“Sports betting is ruining the game” - Fans react to MLB’s $200 limit following Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz scandal

MLB’s ties to betting have drawn negative spotlight after Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz’s roles in a betting scandal. The league has partnered with U.S. sportsbook operators to put a $200 prop bet limit.

The announcement was made on Monday to maintain the integrity of the game. According to the latest move, the individual pitch bets will not be part of parlays.

This move decreases the player incentives and demotivates interest in illegally manipulating the betting market.

"I commend the industry for working with us to take action on a national solution to address the risks posed by these pitch-level markets, which are particularly vulnerable to integrity concerns," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

However, fans noted MLB’s gambling ties should be cut permanently instead. One X user wrote:

“Bandaid solution. Sports betting is ruining the game.” “How about you just don’t offer pitch markets? Legit the most ridiculous market available,” another questioned. “They need to be cancelled all together,” one more X user noted. “What a joke. Manfred is so deep in with the gambling industry,” an X user said. “How about setting the limit to zero,” another X user inquired. “They can’t just get rid of it, they want your $200 still…” another X user penned. “And they’ll just figure out another prop to manipulate,” one more added.

The President of FanDuel, one of MLB’s official sportsbook partners, has been quite active in this matter. He stated that the step is taken to build a “legal and regulated market that roots out abuses” of illegal betting.

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Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz’s involvement in sports betting

Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase [Credit: Imagn]

On Sunday, Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz were indicted by prosecutors in Brooklyn for their involvement in betting. As per reports, Clase’s participation dates back to 2023, while Ortiz joined the scheme this season.

Both face multiple charges and can face up to 65 years in prison if convicted of involvement in fraud and bribery conspiracies. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has requested that other leagues follow MLB’s example in eliminating such gambling cases.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash