MLB and Sports Betting: Navigating Integrity and Industry Change
In recent months, the sports world has faced several scandals involving sports betting. These incidents have sparked debates about the legalization of betting and the role of leagues and teams in working with betting operators. One of the most notable responses came from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred during the 2024 Associated Press Sports Editors Commissioners Meetings.
Manfred’s Perspective on MLB Sports Betting
During the meeting, Manfred addressed ongoing concerns, including the high-profile case of Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter, who allegedly stole millions to gamble illegally. His comments surprised some when he claimed that Major League Baseball never intended to fully embrace sports betting.
He referenced MLB’s involvement in the Christie/Murphy, et al. v. NCAA, et al. case. This case led to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). As a result, states gained the right to legalize sports gambling.
Impact on Game Integrity
Although MLB was initially hesitant, legal sports betting has had both benefits and challenges. Manfred noted that sports betting has boosted viewership across television and streaming platforms. However, he also expressed concern about maintaining the integrity of the game.
A particular issue involves player prop bets—wagers based on individual player performances. Manfred explained that MLB, along with the NCAA, opposes these types of bets. They believe these bets increase the risk of manipulation, which can undermine the sport’s credibility. Still, he acknowledged that legalized sports betting allows better monitoring for unusual activity, improving detection of potential issues.
MLB’s Growing Involvement in Betting
Despite Manfred’s claim that MLB was “dragged into” the betting industry, the league has formed strong ties with major operators. In 2018, MLB signed its first official deal with MGM Resorts. Shortly after, it partnered with FanDuel and DraftKings, naming them as its official sports betting partners.
Today, many MLB teams have formal agreements with sportsbooks. These partnerships highlight MLB’s acknowledgment of betting’s growing influence and its ability to enhance fan engagement.
MLB's Evolving Position
Manfred’s recent comments reflect MLB’s shifting stance. While the league entered the betting space reluctantly, it has since embraced the opportunities. However, concerns about preserving game integrity—especially around new betting formats—remain a top priority.
As the sports betting industry grows, MLB must balance innovation with responsibility. The league’s future strategies will likely aim to align fan interest, integrity, and operator collaboration.
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