Ohio Bans Bettor Over Alleged Threats to Blue Jays’ John Schneider

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has banned an Ohio bettor accused of threatening Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider during the 2025 World Series. At a public meeting on Wednesday, the commission placed Blake Morgan of Thornville, Ohio, on its Sports Gaming Involuntary Exclusion List.

The ban shuts Morgan out of Ohio’s regulated sports betting market. Morgan denies the allegations.

What Ohio’s Involuntary Exclusion Order Means for Blake Morgan

An involuntary exclusion list is a ban imposed by a regulator, as opposed to a bettor choosing to self-exclude. According to ESPN, people on Ohio’s list are barred from all state gaming facilities. They also can’t take part in the state’s regulated sports betting market, including online sportsbooks.

The commission approved the final order unanimously. Ohio has offered regulated sports betting since January 1, 2023.

Inside the Alleged World Series Call Targeting Blue Jays Manager John Schneider

The case centers on a call to MLB’s customer service line around October 28, 2025, during the World Series. Gaming commission records place it on the night of Game 4 against the Dodgers. The call followed Game 3.

The conversation reportedly lasted nearly 14 minutes. The caller asked to be identified as “B.” He accused Schneider of “lying” in a news conference about his intention to walk Shohei Ohtani in Game 4.

ESPN reported these lines from the call: “That was a gambling grab”, “This game is not legit”, and “There’s shady, fake and disturbing behavior going on”.

The caller also claimed to have Schneider’s address and personal information, according to ESPN. The commission described the statements as “harassing and threatening” and tied them to Morgan’s sports betting activity, Covers reported.

The backdrop was a heavily debated matchup decision. Schneider walked Ohtani four times in Game 3. An intentional walk is when a team puts a hitter on first base on purpose to avoid pitching to him.

The Blue Jays went on to lose the series to the Dodgers in seven games.

Morgan Denies the Threats as His Appeal Window Opens

MLB security traced the call to Morgan. Morgan acknowledged gambling and making the call.

Morgan denied making any threats. He said he filed an appeal after the commission notified him in March. Commission records show he did not appear at a commission hearing in June.

Morgan raised objections, but the commission rejected them. It said statements allegedly made by MLB’s investigator could not stop it from carrying out its own responsibilities.

MLB Says Betting-Related Threats Have Escalated

MLB signaled it will keep pressing the issue. “We will continue to work with regulators across the country to protect those who work in our industry from unacceptable threats,” a league spokesperson told ESPN.

In June, MLB head of security David Thomas told the commission threats against players and families have escalated since regulated betting took off in 2018. He described “an innumerable number of cases” involving players, spouses and children.

The ban is framed as the latest example of what leagues describe as a rise in gambling-related threats toward athletes and coaches. In July 2026, Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill that would end online sports betting in the state.

Why the Ohio Bettor Ban Matters for Sports Bettors

This case shows regulators will act on conduct away from the sportsbook itself. A threatening call to a league, if tied to betting activity, can cost a bettor access to an entire state’s regulated market. Ohio’s order covers both retail and online sportsbooks.

Losing a bet on a manager’s decision is part of betting. If losses leave you angry or tempted to chase them, step away and set firm deposit and time limits. Seek support from a responsible gambling organization if betting stops being fun.

We’ll update this story if Morgan files an appeal.