Key Moments:
- Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell have formally requested Major League Baseball to explain its strategies for preventing game manipulation by players after a scandal involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz
- MLB has implemented new limits on pitch-level prop bets, capping wagers at $200 and excluding them from parlays, as of a statement issued on 10 November (Monday)
- New Jersey has introduced a bill seeking to ban micro betting, with proposed fines between $500 and $1,000 for violations
Senate Committee Puts Pressure on MLB for Gambling Oversight
The United States Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee has called on Major League Baseball (MLB) to clarify how it intends to prevent players from impacting game outcomes for gambling purposes. This request follows reports linking Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz to a growing betting controversy.
Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell sent a letter to MLB leadership on 14 November, pressing for transparency regarding internal detection processes and integrity safeguards. The move mirrors previous actions taken by the committee involving the NBA after separate allegations surfaced against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Damon Jones.
Calling attention to the scope of the problem, the senators stated that what may initially appear as isolated incidents may point to “a deeper, systemic vulnerability.” They further noted Congress may need to take a broader look at these integrity issues to prevent escalation across professional sports.
Senate Commerce Committee is probing gambling in MLB
h/t @brennanleach pic.twitter.com/U1Zph1gUuz
— Allan Smith (@akarl_smith) November 17, 2025
Allegations Against Clase and Ortiz and Their Impact
According to an unsealed federal indictment, Clase and Ortiz allegedly coordinated to affect pitch outcomes, benefiting from bets tied to these results. Claims indicate Clase used a mobile phone during games to facilitate this activity, with the pattern said to have started in spring 2023. This sequence of events has raised significant concerns regarding the league’s surveillance protocols.
| Player | Team | Allegation | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmanuel Clase | Cleveland Guardians | Game manipulation for gambling gain | More than two years |
| Luis Ortiz | Cleveland Guardians | Game manipulation for gambling gain | More than two years |
| Tucupita Marcano | San Diego Padres (Former) | Betting on MLB games, no manipulation | Detected and banned in a shorter timespan |
The situation has been contrasted with the case of former San Diego Padres player Tucupita Marcano. The committee noted that Marcano received a lifetime ban for betting, even though there was no evidence of game manipulation, yet he was detected and disciplined swiftly. In contrast, the senators questioned MLB’s ability to catch wrongdoing in the Clase and Ortiz case sooner, asserting the league must reinforce its commitment to preserving the sport’s integrity.
MLB Restricts Pitch-Level Prop Bets in Response
Reacting to the scandal, on 10 November (Monday), MLB announced stricter regulations for pitch-level prop betting. All officially recognized gaming operators will now limit wagers on these types of markets to $200 and eliminate them from parlay bets. The league coordinated these changes with sportsbooks that represent more than 98 percent of U.S. betting volume, including FanDuel and DraftKings, aiming to preserve trust and curb misconduct tied to these betting options.
Requirements from the Senate and Ongoing Legislative Actions
The Senate committee has mandated that MLB deliver a comprehensive written response by 5 December. The requested information includes:
- The date MLB first became aware of questionable betting activity involving Clase or Ortiz
- Details on protective measures in place for league participants regarding gambling and manipulation
- Documentation for every internal investigation related to betting misconduct since January 2020, including findings and any penalties issued
- Records of all communications between MLB and sportsbooks or integrity firms about flagged bets or suspicious activity
- Updates to policies covering gambling restrictions, mobile phone usage during games, and prevention of ties to organized crime
Growing Attention on Micro Betting
Recognizing the increased vulnerability created by the evolving sports betting landscape, the Senate warned that professional leagues are facing what they termed a “new integrity crisis.” As more fans participate in micro-betting, confidence in competitive fairness is at risk. MLB has reacted by moving to restrict micro prop bets, following concerns from officials such as Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who cautioned that these wagers could open the door for improper influence.
Meanwhile, New Jersey has advanced legislation to formally prohibit micro betting, which allows for wagers on individual, in-game events. If enacted, any individual or book found to be participating in such bets could face disorderly persons charges and fines from $500 to $1,000 per infraction.
- Author
Daniel Williams
