When Ohio first legalized sports betting in December 2021 through the passage of House Bill 29 — which went into effect on January 1, 2023 — the move was seen as a new revenue stream and modernization of state gaming laws. Adults 21 and older gained the right to place legal wagers online, in casinos, racinos, sporting venues, and bars.
But on November 24, 2025 — just days after federal indictments against two Guardians pitchers for allegedly rigging bets on their own pitches — DeWine offered a sharp about-face. “Ohio shouldn’t have done it,” he told the press. “The power of these companies and the deep, deep, deep pockets they have to advertise … that’s really different once you have legalization of them.”
Suddenly, what once seemed a progressive reform now feels like a serious miscalculation. DeWine acknowledged the state may not have fully predicted how legalization would open the door to widespread, aggressive marketing and complex gambling schemes.
The catalyst for DeWine’s regret is the scandal involving Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who have been indicted on charges including wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy to influence sporting contests. The allegation: they conspired to rig pitch calls — effectively manipulating who wins certain “prop bets.”
In response, major changes were rapidly negotiated between the state, the league, and betting operators: prop-bets on individual pitches were capped at $200 and excluded from parlays — a direct reaction to the scheme’s potential impact on integrity.
For DeWine, the scandal crystallized concerns about the unintended consequences of legalized wagering. What was meant to be a regulated, contained system instead morphed into a powerful industry capable of influencing real games and compromising trust in sports.
Officials and community advocates now warn that the problem may extend far beyond one team. Since legalization, cases of gambling addiction in Ohio have spiked. For example, helpline calls jumped significantly within months after sports betting became legal.
Critics argue that aggressive marketing by sportsbooks — often fueled by deep-pocketed companies — has normalized betting among casual sports fans, increasing financial and social risks. For vulnerable populations, the allure of easy money and constant ads may lead to debt, addiction, or worse.
Politically, DeWine’s reversal could embolden lawmakers and activists calling for tighter regulations or even a repeal. While he admits full repeal is unlikely — given current legislative climate — he has advocated for statewide restrictions on certain types of bets, such as prop-bets or micro-bets, which are seen as particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
A major concrete outcome: soon after the scandal broke, state regulators, sportsbooks, and the governing league negotiated to restrict or ban certain kinds of prop bets — especially those on individual plays like pitches or free throws. That marked one of the most significant roll-backs or reforms of legalized sports wagering in the U.S. since legalization gained popularity.
DeWine has said this is only the beginning. He plans to lobby other major U.S. sports leagues — including NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS — to adopt similar bans, arguing that micro-betting undermines integrity regardless of the sport.
Still, he acknowledged political realities: despite his personal regret, Ohio likely doesn’t have the votes to fully repeal the sports-betting law. For now, regulators and lawmakers appear content to limit high-risk bet types and tighten oversight.
Ohio’s journey with legalized sports betting — from promise to regret — reflects a broader warning across states and leagues. What once symbolized modernization and tax revenue potential has become a cautionary tale about systemic risks, greed, and the fragility of sporting integrity.
Governor DeWine’s public reversal underscores the gravity of recent scandals: when players themselves may be influenced by outside money, every pitch, throw, or shot becomes suspect. For Ohio, the debate is no longer about whether to gamble — but how to protect fans, players, and the sanctity of the game.
As sports betting spreads nationwide, the consequences here may be felt far beyond Ohio’s borders.
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