MLB Players Push for Ban on Player Prop Bets During Labor Talks

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) is pushing for a ban on player prop bets as part of ongoing labor negotiations with the league. The union hopes to ban this popular form of betting to help limit harassment from bettors. MLBPA has pushed for a combined lobbying effort between the league and union for a ban on player props at sportsbooks, daily fantasy sites, and prediction markets.

This move could be seen as leverage as contract talks continue. BetMGM is the league’s official sports betting partner, a deal that was renewed this week. The player prop bet proposal seems timed with that agreement. It’s likely MGM would want to keep the prop bet offerings, especially since props and parlays differentiate traditional sportsbooks the most from prediction markets, which have seen massive growth over the last two years.

MLB announced new standards meant to limit “micro-bet” prop wagers on specific pitches in November. That came in response to the arrest of two Cleveland Guardians pitchers. The FBI and federal prosecutors allege they threw certain pitches to benefit accomplices who were betting on the outcomes. MLBPA has also asked to allow players to endorse legal sportsbooks and prediction markets. That is currently not allowed under the CBA. The union has also proposed changes to betting investigations, where those under investigation would be placed on administrative leave.