The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has proposed banning prop bets tied to individual player performances. They argue that these wagers contribute to harassment and abuse directed at athletes by frustrated bettors.
According to ESPN, the proposal was raised during ongoing collective bargaining negotiations with Major League Baseball (MLB). Additionally, the union’s plan would extend beyond traditional sportsbooks to include daily fantasy sports operators and prediction market platforms offering contracts based on player performance.
Proposal Covers All Player Props
The MLBPA wants all wagers involving individual player outcomes prohibited. This applies regardless of whether they are placed before or during a game.
The proposed ban would include popular betting markets such as whether a batter will hit a home run. It would also cover bets on whether a pitcher will reach a certain strikeout total.
The union also urged MLB to join its efforts in advocating for broader restrictions on player-specific betting markets. League officials confirmed they will respond to the proposal during the ongoing negotiations.
Players Seek Sponsorship Clarity
The union has also asked MLB to clarify what types of sponsorships and endorsement agreements players may enter into with licensed sportsbooks and prediction market operators.
Current collective bargaining rules prohibit players from using their names, images, or uniform numbers to promote betting on baseball games. The MLBPA is seeking clearer guidance on whether partnerships outside those restrictions would be permitted.
The proposal also includes changes to gambling investigations. Under the union’s plan, players under investigation would be placed on administrative leave. In addition, suspended players would complete a 15-day unpaid rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues before returning to MLB.
Gambling Integrity Remains a Priority
MLB has already tightened its approach to prop betting following recent integrity concerns.
After two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were indicted in a pitch-rigging case last year, MLB and its sportsbook partners introduced limits on first-pitch prop bets. They also removed those wagers from most parlay offerings.
NCAA Raises Similar Concerns
The MLBPA’s proposal comes as the NCAA is also advocating restrictions on player prop betting.
The NCAA recently urged Indiana regulators to ban prop bets involving college athletes. They argued that athlete welfare should take priority over gambling interests.
The Indiana Gaming Commission discussed the proposal during a recent meeting. However, they voted to postpone a decision until September after hearing arguments from both NCAA officials and sportsbook representatives.
