Ohio Casino Control Commission Eliminates College Player Prop Betting

In a recent decision, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) declared the termination of college player props in Ohio starting March 1, following a brief tussle with the NCAA.

This move aligns with the evolving landscape, reflecting a nationwide trend led by the new NCAA President, Charlie Baker, signalling a decline in states permitting college props.

Once one of the eight states embracing collegiate player prop betting, Ohio now adheres to the regulatory adjustment.

The state of Ohio embraced sports betting on January 1, 2023, exceeding expectations by surpassing $3 billion in total betting handle by Q3 of its inaugural year. Initially adopting a lenient stance similar to Michigan, Ohio allowed betting on various college player props, encompassing metrics from NCAA basketball games to statistics in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

OCCC Executive Director Matthew Schuler attributed the decision to concerns over the rising harassment of student-athletes based on their performance.

Schuler exercised his discretionary powers to evaluate and approve or disapprove markets in Ohio, asserting that the decision serves the state's best interests.

Schuler emphasized that less than 1.4% of all wagers (approximately $104.6 million) in 2023 were on college player props, with a notable 12% hold, significantly surpassing the two-side average.

He acknowledged opposition from in-state operators but considered it reinforcing rather than detracting from the decision.

"The occurrences of and increase in the harassment of student-athletes...presents a clear danger to the best interests of Ohio," said Matthew Schuler, OCCC Executive Director.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine echoed Baker's stance, expressing apprehension towards information provided by the NCAA and Ohio's licensed sports gaming operators.

He lent his support to the NCAA's request to prohibit Ohio college player props and emphasized the necessity for regulation.

He said, "I am apprehensive of the information that both the NCAA and Ohio's licensed sports gaming operators provided during the process."

Residents of Ohio have a one-week window to continue wagering on college player props until March 1, when these markets will cease to exist.

Sportsbooks will void any ongoing futures market, such as over/under player season passing yards.

Despite the ban on college player props, markets related to awards, like the Heisman Trophy, are expected to remain available even in states prohibiting other college player prop markets.