MLB, Sportsbooks Announce New Limits on Certain Bets

Major League Baseball and its sportsbook partners have announced new restrictions on pitch-level betting markets due to their granular nature and susceptibility to manipulation. 

The new national limits cap wagers at $200 and prevent these bets from being used in parlays. The move follows a series of high-profile indictments alleging manipulation of pitch outcomes. 

How can professional sports balance sports betting-infused fan engagement, commercial partnerships and the integrity of its games? Let’s break down what led to this policy move, the competing arguments and how other leagues are responding.

What led to new limits on pitch-level bets

According to the league’s announcement, MLB’s new safeguards apply across sportsbook operators representing more than 98% of the U.S. betting market. Pitch-level bets (i.e. whether a pitch will be a ball or strike, or its velocity) have been capped and restricted to single bets as a direct integrity measure. The MLB noted that these wagers are uniquely vulnerable because a single player can determine the outcome without affecting the overall result of a game.

This change followed news that Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted in Brooklyn for allegedly coordinating with bettors to manipulate outcomes on specific pitches. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred credited Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who had publicly called for reform, for helping catalyze industry-wide agreement.

Sportsbook partners also endorsed the move. FanDuel described the policy as part of its broader collaboration with leagues and regulators to monitor risks and prevent abuse.

Arguments against limiting or removing specific wagers

Some argue that the new limits do not meaningfully deter individuals intent on manipulating outcomes. Match-fixing has existed for decades, and the primary difference today is that a regulated market makes suspicious activity easier to detect. In essence, limiting legal bets may simply reduce the amount risked through regulated operators, but still fail to fully deter the behavior.

A second argument cited is that restricting bet types will push bettors to offshore or illicit sportsbooks. However, research and industry audits show that many unregulated, offshore platforms do not offer highly specialized micro-props to begin with.

Reduced fan engagement is another point of contention, as micro-bets and player props can increase rooting interests for individuals who otherwise might not be interested in the game or event. 

From a public-health perspective, reducing access to rapid-fire bet types may decrease harm because these wagers align closely with impulsive decision-making and can escalate financial losses quickly, especially among those vulnerable or already struggling with at-risk gambling behaviors.

Major League Baseball deserves credit for pushing for enactment of this new limit, one that's been discussed by many previously but never actioned by a league and sportsbook partners until now. A hope is that others can now follow since the precedent has been set and feasibility has been established.

Could other professional leagues follow? 

NBA

The NBA has already begun coordinating with partner sportsbooks to review vulnerable bet types. The league asked sportsbooks to not offer bets on missed free throws, turnovers or fouls.

The scrutiny intensified after federal prosecutors alleged that veteran guard Terry Rozier conspired with bettors to profit from “unders” on his player props. Sportsbooks removed wagers hours before the referenced game due to unusual activity.

NFL

The NFL recently informed team officials that, in light of scandals across other sports, it has been working with regulators and betting partners to limit or prohibit certain prop bets. A memo outlined prohibited categories including bets on injuries, officiating, pre-determined outcomes and single-player determinable events.

These changes are meant to reduce the risk of “inside information” being exploited.

NCAA

The NCAA has been one of the strongest voices calling for restrictive prop regulations. NCAA President Charlie Baker has urged states to remove all college player props, citing mental-health concerns and harassment of student-athletes. Several states have already banned them.

The NCAA's position is supported by rising rates of gambling among college students and a series of recent betting scandals involving players and coaches.

Gambling Addiction among athletes and coaches

More than three-quarters of studies show athletes gamble more frequently than non-athletes, and around 12% meet criteria for problem gambling, compared to about 1-3% of the general population.

Competitiveness, performance pressure, injury downtime, team cultural norms and access to betting platforms are all contributing factors. Additionally, current coaches are nearly three times more likely to meet criteria for problem gambling than non-coaches.

Confidential support for Gambling Addiction in the United States

If you or someone you care about may be struggling with gambling, effective and confidential help is available. Birches Health provides evidence-based treatment, licensed clinicians and virtual access nationwide, with care tailored to the pressures of sports, financial stress and/or high-level performance environments.

To speak with a clinician or learn more:

Book an appointment with Birches Health
Call 833-483-3838
Email help@bircheshealth.com