The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is pushing to eliminate player prop bets in its collective bargaining discussions with MLB, according to ESPN. This bold proposal, if accepted, would reshape one of the most popular markets in legalized sports betting—covering both pregame and in-game bets on player performance. The union’s move aligns MLBPA with the NCAA, which has long battled against player props due to concerns over harassment and the integrity of the game.
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MLBPA’s Proposal Details
The MLBPA aims to ban player prop bets to protect athletes from harassment by disgruntled gamblers. And the union has reportedly suggested working with MLB to lobby for this ban across sportsbooks and daily fantasy sports operators. As part of this proposal, players undergoing betting investigations could face administrative leave, with a 15-day unpaid minor league rehab assignment at the conclusion of their suspension. This follows the indictment of two Cleveland Guardians pitchers last year for an alleged pitch-rigging scheme.
NCAA’s Efforts Against Player Props
The NCAA has been vocal against player prop bets for more than a year, emphasizing the potential for harassment and manipulation. And nCAA President Charlie Baker has called on states and regulators to ban these bets, asserting that they compromise athlete welfare and the integrity of the sport. This advocacy has led to changes in several states. Ohio, Louisiana, Maryland, and Vermont have already removed college player props, while other states have varying restrictions. The NCAA has also imposed conditions on bookmakers, requiring them to exclude player performance wagers if they wish to use official tournament data.
Industry Concerns Over Offshore Betting
The potential ban of player prop bets raises industry fears about an offshore shift. And the American Gaming Association has argued that removing such bets from the legal market could lead bettors to unregulated, untaxed platforms, as was noted during the NCAA debate. Legal sportsbooks were initially promoted to states as a means of generating tax revenue and combating illegal markets. Eliminating a major chunk of legal wagers could compromise these aims if offshore operators capture the market.
What’s Next?
The MLB is set to review the MLBPA’s proposal during upcoming collective bargaining discussions. The outcome could set a precedent for player prop betting regulations across major sports leagues.
Marcus Chen brings a quantitative approach to poker strategy and sports betting analysis. With a background in data analytics and over eight years covering professional poker circuits, his articles combine statistical insights with practical advice for serious players looking to sharpen their edge at the table.
