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Manfred: MLB 'vigilant' in policing sports betting

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 21:16 GMT by ESPN
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The Context: Legalization and Growth

The legal environment for sports betting in the United States has undergone a seismic shift over the past few years. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision to strike down the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), individual states began to legalize and regulate sports betting at their discretion. By the start of the 2024 season, 31 states and the District of Columbia had legalized sports betting, and the industry was projected to generate more than $10 billion in annual revenue in 2025.

With this boom, MLB faces both opportunities and challenges. The league has already entered into partnerships with major betting operators, most notably FanDuel and BetMGM, which are recognized as official MLB betting partners. These collaborations allow fans to place wagers on games through official channels, while also ensuring that sportsbooks comply with MLB’s strict integrity standards.

Manfred’s Core Message

At a press conference on Thursday, Manfred made the case that, while MLB acknowledges the economic benefits of legalized betting, the league’s primary responsibility is to guard against any potential corruption. “We can’t let the excitement of betting undermine the trust fans place in our sport,” he said. “That is why we have a comprehensive framework in place to monitor and prevent any wrongdoing.”

The message is consistent with MLB’s “Integrity of the Game” policy, which prohibits players, coaches, front‑office staff, and other affiliates from placing bets on MLB games or any activity that could influence outcomes. This policy was tightened last year and is now enforced with a dedicated Integrity Operations department that tracks betting patterns and investigates anomalies.

New Data Sharing Requirements

One of the most significant aspects of MLB’s new approach is the partnership with sportsbooks to share data. Under the revised agreement, operators must provide MLB with real‑time information on betting volumes, odds, and suspicious activity. This data is then fed into a proprietary analytics system that flags potential match‑fixing or collusion.

Manfred explained that the league has established a formal data‑sharing protocol with FanDuel and BetMGM, and that it will extend similar arrangements to other partners as they come on board. “The integrity of baseball depends on our ability to see what’s happening behind the scenes,” he said. “By working hand‑in‑hand with the betting community, we can detect and deter any malicious activity before it harms the game.”

Penalties and Enforcement

The penalties for violating MLB’s betting policy are severe. Players who bet on MLB games can face suspensions ranging from a single game to a full season, while front‑office personnel and coaches face permanent bans. These disciplinary actions are enforced by the league’s disciplinary committee, which convenes regularly to review reports and determine appropriate sanctions.

In addition to individual sanctions, MLB maintains a partnership with the United States Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate any credible evidence of corruption. The league’s internal integrity team works closely with federal authorities to identify and prosecute any players, staff, or external parties who attempt to influence game outcomes for betting purposes.

The League’s Broader Strategy

Manfred highlighted that MLB’s strategy is not simply reactive but proactive. The league is investing in education programs for players and staff to explain the risks and legal ramifications of betting. It also plans to launch a “Betting Awareness” initiative that will disseminate guidelines and best practices to fans and front‑office staff alike.

The Commissioner also reaffirmed MLB’s commitment to transparency. The league’s integrity team will release an annual report detailing the number of betting violations, the types of anomalies detected, and the outcomes of investigations. These reports will be publicly available on the MLB website and will be shared with state regulators and the public.

Looking Ahead

The conversation about sports betting in MLB is far from over. As more states adopt legalized betting and as technological advancements make data analytics more sophisticated, MLB will need to continually adapt its policies. Manfred’s recent statements signal a clear stance: the league is willing to harness the economic opportunities of sports betting, but it will do so with a robust framework designed to preserve the sanctity of the game.

In a broader sense, MLB’s approach mirrors a growing trend among professional sports leagues. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) have similar policies in place, and the National Football League (NFL) has been working closely with betting operators to share data and monitor for suspicious activity. Together, these leagues are redefining how professional sports engage with the betting industry while keeping the integrity of their competitions intact.

As the 2024 MLB season continues, fans will likely see more official betting options, and the league’s data‑driven integrity system will work behind the scenes to ensure that the thrill of wagering never comes at the expense of baseball’s trustworthiness. Rob Manfred’s insistence on vigilance underscores a fundamental principle: in baseball, the only bet that should ever be made is on the ball itself.