Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently stated publicly that he regrets signing the 2021 bill that legalized sports betting. Although he acknowledges that overturning the law is now politically impossible, he remains committed to pushing reforms—restricting prop bets and setting wagering limits—arguing that the current system poses a threat to sports integrity.
The Governor’s Reflections and Reform Efforts
DeWine admitted, “Ohio should not have gone down this path.” He believes that after legalization, the massive advertising campaigns funded by well-capitalized betting operators created an environment far more difficult to manage than originally anticipated. Over the past two years, he has actively pushed to rein in the industry’s riskier areas, including removing college sports prop bets from the list of legal wagers and negotiating with Major League Baseball to cap pitch-related bets at $200—regulatory developments that industry reports on the PASA website have continued to track.
Specific Measures and League Responses
Following an incident in which players from the University of Dayton basketball team received gambling-related harassment, DeWine spoke with the NCAA president, prompting Ohio to eliminate college sports prop betting. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised his efforts, saying, “Governor DeWine has truly made a major contribution. He highlighted the need for action.”
However, DeWine believes more must be done, warning that leagues ignoring the risks posed by micro-bets are “playing with fire.”
Political Realities and Future Outlook
DeWine openly acknowledges that repealing the law “does not have the votes,” so he has shifted toward influencing leagues and regulatory bodies. Although the gambling industry has long cultivated political influence in Ohio through campaign donations, the governor remains steadfast in his push for reform. As his term approaches its end, he continues to warn of mounting threats to sports integrity, stating that even without legislative support, he will keep advocating for stronger safeguards—a level of persistence uncommon among political figures.
