The two men at the center of an Ohio sports betting violation based on inside information will be involuntarily banned if the state regulator has its way.
Former University of Alabama coach Brad Bohannon disclosed inside information to Bert Eugene Neff Jr. in April concerning a game against LSU. Neff Jr. used the information in an attempt to place bets at the old BetMGM Sportsbook at Great American Ball Park.
Ohio Casino Control Commission executive director Matt Schuler recommended both be placed on the state’s involuntary sports betting exclusion list. That would ban either from wagering in the Ohio sports betting market in the future.
Both men have the right for a hearing with representation, though the commission would still have the final vote. They have 30 days to request that hearing.
Ban on Alabama baseball betting lifted
Schuler announced that the emergency ban on bets concerning Alabama baseball would be considered over following Wednesday‘s meeting.
He noted the investigation left “no stones unturned” and seemed happy the situation was nearing an end.
“[This was] a rarity so far and let’s hope it stays that way in the United States,” Schuler said.
Dormat Ohio operators get extension
Mobile sports betting licensees that have not yet launched in Ohio will get a six-month extension to go live after commissioners voted to approve a waiver.
Ohio has a “use it or lose it” rule that was supposed to revoke a license for any mobile operator not live by Jan. 1, 2024. Commission staff began reaching out to those that have not launched yet and found a variety of reasons for delays.
While some have not yet found partners, others are facing issues because of “geopolitical conflicts abroad as well as construction delays and ongoing litigation,” director of licensing Anna Marin Russell said.
Who does Ohio sports betting extension benefit?
As the law stands, 15 proprietors and service providers are affected. The commission also approved a rule change Wednesday that would extend the “use it or lose it” rule to all mobile licenses, which will bring the total to 17.
There are a few notable names in the list that have not yet launched. The Cleveland Cavaliers, for example, were partnered with Fubo, which shut down its betting operations last October.
The Cincinnati Reds are another waiting to launch, as they are partnered with Underdog Sportsbook, which has only operated daily fantasy sports so far. Additional extensions could be granted in the future if necessary, though that is not expected at this time, Russell said.
