BREAKING: The Ohio Casino Control Commission has officially joined the Major League Baseball investigation into Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, following reports of suspicious wagering activity. This urgent development comes after the commission was alerted by a licensed sportsbook on June 30 regarding unusual betting patterns linked to Guardians games.
The commission emphasized it is collaborating closely with MLB but has not provided additional comments at this time. The investigation centers around two specific pitches thrown by Ortiz during games on June 15 against Seattle and June 27 against St. Louis, which saw an abnormal spike in betting activity.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has expressed serious concerns over the impact of prop betting on the integrity of sports, stating, “The evidence that prop betting is harming athletics in Ohio is reaching critical mass.” In light of these findings, he has requested the commission to ban player-specific micro bets.
The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for August 20, where further actions regarding betting regulations may be discussed. Both Clase and Ortiz are currently on non-disciplinary paid leave until August 31, with their status under scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.
This incident follows a previous independent investigation by the Ohio Casino Control Commission in 2023 related to suspicious wagering on the University of Alabama’s baseball team, underscoring ongoing concerns about sports betting integrity in the state.
DeWine added, “First, there were threats on Ohio athletes, and now two high-profile Ohio professional athletes have been suspended by Major League Baseball as part of a ‘sports betting investigation.’ The harm to athletes and the integrity of the game is clear, and the benefits are not worth the harm.”
Ohio is among the 16 states that currently prohibit prop bets on college sports athletes, a stance that highlights the state’s cautious approach to sports gambling. As developments continue, fans and stakeholders are urged to stay vigilant regarding updates, as the implications for the Guardians and the broader sports betting landscape are significant.
This story is rapidly evolving, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments on this critical investigation.
