League Baseball “is taking affirmative steps to protect the integrity of the game.” This action is intended to reduce incentives for improper betting schemes, addressing recent scandals including those involving the Guardians pitchers and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
Ohio’s Existing Safeguards
DeWine has sought safeguards since Ohio’s gambling laws took effect in January 2023. In February 2024, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) introduced its own restrictions. The OCCC banned all collegiate-level prop betson individual players. This move was a response to reports of University of Dayton Flyers basketball players and other athletes receiving threats.
As a result of the OCCC’s ruling, Ohio bettors cannot place prop bets on individual player performance in college sports. However, betting on general team outcomes remains legal. This includes wagers on money lines, point totals (over/under), and against the spread. Following MLB’s national announcement, the OCCC will now have the power to audit licensed operators to ensure compliance with the league’s new micro-prop limitations.
Recommended