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Matthew Schuler retiring as Ohio Casino Control Commission director after 15 years
After 15 years of being one of the country's most active gambling regulators, Matthew Schuler is retiring. Here are some of his impressive accomplishments.
Matthew Schuler is stepping down as executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC). He became the first OCCC director after being picked by the board in 2011. Schuler has been instrumental in everything from punishing noncompliant betting sites to issuing a lifetime ban to a bettor with inside information. About the only thing he hasn't done is oversee casino apps like BetMGM since Ohio hasn't regulated them yet.
Notable achievements by Schuler
During his 15-year career, Schuler has presided over some of the most memorable events surrounding Ohio gambling regulation. Here are his most notable accomplishments:
- Worked to block federally regulated prediction markets from serving Ohioans. In April 2026, the OCCC announced its intent to issue a $5 million fine to Kalshi for operating in Ohio without proper licensing.
- Issued six-figure fines to top licensed online sportsbooks for sending marketing materials to people under age 21 and promoting their brands to local colleges.
- Helped investigate former University of Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby for betting on the Indiana Hoosiers while a member of their football team.
- Oversaw the launch of retail and online sports betting in Ohio on January 1, 2023.
- Banned Brad Neff for life from betting in Ohio after he wagered $100,000 at BetMGM based on insider information.
- Enacted laws to protect athletes by banning any gambler who threatened them.
- Directed the state to prohibit prop bets on college players per request by the NCAA.
The last decision drew praise from NCAA Managing Director of Enterprise Risk Management Clint Hangebrauck. He applauded Schuler for "protecting the integrity of NCAA competition and promoting the well-being of student-athletes," such as implementing anti-harassment policies and banning college player props.
Again, Schuler never got the chance to regulate the best online casinos like DraftKings. The Buckeye State has seen bills proposed but has yet to legalize online gaming.
This leaves Ohioans unable to access regulated and safe online casinos. They must cross the border into Michigan, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia to use licensed gaming apps.
Who will take over for Schuler?
Deputy Director, Executive Director, and General Counsel Andromeda Morrison has taken over for Schuler on an interim basis. However, it's uncertain as to who will fill the role permanently.
Schuler is the only executive director the OCCC has ever known since he was appointed shortly after the organization formed in 2011.
Whoever the permanent director is may need to eventually add regulating online casino games for real money to their plate. While Ohio hasn't made a serious effort to legalize iCasinos yet, it's a definite possibility that the state will at some point. Otherwise, it risks losing more potential tax dollars to neighboring states that do regulate iGaming.
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