Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has declared legalizing sports betting as his biggest mistake. DeWine signed off on legislation to approve sports betting in 2021, but has become increasingly disenchanted with the industry amid scandals and a rise in problem gambling.
“What I did not anticipate — and I should have — is the massive, massive amount of money that these gambling companies would come in with their advertising and they flood the airways,” DeWine said at last week’s Columbus Metropolitan Club forum.
“More Ohioans are gambling and losing money, and athletes are being abused online as a result of sports betting,” he added.
Ohio launched its sports betting market in 2023, and the state allows wagering on esports through licensed sportsbooks if the events are approved by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
Ohio law specifically recognizes “esports events” as regulated competitive video-game contests, meaning sportsbooks can legally offer esports markets alongside traditional sports betting.
Microbetting Playing With Fire
DeWine has been particularly outspoken about his opposition to microbetting. Microbetting is in-play wagering during sports events, such as the next pitch in baseball or the next map in esports.
After two Cleveland Guardians players were arrested for suspicious betting activity on their pitches, DeWine called for a ban on the markets. Unable to secure the agreement of the MLB and sportsbooks, he eventually settled for a stake limit of $200.
He said a prohibition of the bets “needs to be holistic, it needs to be universal,” adding that sports leagues are “just playing with fire” by allowing the bets. “I mean, they are just asking for more and more trouble, their failure to address this.”
In-play betting is dominant in esports, with as much as 86% of wagers placed on Dota 2 coming from live wagers. This is far above the 55% rate across all sports.
Niche esports events are also attracting more betting, which can increase integrity risks as players in lower-tier events are tempted to manipulate their performances for betting purposes.
Will Other States Heed DeWine’s Warning?
With DeWine declaring legalizing sports betting as his biggest mistake, it may lead to other states questioning whether to expand legal gambling options.
In nearby Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear vetoed a wide-ranging gambling bill last month. Efforts to expand gambling in Minnesota and Mississippi also stalled this year, although Wisconsin is set to launch online betting after approving a bill last month.
DeWine warns the states that have not yet launched online markets against opening that can of worms. Now that it’s live and legal in Ohio, there’s little chance of reversing the law. DeWine’s term as Governor is set to come to an end next year.