Ohio Regulator Looks Into Unusual Wagers on Guardians Matches

Ohio’s top gaming regulator has opened an independent investigation into unusual wagering patterns involving the Cleveland Guardians after being tipped off by a licensed sportsbook. The Ohio Casino Control Commission says the probe is part of its duty to maintain the integrity of sports betting in the state.

Good to know

• The investigation began June 30 after reports from an Ohio sportsbook and MLB.
• Two Guardians pitchers are currently on paid leave pending the review.
• Ohio regulators handled a similar case in 2023 involving University of Alabama baseball.

The Commission confirmed that both a sportsbook operator and Major League Baseball contacted them on June 30 about suspicious betting activity tied to Guardians games. Under state law, the regulator is required to investigate such reports independently.

The situation escalated when MLB placed two Cleveland pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, on non-disciplinary paid leave. Ortiz first drew scrutiny after a betting-integrity firm flagged two pitches — one on June 15 and another on June 27 — that coincided with an uptick in wagers on a specific outcome. Both pitches were thrown as the first of an inning and landed well outside the strike zone.

Ortiz’s leave, initially set to expire July 17, has now been extended through August 31 — the same date applied to Clase’s leave. MLB and the Ohio Casino Control Commission say they are working closely to protect the fairness of sports wagering while the investigation unfolds.

This isn’t the first time Ohio’s regulator has acted on betting integrity concerns. In April 2023, the Commission took similar steps when alerted to suspicious activity in University of Alabama baseball games. For now, the Guardians case remains open, with no official timeline for a conclusion