MLBPA Pushes Prop Bet Restrictions & VIP Marketing Ban

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Mon Aug 31, 2026, 10:00 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

MLBPA Pushes Prop Bet Restrictions & VIP Marketing Ban

mlb

The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) is pushing for tighter restrictions on player prop bets and performance-based event contracts.

The union argues that these markets can create additional risks for players and their families. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball (MLB) has not supported the MLBPA's proposed joint effort.

The dispute comes as lawmakers and regulators examine how sportsbooks market betting products. It could also influence the future of MLB picks, MLB odds, and promotions from US online sportsbooks.

MLBPA Targets Player Prop Bets

The MLBPA previously proposed a joint initiative with MLB addressing player prop bets. The proposal also covered event contracts tied to individual players' in-game performances.

These markets allow bettors to wager directly on statistics and outcomes involving specific athletes. The union believes those wagers can contribute to harassment when players' performances affect betting results.

Jeffrey Perconte, General Counsel of the MLBPA, addressed the proposal in a letter to lawmakers. Perconte confirmed that MLB rejected the joint effort, but the union plans to continue pursuing restrictions.

"And while MLB has thus far rejected this proposal, we intend to continue pursuing it,"

The disagreement places the MLBPA and MLB on different sides of an increasingly important sports betting issue.

VIP Marketing Creates a Separate Concern

The MLBPA has also addressed sportsbook VIP marketing, although that issue differs from player prop restrictions.

The distinction became important after a personalized video involving Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper drew scrutiny. FanDuel used the video as part of its communication with a VIP customer.

Perconte said the union does not want to eliminate all sports betting promotions. Instead, it supports specific restrictions on player involvement in personalized VIP campaigns.

"We are not seeking to remove all restrictions on sports betting promotions and, as described below, we are willing to adopt new Policy restrictions banning participation in personalized marketing campaigns connected to VIP programs."

The MLBPA's position therefore covers two separate areas. One concerns player prop bets, while the other involves personalized sportsbook marketing.

Congress Examines Sportsbook VIP Programs

The Harper controversy has also attracted attention from federal lawmakers. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Reps. Paul Tonko and Valerie Foushee questioned MLB, the MLBPA, and FanDuel about sportsbook VIP practices.

Their scrutiny followed a lawsuit filed by Terry Thompson against FanDuel and DraftKings. Thompson alleges that the sportsbooks exploited his gambling addiction.

According to reports, Thompson wagered more than $18.5 million through FanDuel. He also claims to have lost more than $1.5 million on the platform.

The lawsuit has raised questions about how sportsbooks identify and engage high-value customers. It also increased scrutiny of celebrity and athlete appearances in personalized betting promotions.

Pennsylvania Regulators Also Enter the Discussion

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has become another part of the broader conversation surrounding sportsbook marketing.

The regulator has examined responsible gambling concerns involving sportsbook VIP programs. Its involvement adds another layer of oversight as authorities consider how operators engage high-value customers.

At the same time, FanDuel has defended its VIP practices and highlighted its responsible gambling measures. The company says its programs include safeguards designed to help identify and address potentially harmful betting behavior.

The regulatory scrutiny therefore extends beyond the MLBPA's concerns about player involvement.

The Debate Could Shape Future MLB Policy

The MLBPA's continued campaign could make player protection a bigger issue in future league discussions.

Any eventual agreement could establish clearer boundaries around player-specific betting markets. It could also determine how athletes participate in sportsbook advertising and promotions.

For sportsbooks, the outcome could influence how they build MLB betting products and market them to customers. For players, the debate centers on limiting situations where betting activity directly involves their individual performances.

The separate VIP marketing controversy has already brought greater political and regulatory attention to athlete involvement in sports betting. As that scrutiny continues, MLB and the MLBPA will face pressure to define clearer standards.

The next stage will depend on whether the league and union can find common ground. Until then, player prop betting remains an unresolved issue within baseball's expanding relationship with the gambling industry.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.