The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has announced a ban on player-specific prop wagers for NCAA games following a request from NCAA president Charlie Baker and Ohio’s governor, Mike DeWine.
Operators have until 1 March to implement the restrictions, making Ohio the 25th state to prohibit or limit player-specific prop bets on NCAA contests.
The aim of the ban is to protect NCAA athletes from potential harassment and match fixing.
Ohio’s legal sports betting, launched in January 2023, has already seen efforts to prevent threats to athletes from placing sports wagers.
Governor DeWine praised the swift action taken by the OCCC, stating that the focus on team rather than individual athlete bets will enhance the betting marketplace and protect student athletes.
The NCAA is actively working to safeguard college athletes from gambling harms and maintain the integrity of its competitions by advocating for new laws and measures.
These efforts include recommending states to pass laws with mandatory reporting hotlines, prohibiting individuals under 21 from wagering on sports, and allocating revenue from sports wagering to gambling harm education.
A recent study revealed a rise in sports wagering problems among college athletes and staff, prompting the NCAA to take action to address these issues.
