The Ohio Casino Control Commission is no longer considering banning player-specific live micro bets after Major League Baseball led a movement to limit those bets.
Bets made on specific pitches will be capped at $200 a wager and can no longer be parlayed at the vast majority of US sportsbooks. This follows the indictments of two Cleveland Guardians pitchers that allegedly rigged pitches as part of an illegal sports betting scheme.
In August, Gov. Mike DeWine called on the regulator to ban certain prop bets from the state when investigations into the two pitchers first surfaced. The OCCC began working on a rule to ban micro bets on player-specific events days later.
Talks led to ‘meaningful result’
The regulator is satisfied with the outcome of discussions between MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Gov. DeWine.
“The Commission recognizes the successful dialogue between Governor DeWine, Major League Baseball Commissioner Manfred, and the market-leading sportsbooks that achieved a meaningful result that will apply nationwide,” said Emily Berner, assistant general counsel of the OCCC. “Introducing a rule now could inadvertently impede other conversations from occurring and potentially stifle that dialogue.
“The Commission can proceed with a rule should it become apparent that regulatory action is necessary.”
Sportsbooks represent 98% of US
The largest online sportsbooks in the country have agreed to implement the new limits, with the MLB saying those operators account for more than 98% of the industry.
Commissioner Manfred applauded both Gov. DeWine and the sportsbooks for their cooperation.
“I commend Ohio Governor DeWine for his leadership on this issue over the last several months,” Manfred said in the announcement of the limits. “I also commend the industry for working with us to take action on a national solution to address the risks posed by these pitch-level markets, which are particularly vulnerable to integrity concerns.
“We look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders, including licensed sports betting operators, elected officials and regulators, to ensure we are always protecting the integrity of our game.”
