MLB and US Sportsbooks Agree to New Betting Restrictions

The MLB wasted no time responding to the indictments of two Cleveland Guardians pitchers. 

The league announced that it has agreed to terms with US online sportsbooks to help limit MLB micro-betting. Operators will set a $200 per-wager limit and ban them from being included in parlays. That includes bets on individual pitches, which was the focus of the recently uncovered betting scheme.

Sportsbooks have been meeting with the MLB to discuss micro-betting since the summer, when it was announced that Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase were under federal investigation. The two pitchers were under suspicion of intentionally throwing balls to help ensure wagers won. While no charges were filed at the time, the league didn’t stop looking for a solution.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine praised the immediate action taken by the league and sportsbooks, including top Ohio sportsbooks. He has been leading a campaign to crack down on micro and player prop betting since the investigation into the two Ohio-based athletes.

"By limiting the ability to place large wagers on micro-prop bets, Major League Baseball is taking affirmative steps to protect the integrity of the game and reduce the incentives to participate in improper betting schemes," DeWine shared in a press release. "I urge other sports leagues to follow Major League Baseball's example with similar action."

MLB Takes Action as the NBA Stands Pat

The MLB’s fast action drew a lot of praise, especially when compared to the actions of the NBA.

The pro basketball league saw a larger betting scheme uncovered in October. Part of that scheme involved guard Terry Rozier, who is accused of manipulating player prop bets. While different than MLB micro-betting, NBA player props are equally easy for athletes to control.

The investigation into Rozier was announced earlier this year, but it doesn’t appear that the NBA did much after the announcement. The league still hasn’t made changes since the arrests of Rozier and the rest of the ring, despite mounting pressure from Congress. 

While the MLB’s solution may not be perfect, it at least shows that the league isn’t willing to sit by and wait for the next scandal. If the NBA doesn’t follow suit soon, it could erode fans' faith in the league’s integrity.