MLB has introduced new safeguards to restrict betting on individual pitches following recent allegations of match-fixing.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has introduced new safeguards to restrict betting on individual pitches, in a move aimed at protecting the integrity of baseball following recent allegations of match-fixing.
Per a league announcement yesterday (10 November), effective immediately, MLB and its sportsbook partners have agreed to cap wagers on pitch-level “micro-bets” at $200 and prohibit their inclusion in parlays.
The league said the measures, covering operators representing more than 98% of the US regulated market, are designed to mitigate integrity risks while preserving the transparency that legal sports betting provides.
The new restrictions follow indictments announced on Sunday by prosecutors in New York, against Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz. The two MLB pitchers allegedly conspired with bettors to influence pitch outcomes for profit.
The players are accused of intentionally throwing balls to enable winning wagers on pitch-specific prop bets.
Christian Genetski, president of MLB sportsbook partner FanDuel, said in a statement: “This initiative illustrates our unwavering commitment to building a legal and regulated market that roots out abuses by those who seek to undermine fair competition and damage the integrity of the games we love.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said the league has maintained a consistent focus on integrity since the Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports wagering in 2018.
He praised the collaborative approach with regulators and industry leaders, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who has been outspoken about the risks of in-game prop betting.
MLB sets an example
Manfred noted that the national adoption of these safeguards demonstrates the industry’s willingness to act decisively to address potential vulnerabilities.
MLB clarified that pitch-level markets, such as bets on whether a pitch will be a strike or a ball, or on its speed, present unique integrity challenges.
Because such outcomes can hinge on the actions of a single player and may have no bearing on the game’s overall result, they are considered particularly susceptible to manipulation.
By capping bet sizes and excluding these wagers from parlays, the league seeks to limit both potential payouts and opportunities to exploit the system.
Under MLB’s Rule 21, any player, umpire, or league official who places a bet on a game in which they are directly involved faces permanent ineligibility.
The league stated that these new measures are intended to reinforce that rule and further deter misconduct at a time when regulated sports betting is becoming ubiquitous across the US.
The decision underscores MLB’s approach to balancing the benefits of legalised wagering, such as consumer protections and data transparency, with the inherent risks posed by micro-betting.
By acting swiftly with its betting partners, the league aims to alleviate concerns that the integrity of its contests could be compromised by an emerging market segment focused on fleeting, easily influenced moments.