TLDR The MLB Players Association wants to ban all prop bets tied to individual players, including bets placed before or during games. The union says these bets lead to harassment of players by angry gamblers. The proposal covers sportsbooks, daily fantasy operators, and prediction markets. Players are asking MLB to clarify rules around sponsorships with betting and prediction market companies. The push comes the same week the NCAA asked Indiana regulators to ban prop bets on college athletes, though the state delayed a decision.
The Major League Baseball Players Association has proposed banning prop bets on individual players. The union says these bets cause harassment from gamblers who lose money.
A source told ESPN that the proposal came up during collective bargaining talks between the union and MLB. The plan would apply to traditional sportsbooks as well as daily fantasy platforms and prediction markets.
What the Proposal Covers
Under the plan, betting on individual players would be banned entirely. This includes bets placed before a game starts and bets placed while a game is in progress.
A common example is a bet on whether a batter will hit a home run during a game. The union wants this type of wager removed from the market.
The MLBPA also asked MLB to join its effort and lobby for a wider ban across the gambling industry. An MLB official said the league would address the proposal during ongoing negotiations.
Players are also asking for clearer rules on sponsorships. The current labor agreement bars players from using their name or image to promote betting on baseball games.
The union wants to know if deals with prediction markets or sportsbooks are allowed outside that rule. Right now, the rules around these newer markets are not clearly spelled out.
Handling of Gambling