wire transactions totaling at least $4.5 million that were made from Ohtani's bank account to a bookmaking business.
This week's events occurred while federal authorities looked into the Southern California bookmaker Mathew Bowyer's organization.
Multiple sources and bank data that ESPN examined indicate that the wire transfers were made from Ohtani's
Ohtani does not gamble, according to a number of sources, including Mizuhara, who spoke with ESPN
The money also compensated Mizuhara's losses.
ESPN had looked through bank records that indicated Ohtani's name was on two checks for $500,000 that were sent between September and October.
Sports betting is still prohibited in California, even though it is permitted in almost 40 other states.
Legal bookmakers take bets on credit, but government-regulated sportsbooks demand bettors to pay up advance for their wagers.