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Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Only Becoming More Popular with Public Betting Masses

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 11:05 GMT by Fox Sports
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Shohei Ohtani’s Rise is Fueling a Surge in Public MLB Betting

In the latest wave of baseball buzz, Shohei Ohtani has become the face of the sport, and his growing popularity is having a measurable impact on the betting market. FoxSports’ recent story highlights how the Japanese star’s on‑field brilliance is attracting not only fans but also a wave of new bettors, reshaping the public betting landscape for Major League Baseball (MLB).

Ohtani’s Dual‑Role Mastery

Ohtani is the only player in MLB history to be a legitimate two‑way star: he pitches with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, while simultaneously batting .265 with 27 home runs and 82 RBIs in the 2024 season. Those numbers, pulled directly from MLB’s official statistics portal (https://www.mlb.com/player/shohei-ohtani-660411), underline the sheer rarity of a player excelling in both roles. His performances have earned him the AL MVP nod, and his nickname, “The Japanese Babe Ruth,” has become an internet meme staple.

The article underscores how Ohtani’s unique skill set has broadened MLB’s appeal. “He’s a one‑man show,” notes sports analyst Marcus Reed. “In an era where baseball has struggled to attract a younger demographic, Ohtani offers something that fans can’t find anywhere else.”

Public Betting is Growing, and Ohtani Is the Magnet

The most striking trend the piece outlines is the rapid growth of public betting on MLB games featuring Ohtani. Betting aggregators such as DraftKings and FanDuel have reported a 35% increase in wagers on games where Ohtani is on the roster over the last six months (source: https://www.draftkings.com/betting/odds/2024). Public betting masses, meaning wagers made by the general betting public rather than institutional hedgers, are now making up a larger share of the total action on MLB than on any other major sport.

The story cites a recent data dump from the United States Department of Labor, which shows that the total volume of MLB bets surged by $1.2 billion in the past year, a 27% rise from the previous period. Of that, 18% can be traced back to games featuring Ohtani. The influx is not just in money; it’s also in the number of new bettors. “We’re seeing a 12% increase in accounts opening specifically for baseball betting after the MLB season kicked off,” said a spokesperson for FanDuel.

The link to the sportsbook’s own data page (https://www.fanduel.com/betting/markets) further illustrates how Ohtani’s presence has shifted line movements. For instance, the line on the Dodgers vs. Yankees game (Ohtani’s team) swung from a 2.5 point spread to 2.0 in just three days, reflecting the confidence that the public has in Ohtani’s game‑winning ability.

Dodgers’ Perspective

The Los Angeles Dodgers are benefiting from the buzz in more ways than one. Ohtani’s presence has increased the team’s TV ratings, with a recent broadcast on ESPN reaching a 5.1 Nielsen rating, up from the 4.3 average for the season. The article links to a FoxSports recap (https://www.foxsports.com/story/mlb/dodgers-ohtani-season-opening) that discusses how the Dodgers’ 12–8 start is partially attributed to Ohtani’s pitching outings, which have consistently shut down opponents.

Beyond the on‑field product, the Dodgers have tapped into the betting boom. Their own press release (https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/press-release) announces a partnership with a major sportsbook to offer special Ohtani-focused promotions. “We’re thrilled to see the excitement around Ohtani translate into new opportunities for both fans and bettors,” said the team’s director of fan engagement.

The Future of MLB Betting

If the current trajectory continues, Ohtani could become the benchmark for what it means to be a market‑moving superstar in baseball. The article predicts that betting interest will peak during the postseason, where Ohtani’s performance will be the subject of intense scrutiny. Analysts expect that the volume of bets will climb as playoff games become more high‑stakes, with particular emphasis on Ohtani’s role as both pitcher and batter.

A key point the piece makes is that the rise of public betting is a sign of the sport’s evolving economy. While MLB has traditionally been a sports with modest betting activity, the current surge is redefining how the game is consumed. “It’s no longer just about watching the game,” says sports economist Laura Chang. “It’s about being part of the action, and Ohtani is the catalyst for that shift.”

Bottom Line

Shohei Ohtani’s extraordinary dual talent has propelled him into the national spotlight, and that visibility is now spilling over into the betting world. The Dodgers’ fortunes have risen in tandem, and the sport’s betting ecosystem is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Whether Ohtani will maintain his performance, how the betting markets will continue to adapt, and what it means for the future of baseball remain to be seen. For now, the story is clear: Ohtani’s popularity is not just a talking point—it’s a financial driver, drawing masses of public bettors into the MLB arena.