BREAKING: The Ohio Casino Control Commission is collaborating with Major League Baseball (MLB) on an urgent investigation into Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz amid allegations of suspicious gambling activity. This investigation was prompted by a report from an Ohio-licensed sportsbook on June 30, 2023, highlighting unusual wagering patterns related to Guardians events.
Ohio’s gambling regulators are taking swift action following increased scrutiny of sports betting integrity. The commission confirmed it received a notification about the suspicious bets before being contacted by MLB, signaling serious concerns about the influence of betting on professional sports. In a statement, Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the critical nature of this issue, stating, “The evidence that prop betting is harming athletics in Ohio is reaching critical mass.”
The investigation centers around specific pitches thrown by Ortiz during games against Seattle on June 15 and St. Louis on June 27, which generated unusually high betting activity. This alarming trend was flagged by a betting-integrity firm and subsequently reported to MLB. As a precautionary measure, both Clase and Ortiz have been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave until August 31, 2023.
“The harm to athletes and the integrity of the game is clear, and the benefits are not worth the harm,” DeWine continued. “The prop betting experiment in this country has failed badly.”
Ohio is among 16 states that prohibit player-specific prop bets on college sports, highlighting the state’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of athletics. The Ohio Casino Control Commission has a history of addressing gambling-related concerns, previously launching an independent investigation in 2023 regarding suspicious betting on the University of Alabama’s baseball team.
The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2023, where further developments in this case are anticipated. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for sports betting regulations in Ohio and the broader implications for professional sports remain a pressing concern for fans and athletes alike.
This rapidly developing story underscores the urgent need for vigilance in sports betting, especially as it intersects with the performance of high-profile athletes. With the stakes higher than ever, the outcome of this investigation could set significant precedents for gambling practices across the state and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates as this investigation progresses and the Ohio Casino Control Commission continues to address the integrity of sports in the state.