A US Senate committee has reportedly demanded that Major League Baseball (MLB) provide a detailed explanation of how it intends to prevent players from influencing elements of games for gambling profit, following a widening scandal involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz.
SBC Americas reported that Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, who lead the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, sent a formal letter on 14 November, requiring transparency from MLB on how such incidents could go undetected and what tools the league has in place to protect game integrity. The lawmakers had previously issued a similar request to the NBA after allegations involving Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former player and coach Damon Jones.
The senators warned that recent developments show a deeper risk to professional sports, stating that what may look like isolated rule-breaking “might be dismissed as an aberration, but the emergence of manipulation across multiple leagues suggests a deeper, systemic vulnerability.” They added that Congress may need to scrutinise the situation fully before the issue becomes more widespread.
Clase allegedly manipulated games for more than two years
The federal indictment unsealed last week alleges that Clase and Ortiz influenced pitch outcomes to ensure specific bets paid out, and that Clase used a mobile phone during games to coordinate the activity. Prosecutors claim the behaviour began in spring 2023, raising major questions about how the league’s monitoring systems failed to identify irregular patterns sooner.
The report noted that Cruz and Cantwell contrasted the case with that of former San Diego Padres player Tucupita Marcano, who received a lifetime ban for betting on MLB games. In Marcano’s case, there was no evidence that he attempted to manipulate his performance, yet he was detected and removed from the league.
By comparison, Clase allegedly participated in rigging outcomes for more than two years without triggering oversight. “How did MLB catch Marcano and ban him for life but failed to notice Clase allegedly rigging pitches for two years?” the senators asked, adding that the league must demonstrate how it is upholding its duty to protect “America’s pastime.”
MLB introduces new restrictions on pitch-level prop betting
In response to the scandal, MLB announced a sweeping restriction on betting related to individual pitches. In a statement on 10 November (Monday), the league said all MLB Authorised Gaming Operators will now cap wagers on pitch-level markets at $200 and exclude them from parlays.
The league said the restrictions were developed in partnership with sportsbooks representing over 98 percent of the US betting market, including FanDuel and DraftKings, citing the need to protect public confidence and discourage future misconduct.
As reported, the committee is requiring MLB to respond in writing by 5 December and provide documentation addressing:
- When the league first became aware of suspicious betting activity involving Clase or Ortiz
- The safeguards currently in place for players, coaches, owners and employees relating to gambling and game manipulation
- Details of every internal investigation into suspected betting misconduct since January 2020, including outcomes and sanctions
- Communications between MLB and sportsbooks or integrity firms regarding flagged wagers or patterns
- Plans to update restrictions on gambling, use of mobile phones during games and protection against potential links to organised crime
Senators warn of a new integrity crisis
While match-fixing allegations are not new to baseball, the Senate committee argues that today’s regulated sports betting environment poses unprecedented challenges. With more states legalising wagering and more fans participating in micro-bets on individual plays, the potential for manipulation has increased.
The senators warn that professional leagues, including MLB, now face a “new integrity crisis” and must move quickly to demonstrate they can protect competition, fans and the sport’s reputation. MLB is expected to respond in full before the committee determines whether further action or hearings are required.
MLB moves to restrict micro prop betting
Meanwhile, MLB recently moved to restrict micro prop betting, which involves wagering on small in-game events. The decision was made in light of possible threats to the sport’s integrity. Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine has expressed worries that these wagers might result in insider influence and manipulation, which has sparked more extensive conversations on the moral limits of sports betting.
In a related development, New Jersey introduced a bill aimed at banning micro betting, a form of in-play wagering that allows bettors to stake money on the outcome of the next action in a live sporting event. Under the bill, all such micro bets would be prohibited in New Jersey. Any individual or sportsbook found offering or accepting these wagers would be guilty of a disorderly persons offence and subject to fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 per violation.
Be part of the action! Join the world’s biggest iGaming community with SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown. Subscribe HERE for weekly updates, insider insights, and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
