The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is pushing for a ban on player prop bets as part of ongoing labor negotiations with the league.
ESPN reported on Thursday that the union hopes to ban this popular form of betting to help limit harassment from bettors. MLBPA has pushed for a combined lobbying effort between the league and union for a ban on player props at sportsbooks, daily fantasy sites, and prediction markets.
The move could be seen as leverage as contract talks continue.
BetMGM is the league’s official sports betting partner, a deal that was renewed this week. The player prop bet proposal seems timed with that agreement.
It’s likely MGM would want to keep the prop bet offerings, especially since props and parlays differentiate traditional sportsbooks the most from prediction markets, which have seen massive growth over the last two years.
Prop Bet Ban Just Part Of Larger Collective Bargaining Demands
The proposal could put the league in an awkward position as players push for added security and also additional safeguards for game integrity.
MLBPA’s plan also comes as owners are seeking changes in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with players. Most of those are opposed by players and include:
- Adding a salary cap
- Reducing the number of rounds in the draft from 20 to 12
- Ending high school eligibility for the draft; players could enter the draft after two years of college baseball
Owners also seek changes to free agency and the league’s minimum salary.
The player prop ban proposal comes as athletes have had to deal with harassment from bettors in recent years.
In November, MLB announced new standards meant to limit “micro-bet” prop wagers on specific pitches.
That came in response to the arrest of two Cleveland Guardians pitchers. The FBI and federal prosecutors allege they threw certain pitches to benefit accomplices who were betting on the outcomes.
Players Want Other Gambling Changes
Along with player prop ban push, MLBPA has also asked to allow players to endorse legal sportsbooks and prediction markets. That is currently now allowed under the CBA.
The union has also proposed changes to betting investigations. Those under investigation would be placed on administrative leave, according to ESPN. Near the end of a suspension, those punished would go on a 15-day unpaid rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues.
In other player prop bet news, the NCAA continues to appeal to states and the federal government to ban these types of wagering on college athletes.
