Major League Baseball announced new standards meant to limit “micro bet” prop wagers on specific pitches.
The move comes in response to the arrest of two Cleveland Guardians pitchers. The FBI and federal prosecutors allege they used certain pitches to benefit accomplices who were betting on the outcomes.
The new standards limit pitching-related micro bets to $200. Additionally, it excludes using this option as part of a parlay bet. According to MLB, the league’s sportsbook operators have agreed to the changes. Additionally, the operators will “Mitigate integrity risks and maintain the transparency and data access benefits that the regulated sports betting market provides.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league will continue working to uphold the game’s integrity.
“Since the Supreme Court decision opened the door to legalized sports betting, Major League Baseball has continuously worked with industry and regulatory stakeholders across the country to uphold our most important priority: protecting the integrity of our games for the fans,” said Manfred.
Ohio Governor Spearheaded Changes
Manfred also credited Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine with leading an effort to limit pitching micro bets. In October, DeWine described the bets as “very dangerous” and said he was working with MLB to possibly ban the bets.
“I commend Ohio Governor DeWine for his leadership on this issue over the last several months,” said Manfred. “I also commend the industry for working with us to take action on a national solution to address the risks posed by these pitch-level markets, which are vulnerable to integrity concerns.”
Sports betting scandals have been on the rise in recent years, culminating with the arrest of Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, and the FBI investigating UFC betting. However, this is the first time a league has taken action in response to high-profile scandals.
The federal government indicted Guardians pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase. The league suspended both players earlier in the season.
Prosecutors allege both players adjusted pitches to benefit betting accomplices. The two pitchers reportedly received bribes and kickbacks for their efforts.
Ortiz’s attorney, Chris Georgalis, told the Wall Street Journal that the 26-year-old starting pitcher is innocent. Clase’s attorney declined to comment on the case.
While Ohio’s governor led the way, Nevada regulators recently discussed restricting prop bets as well. There are 39 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico with some form of legal sports betting. Online sportsbooks are an option in 31 states.
