Ohio Casino Control Commission Bars Man From Retail and Online Sportsbooks

The Ohio Casino Control Commission approved a final exclusion order on October 21 that prevents Blake Morgan from using retail and online sportsbooks in Ohio after alleged threats against Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider during the 2025 World Series. Major League Baseball separately barred Morgan from its stadiums and facilities indefinitely on October 30, 2025.

Commission decision and grounds

The commission said the case centers on a recorded customer service call during the 2025 World Series between Toronto and the Los Angeles Dodgers, in which Morgan made “harassing and threatening statements” about Schneider after watching footage about how Toronto would pitch to Shohei Ohtani. ESPN reporter David Purdum obtained the recording through a public records request. Ohio law adopted in 2023 permits regulators to exclude bettors who threaten sporting participants when the threats relate to wagering, giving the commission authority separate from league discipline.

Respondent's challenge and appeal window

Morgan challenged the proposed exclusion, claiming an MLB investigator told him he faced no further action; the commission said it found no evidence of that conversation. He also submitted a video he said differed from the footage that prompted MLB’s complaint. The commission noted its independent responsibility to protect gaming integrity would apply regardless. Morgan has 15 days to file a notice of appeal with the commission.

Scope of the order

The exclusion covers both retail and online sports betting in Ohio. The commission reviewed the matter under its own statutory authority rather than relying on MLB’s disciplinary outcome.