MLB and Sportsbooks Implement Betting Limits Following Pitch-Rigging Scandal
In response to a pitch-rigging scandal involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers, Major League Baseball and leading sportsbooks have imposed a $200 cap on individual pitch bets to safeguard game integrity.
Major League Baseball (MLB) and prominent sportsbooks have introduced a $200 limit on wagers for individual pitch outcomes, aiming to protect the sport's integrity following a betting scandal involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz.
The two players were indicted on charges of accepting bribes to manipulate pitch results, enabling bettors to win over $460,000 through fraudulent prop bets. Both have denied the allegations.
MLB stated that pitch-specific bets pose significant integrity risks, as individual actions can be manipulated without affecting overall game outcomes. The new betting limits have been accepted by sportsbooks covering over 98% of the U.S. market, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars.
Ortiz appeared in federal court and was released on bond under strict conditions, including travel restrictions and surrendering his passport. Clase remains outside U.S. custody.
This case is part of a broader federal crackdown on sports-related gambling fraud, following similar scandals in the NBA. MLB continues to investigate and has placed both players on paid leave since July.
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