UPDATE: Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced an urgent response to a high-profile player bribery scandal, capping bets on individual pitches at $200 and banning them from parlays. This decision follows the indictment of two Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who face serious charges of manipulating game outcomes for gamblers.
The announcement was made just a day after the two players were indicted in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bribery. According to the indictment, Clase and Ortiz allegedly accepted bribes from sports bettors, helping them win over $460,000 by influencing pitch outcomes, including pitch velocity and placements.
MLB stated that the new betting limits, agreed upon by sportsbook operators covering more than 98% of the U.S. market, are a critical measure to mitigate integrity risks associated with pitch-level bets. “The risk on these pitch-level markets will be significantly mitigated by this new action,” the league said in a statement. The decision aims to reduce the payout potential for these bets, thereby decreasing the incentive for players to engage in misconduct.
Notable sportsbook operators involved in this agreement include Bally’s, Bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings, among others. The league emphasized that pitch-level bets pose unique risks as they are determined by single-player actions rather than overall game outcomes.
Emmanuel Clase’s attorney, Michael J. Ferrara, asserted that his client is innocent, stating, “Emmanuel is innocent of all charges and looks forward to clearing his name in court.” Similarly, Ortiz’s lawyer, Chris Georgalis, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Ortiz would never intentionally influence a game.
The fallout from this scandal is significant, as it follows a broader trend of scrutiny in professional sports. Last month, over 30 individuals, including well-known athletes, were arrested for their alleged involvement in similar schemes using insider information to benefit gamblers.
In a related note, Ortiz appeared in federal court on October 16, 2023, where he was granted release under strict conditions, including surrendering his passport and posting a $500,000 bond. He is also required to avoid any contact with potential witnesses or co-defendants.
The legal landscape for sports betting has dramatically changed since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was unconstitutional, allowing states to legalize sports betting across the nation.
As this story develops, MLB’s proactive measures signal a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game in light of emerging threats. Fans and stakeholders will be closely monitoring how these changes impact betting practices and player conduct moving forward.
