MLBPA Proposes Ban On Individual Player Prop Bets

Key Highlights

MLBPA Pushes For Player Prop Bet Ban

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has proposed a ban on prop betting tied to individual players, according to a union source. The proposal came Thursday during collective bargaining negotiations between the MLBPA and Major League Baseball (MLB).

The union’s goal is to help protect players from harassment by frustrated gamblers. Under the proposal, MLB and the MLBPA would work together to lobby for a prohibition on individual player prop bets at baseball sportsbooks and daily fantasy operators.

The ban would apply to all prop bets connected to individual player performance, whether they’re placed before a game or during live action. That would include popular markets such as whether a player will hit a home run, how many strikeouts a pitcher will record, or how many hits a batter will finish with in a game.

Event contracts at prediction markets centered on individual player performance would also be prohibited under the proposal. MLB has not yet issued a formal response, though a league official said it would respond during negotiations.

Betting Rules & Player Sponsorships Enter Talks

The MLBPA also asked MLB to clarify whether players can participate in endorsements and sponsorships involving legal betting operators, including prediction markets. That request addresses language in the current collective bargaining agreement that restricts players from allowing their name, uniform number, image, or likeness to be used to promote betting on baseball games or events.

That issue adds another layer to the ongoing talks because legal sports betting has become more visible across professional sports. The union’s proposal suggests players want clearer boundaries around what is allowed, especially as sports betting platforms, fantasy operators, and prediction markets continue to expand their sports-related offerings.

The proposal doesn’t only focus on betting markets. The union also wants changes to the way sports betting investigations are handled. According to the source, players under investigation for betting matters would be placed on administrative leave.

For players punished for sports betting violations, the MLBPA proposed a path back through a 15-day unpaid rehabilitation assignment in the minor leagues near the end of a suspension. That would give suspended players a structured return process before rejoining major league competition.

Proposal Would Mark A Major Shift For Prop Betting

Player prop bets can represent a significant portion of baseball betting activity, reportedly accounting for 20%–30% of the total amount wagered on a typical game.

MLB has already taken steps to limit certain prop markets. In November, after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were indicted on charges connected to an alleged pitch-rigging betting scheme, MLB and partner sportsbooks introduced a $250 limit on first-pitch prop bets.

At MLB’s request, most sportsbooks also stopped allowing first-pitch prop bets to be included in parlays. Those steps showed the league was already paying closer attention to prop markets that focus on narrow, individual in-game events.

The MLBPA’s proposal would go much further by targeting all individual player prop bets. It also comes as the NCAA continues lobbying against player prop betting on college athletes.