DeWine praises MLB for restricting micro-prop betting
In November 2025, Gov. Mike DeWine delivered remarks at today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility, which was supported by a $4 million state grant.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine praised Major League Baseball on Monday after MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the league and gaming companies have agreed to restrict micro-prop bets.
“I commend Commissioner Manfred, Major League Baseball, and its partners for taking this action to address the problem of micro-prop bets,” he said in a release. “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 and reduce the incentives to participate in improper betting schemes.”
DeWine also urged other sports leagues to “follow Major League Baseball’s example with similar action.”
On Monday, MLB announced that, effective immediately, the league and sportsbook partners will cap wagers on micro-betting. The safeguards will be implemented across sportsbook operators that represent more than 98% of the U.S. betting market and “are intended to mitigate integrity risks and maintain the transparency and data access benefits that the regulated sports betting market provides.”
“Since the Supreme Court decision opened the door to legalized sports betting, Major League Baseball has continuously worked with industry and regulatory stakeholders across the country to uphold our most important priority: protecting the integrity of our games for the fans,” Manfred said in a statement, MLB.com reported.
In the statement, he commended DeWine for “his leadership on this issue” and the industry for “working with us to take action on a national solution to address the risks posed by these pitch-level markets.”
“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,” Manfred said.
In July, DeWine called for an end to prop betting.
The recent MLB decision followed the accusations against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, who were alleged to have rigged baseball games to benefit sports bettors.
On July 3, the Guardians announced that Ortiz was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through the All-Star break due to the league investigation. On July 28th, the Guardians also said that Clase was put on non-disciplinary paid leave as part of a related “sports betting investigation.”
“They betrayed America’s pastime. Integrity, honesty and fair play are part of the DNA of professional sports. When corruption infiltrates the sport, it brings disgrace not only to the participants but also damages the public trust in an institution that is vital and dear to all of us,” Joseph Nocella Jr., the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District, said.
Lawyers for both pitchers claimed that their clients are innocent.
