MLB considers partnering with prediction markets, commissioner says
In a meeting with team owners, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said the move could better safeguard the integrity of the sport.
US.- Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred has said that the league is considering partnering with prediction market platforms. During a meeting with team owners in Palm Beach, Florida, he said such a move could better safeguard the integrity of the sport.
A deal could give access to data similar to that obtained through partnerships with sportsbooks. This could help identify irregular betting, Manfred said.
“We thought it was important for the owners to be updated on why prediction markets are different than sports betting – why we might want to consider being in be business with prediction markets in an effort to protect our integrity, to get the kind of protections we need. The regulatory framework, very different. Obviously state by state on the sports betting side, federal on the other,” he said, according to ESPN.
The National Hockey League (NHL) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) are currently the only major professional sports leagues partnering with Polymarket and Kalshi.
MLB announces new betting restrictions
In November, MLB announced the introduction of new limits on pitch-level markets after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were charged in relation to an alleged micro-prop betting scheme. Operators must now cap wagers on pitch-level markets at $200 and exclude those bets from parlays. The measure is effective immediately.
The safeguards “are intended to mitigate integrity risks and maintain the transparency and data access benefits that the regulated sports betting market provides,” the league said.
ESPN reported that pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis L. Ortiz had been indicted by prosecutors in Brooklyn, New York, on charges related to an alleged scheme involving specific pitches in games.
