Major League Baseball (MLB) has taken decisive action to safeguard the integrity of the game by implementing new restrictions on micro-betting markets involving individual pitches. This move comes in direct response to serious allegations that two players from the Cleveland Guardians were involved in an illegal pitch-rigging scheme.
Effective immediately, sports betting operators have been mandated to cap all wagers placed on specific pitch outcomes at US$200. Furthermore, these markets are now prohibited from being offered as part of parlay bets. MLB stated that this measure is intended to “mitigate integrity risks and maintain the transparency and data access benefits that the regulated sports betting market provides.”
The new policy follows charges against Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase and former teammate Luis Ortiz, who are alleged to have participated in a scheme to rig certain pitches for a bettor’s profit. Ortiz is claimed to have joined the operation in June 2025. The players allegedly received financial “kickbacks” after the involved gamblers won over US$450,000.
MLB emphasized that micro-bets focusing on singular, granular events, such as pitch velocity or ball/strike calls, present “heightened integrity risks.” The league noted that such events can be determined by the action of a single player and are often inconsequential to the final outcome of the game, making them particularly vulnerable to manipulation.
The decision has garnered praise from key stakeholders committed to maintaining the ethical standards of legalized sports betting. Christian Genetski, president of FanDuel, affirmed the company’s support for the change, stating it aligns with their dedication to rooting out abuses that undermine fair competition.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also commended MLB’s proactive steps and urged other professional sports leagues to adopt similar limitations on prop bets.
MLB is committed to continuing its collaboration with regulators, licensed operators, and elected officials to ensure the integrity of the game remains protected against improper betting schemes.
Robert L. Manfred, MLB Commissioner of Baseball:
“I commend Ohio Governor [Mike] DeWine for his leadership on this issue over the last several months. 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 particularly vulnerable to integrity concerns. We look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders, including licensed sports betting operators, elected officials and regulators, to ensure we are always protecting the integrity of our game.”
Christian Genetski, FanDuel President:
“The change will better reflect the company’s 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.”
Mike DeWine, Ohio Governor:
“By limiting the ability to place large wagers on micro-prop bets, Major League Baseball is taking affirmative steps to protect the integrity of the game and reduce the incentives to participate in improper betting schemes.”
