The OCCC Begins Looking Into Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase
Expertise: Sports betting, iGaming industry
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The OCCC oversees the regulation of all forms of gambling/gaming, including fantasy contests, sports betting, casino gaming, and more, ensuring integrity.
Sports betting launched in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023, making it one of the 30 US states with legal online sportsbooks, while only 7 states have legal online casinos to date.
Ohio Casino Control Commission Speaks Out
In an email to Cleveland.com, Emily Berner, the Assistant General Counsel to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, had this to say:
Under its statutory responsibilities, the Commission commenced an investigation independently and collaboratively with the investigation by Major League Baseball. When the investigation is complete, a report will be delivered to the members of the Commission.
It is important to remember that the Commission commenced its investigation into the unusual wagering activity surrounding two Cleveland Guardians pitchers upon notification, and that investigation is ongoing.
The Ohio Casino Control Commission has the power to recommend civil penalties and/or refer to law enforcement for criminal charges.
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Background on What’s Happened
Ortiz and Clase were both placed on paid leave by Major League Baseball. Ortiz’s placement came on July 3, and Clase came 25 days later on July 28. They’re part of the same investigation. The leave lasts through Aug. 31, at least.
Per ESPN, the information regarding Ortiz and Clase started coming out after IC360, a betting integrity organization, informed sportsbooks of suspicious activities regarding wagers placed on pitches thrown by Ortiz.
Now, Clase and Ortiz are under investigation for influencing prop bets in games they were involved in. The betting activities came from New York, New Jersey, and Ohio.
On July 31, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine asked the OCCC to drop prop bets from professional sports.
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