Ohio regulator launches investigation into suspicious Guardians betting activity
The Ohio Casino Control Commission stated it undertook similar action when notified in April 2023 of potential illegal betting activity on the University of Alabama baseball team.
Key Points
- On July 28, MLB placed Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave in connection to a sports betting investigation currently being conducted in regards to fellow Cleveland pitcher Luis Ortiz
- The Commission also stated its “working closely” with MLB to safeguard the integrity of sports wagering after being notified of suspicious activity by an Ohio licensed sportsbook on June 30
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has officially launched an independent investigation into suspicious wagering activity regarding the Cleveland Guardians Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise after being notified by an Ohio licensed sportsbook on June 30.
“The mission of the Ohio Casino Control Commission is to ensure the integrity of casino gaming, sports gaming, skill-based amusement machines and fantasy contests in Ohio by licensing, investigating and enforcing state laws,” the Commission stated as part of its release.
“On June 30, the Commission was notified by an Ohio licensed sportsbook of suspicious wagering activity on Cleveland Guardians wagering events and was also promptly contacted by Major League Baseball regarding the events. Under the Commission’s statutory responsibilities, an independent investigation commenced.”
On July 28, MLB placed Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave in connection to a sports betting investigation currently being conducted into fellow Cleveland pitcher Luis Ortiz.
Good to know: The Ohio Casino Control Commission sent three cease-and-desist letters to sportsbooks operating in the state on April 2, including Kalshi, Robinhood and Crypto.com
The investigation into Ortiz originally stemmed from a betting-integrity firm flagging two of his pitches which coincided with increased bets on a particular outcome. The two pitches, thrown separately on June 15 and June 27, were both well out of the strike zone and happened to be the first pitch of each particular inning.
Ortiz’s leave was originally supposed to conclude on July 17, but was recently extended through August 31, similar to Clase.
The Commission stated its “working closely” with MLB to safeguard the integrity of sports wagering throughout the investigation. The regulator also undertook similar action when notified in April 2023 of potential illegal betting activity on the University of Alabama baseball team.
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