MLB Caps Pitch-Level Bets Amid Integrity Concerns

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 from Nov. 10, effective immediately, MLB and its sportsbook partners - including the best sports betting sites - have agreed to cap wagers on pitch-level “micro-bets” at $200 and prohibit their inclusion in parlays. These bets allow users to predict the outcome of specific pitches, such as whether a ball or strike will be thrown. 

MLB says the program is designed to mitigate risks to integrity while preserving the benefits of openness that legal sports betting offers. The restrictions are intended to prevent players and officials from being taken advantage of by removing the incentive that could lead to game manipulation, which doesn't directly affect the contest's outcome.

The measures come in response to the federal indictments unsealed in New York on Nov. 9 against MLB pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz. Prosecutors allege that the two players conspired with external bettors to influence pitch outcomes for profit. Both men are accused of deliberately throwing balls to secure winning wagers on micro-bets.

Christian Genetski, president of FanDuel, one of MLB's official sportsbook partners, said, "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’s approach to betting regulation has remained focused on integrity since the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Manfred noted that MLB has worked closely with data firms and gaming regulators to identify potential risks associated with micro-betting and other new forms of wagering.

Ohio joins MLB in tightening prop bet oversight

Manfred praised the work together of regulators and industry leaders, pointing out Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine as a strong supporter of stricter rules for betting in games. Gov. DeWine, who has warned about the dangers of granular prop bets in the past, praised MLB for taking quick action and urged other professional leagues to do the same.

Gov. DeWine has pushed for stronger consumer protections in the Ohio sports betting market since its launch in January 2023. That followed reports of harassment directed at University of Dayton basketball players after specific game outcomes.

In February of last year, the Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) enacted regulations banning wagers on individual college player statistics at the request of the NCAA. The rules still allow betting on team results and total scores, but remove markets most susceptible to manipulation.

The OCCC confirmed that it will now audit licensed sportsbooks to ensure compliance with MLB’s new pitch-level betting restrictions. The commission said that collaboration between state regulators and professional leagues remains essential to maintaining transparency and public confidence in the sports betting industry.