Ohio Regulator Bans Bettor Over Alleged Threats to Blue Jays Manager

An Ohio bettor has been placed on the state’s sports gaming involuntary exclusion list after being accused of making threats against John Schneider, manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. This decision prohibits Blake Morgan from entering sports gaming facilities or participating in sports betting operations within Ohio.

What Happened

Blake Morgan, an Ohio bettor, was placed on Ohio’s sports gaming involuntary exclusion list following accusations of making threatening remarks against Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider. These alleged threats occurred during the 2025 World Series, specifically on or around October 28, 2025, during a phone call to Major League Baseball’s customer service line, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission (iGaming Today).

The Commission stated that Morgan’s harassing and threatening comments concerning Schneider were linked to his sports betting activity during the World Series series between the Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Consequently, Major League Baseball imposed an indefinite ban on Morgan from all its stadiums, offices, and facilities (ESPN, RG.org).

The Ohio regulator initiated its own proceedings, which included a hearing requested by Morgan to review the proposed action. Morgan did not attend this hearing, which proceeded before a hearing examiner who subsequently recommended his placement on the involuntary exclusion list. Morgan’s objections, including claims of assurances from an MLB investigator and alleged flaws in evidence, were rejected by the Commission, which affirmed its responsibility to carry out its duties independently (Covers, TSN.ca).

Key Details

• The Ohio Casino Control Commission issued an order resulting in Blake Morgan’s placement on the state’s sports gaming involuntary exclusion list (iGaming Today).
• Morgan is accused of making harassing and threatening remarks about Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider during the 2025 World Series, specifically around October 28, 2025, via a call to Major League Baseball’s customer service (iGaming Today, ESPN).
• Major League Baseball has issued an indefinite ban on Morgan from its stadiums, offices, and other facilities (RG.org, Covers).
• Morgan is prohibited from entering any sports gaming facility in Ohio and from participating in sports gaming activities within the state, with the right to appeal the decision through the courts (TSN.ca, iGaming Today).

Why It Matters

This decision by the Ohio regulator follows a joint call from major US sports leagues and players’ associations for stricter measures against bettors who threaten athletes, coaches, and officials. In September, the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and their respective players’ unions sent a letter to state gaming regulators advocating for stronger action against individuals who target participants in sporting events due to betting-related frustrations (iGaming Today).

The proposed measures included a mandatory lifetime ban for those found to have harassed or threatened sports figures or their family members. These organizations also supported a nationwide reporting system to facilitate information sharing among regulators, sports leagues, and betting operators, enabling the creation of multi-state exclusion lists. The groups contended that while legal sports betting has enhanced fan engagement, it has also coincided with an increase in abusive behavior directed towards individuals involved in professional sports (ESPN, RG.org).

What’s Next

Under the final order, Blake Morgan retains the right to appeal the decision through the courts (iGaming Today).