MLB Doesn’t Anticipate New Betting Restrictions After Scandal
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred reported on Wednesday that the league does not foresee any further restrictions on prop bets, despite recent limitations imposed by sportsbooks in the United States. These measures include a $200 limit on individual bets and the prohibition of including these bets in parlays, with the aim of preventing manipulation.The league’s decision comes after the scandal involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, accused on November 9 of fraud, conspiracy, and bribery, allegedly for manipulating individual pitches to benefit bettors. The same day, restrictions on prop bets were announced. On Friday, members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees professional sports, sent a letter to Manfred expressing their concern about a “new integrity crisis” in American professional sports and requesting answers about the alleged scheme of the pitchers. Manfred assured that the league will respond “completely and cooperatively and on time” to the Senate investigation, adding that the limitations announced this month were “a really significant change that should reduce the incentive for someone to get involved inappropriately”. Clase and Ortiz could face a lifetime ban for their alleged involvement. The league’s investigation is ongoing, according to Manfred. The betting scandal tarnishes MLB’s good moment, after a season with a large audience, culminating in an exciting seven-game World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays. Manfred stated that “the business has great momentum at the moment”, but also noted that competitive balance, a recurring theme among small and large market teams, remains problematic. Manfred mentioned that the labor issue was addressed in the owners’ meetings, but declined to give details.“I think the most important task and the basis of our relationship with the betting houses is the ability to monitor betting activity,” Manfred stated during the owners’ meetings. “The ability to discern inappropriate patterns is really important. We understood the prop betting issue from the beginning. I’m glad we did something about it. But the rest of the program, at this point, I think we’re generally prepared to move forward under the rules we have now.”
Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner
Manfred emphasized that his priority is to prevent a work stoppage from costing the league games in 2027.“What I would say on the topic of competitive balance is that we have a significant segment of our fans who have been vocal on the topic of competitive balance and, in general, we try to pay attention to our fans,” Manfred said. “So it’s a topic of conversation.”
Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner
“There has never been a game lost since I got involved as a baseball employee and my goal is to make this next one happen, keeping that record intact,” Manfred stated. “There’s a lot of work to be done between now and then, but that’s my goal.”
Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner
Among other topics discussed by Manfred:
- Tropicana Field renovations are progressing “really well” as the Tampa Bay Rays prepare to return to the indoor stadium for the 2026 season.
- Manfred expects interest in the purchase of the San Diego Padres, following the Seidler family’s announcement to explore a possible sale of the franchise.
- Manfred declined to comment on the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of former pitcher Tyler Skaggs against the Los Angeles Angels.
- MLB and PitchCom extended their agreement for six years.
- Changes to the All-Star Week schedule were announced: the first round of the draft will be held on Saturday and the Futures Game will move to Sunday.
