The MLB Players Association told Congress it supports banning player prop bets and is open to restricting player involvement in sportsbook VIP promotions, but says MLB has not agreed to a joint lobbying effort
The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) has informed members of Congress that it is prepared to support a ban on player prop bets and restrict player participation in personalized sportsbook VIP marketing, but says Major League Baseball (MLB) has not joined its push for these changes. The development follows scrutiny over a FanDuel marketing incident involving Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper and renewed Congressional attention to responsible gambling policies in professional sports.
MLBPA Calls for Prop Bet Restrictions
In an August 24 letter to three Democratic lawmakers, MLBPA General Counsel Jeffrey Perconte stated that the union is open to working with MLB to prohibit prop bets and similar in-game performance contracts on prediction markets. The union argues that these types of wagers are linked to higher rates of problem gambling and increased harassment of players and their families. Despite the MLBPA's proposal for a joint lobbying effort, the letter says MLB has so far declined to support a ban on prop bets, though the union intends to continue advocating for the measure.
Prop bets, which allow wagers on individual player outcomes or specific in-game events, have become a focal point for responsible gambling advocates. MLB and its sportsbook partners previously implemented a $200 cap on pitch-level micro bets after a pitch-fixing scandal involving the Cleveland Guardians, but have not agreed to broader prop bet restrictions.
Player Endorsements and VIP Program Concerns
The MLBPA confirmed that current league policy allows players to sign endorsement deals with gambling brands, provided they do not directly encourage betting. The union itself has licensing agreements with sportsbooks such as Caesars Sportsbook and Hard Rock Bet, allowing use of player images and likenesses. However, the MLBPA acknowledged that its policies do not specifically address player participation in personalized marketing tied to sportsbook VIP or tier programs.
In response to Congressional concerns about predatory VIP promotions, the MLBPA said it is prepared to propose collective bargaining agreement (CBA) restrictions that would ban players from participating in personalized marketing campaigns connected to VIP or tier programs. The union indicated it is willing to work with MLB to fill this policy gap, but no formal agreement has been reached.
Congressional Inquiry and FanDuel Incident
The Congressional inquiry was prompted by a 2024 incident in which a FanDuel employee sent a personalized Cameo video from Bryce Harper to a former VIP customer with a reported gambling addiction, encouraging him to resume betting. The customer, Terry Thompson, had reportedly wagered over $18.5 million and lost more than $1.5 million on the platform. Harper has denied knowing the video would be used for VIP marketing. The incident led Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), and Paul Tonko (D-NY) to demand an end to MLB and MLBPA policies that allow such promotions and to seek clarification on player endorsement rules and VIP marketing restrictions.
FanDuel responded to Congress by highlighting its responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, real-time notifications, and intervention protocols for customers showing signs of harm. The operator stated that it reviews betting history before offering VIP status and takes additional action when problematic patterns are detected.
MLB and Prediction Market Partnerships
Both MLB and the MLBPA have expanded their relationships with sportsbooks and prediction market platforms. As of April 2026, half of MLB's 30 teams have deals with sports betting operators, and the MLBPA has signed new licensing agreements with Caesars Sportsbook and Hard Rock Bet. MLB teams have also begun partnering with prediction market platforms such as Polymarket, Novig, and Kalshi, reflecting the growing intersection of sports betting and event contract markets. These partnerships have drawn additional scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about player protection and responsible gambling standards.
Player prop bets are wagers on individual athlete performance or specific in-game events, such as the number of strikeouts or hits by a player. While popular with bettors, these bets can increase the risk of targeted harassment and are associated with higher rates of problem gambling. Regulatory approaches to prop bets vary by state, and ongoing debate continues over whether leagues and unions should support broader restrictions to protect players and consumers.
