Opinion What was missing from MLB’s betting crackdown

Opinion

What was missing from MLB’s betting crackdown

A 2023 photo of former Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Tucupita Marcano, who this week received a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball for betting on games. (Rick Scuteri/AP) 

On Tuesday, Major League Baseball banned San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano dres infielder Tucupita Marcano for life because he had placed legal bets on professional baseball games. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement. But it seemed to us he missed an opportunity to include some words from professional baseball’s partners in the $11 billion sports betting industry.

Mr. Manfred’s statement:

“The strict enforcement of Major League Baseball’s rules and policiesand policies governing gambling conduct is a critical component of upholding our most important priority: protecting the integrity of our games for the fans.” 

A BetMGM Sportsbook advertisement runs during a Washington Nationals game at Nationals Park in D.C. on June 6, 2023. (Amanda Andrade-Rhoades for The Washington Post)

“The long-standing prohibition against betting on Major League Baseball The long-standing prohibition against betting on Major League Baseball games by those in the sport has been a bedrock principle for over a century.”

Also strangely absent: “The BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park is NOW OPEN! Catch all the action and bet on your favorite teams at our 4,000 sq. ft. sports bar.”

 “Since the Supreme Court decision opened the door to legalized sports betting, we have worked with licensed sports betting operators and other third parties to put ourselves in a better position from an integrity perspective.”

Seems relevant: “FanDuel will bring fans’ viewing and wagering experiences viewing and wagering experiences closer than ever before by streaming MLB.TV’s Free Game of the Day through both FanDuel’s sportsbook app and on FanDuel’s OTT platform FanDuel+”