Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and NCAA President Charlie Baker are calling for changes in sports betting regulations in Ohio.
Specifically, they’re urging the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) to eliminate individual prop bets involving college athletes. The goal is to protect student-athletes from harassment and threats, which have become more prevalent since the legalization of sports betting in Ohio.
Just three weeks into the introduction of sports betting in Ohio last year, University of Dayton Men’s Basketball Coach Anthony Grant had to address hate messages received by his players from disgruntled gamblers. Grant reminded fans that these athletes are young people with families who deserve respect. The incident shed light on the negative consequences of allowing prop bets on individual athletes.
DeWine has lent his support to the cause, emphasizing the need to protect student athletes from unnecessary and potentially harmful threats. He believes that by amending the rules to focus bets on the team rather than individual athletes, the marketplace in Ohio can be improved and young athletes can be better protected.
Baker echoed DeWine’s concerns and called for changes in Ohio’s sports wagering rules. He highlighted data on the harassment and emphasized that sports betting without appropriate controls poses risks not only to the well-being of athletes but the integrity of collegiate competition. Gene Smith, senior vice president and athletics director at Ohio State, expressed his support for the efforts.
The OCCC is considering the proposed changes, and will establish a sports wagering harassment protection program to assist college athletes in dealing with and reporting harassment.
Two years ago, Ohio State sent a letter urging the commission to limit college sports betting to football and basketball, and to only allow bets on the outcome of the game, excluding prop bets. Although the request failed at that time, it is now under strong consideration.
Sportsbook operators were given until February 12 to voice any objections to the proposed changes, which will be discussed at the next commission meeting, scheduled for February 21.
