Matthew Schuler Steps Away From Leading Ohio Casino Control Commission

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Matthew Schuler will step down at the end of the month after more than 15 years as executive director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC).

Ohio commission leader steps down
Key Takeaways:
  • Matthew Schuler to resign after 15 years as Ohio’s top gambling regulator
  • Under his leadership, Ohio became known for its strict advertising and athlete protection policies
  • Search for a new director is currently underway

Gambling Insider reported that the commission plans to recognize him at its monthly meeting in Columbus, while the search for a permanent successor remains open.

Schuler has headed the OCCC since its creation.

Schuler became one of the most visible state voices on sports betting after Ohio launched its market in 2023. Under his leadership, the commission moved quickly on advertising breaches, college-campus promotions and age-targeted marketing. 

Athlete Protection Stayed Central

The OCCC also took an unusually aggressive line on integrity issues, including action against prediction-market operator Kalshi and scrutiny of cases involving athlete safety and insider wagering. 

Ohio was the first state to remove prediction markets on individual college athletes after a request from the NCAA. 

Ohio recently announced they were moving to roll back one of the state’s fastest-growing gambling segments by confining wagering to the state’s four full-service casinos. The proposal, called Save Ohio Sports Act, was tabled at a press conference in Columbus, Ohio last month

Schuler, appointed in 2011 by then-Gov. John Kasich, previously worked as chief of staff for Ohio Senate Republicans and in public policy for the Ohio Manufacturers Association.