Two Cleveland Guardians pitchers are facing trial in a sweeping Major League Baseball gambling scandal that has shaken the league’s integrity and raised questions about its relationship with legalized sports betting.
Federal prosecutors charged Cleveland Guardians reliever Emmanuel Clase and starter Luis Ortiz with participating in illegal gambling operations. The indictments state that both players bet on MLB games and maintained connections to underground poker networks run by organized crime.
According to court filings, investigators uncovered evidence that Clase and Ortiz wagered on contests involving their own team, a violation considered among the most serious offenses in professional sports. Prosecutors claim the players used intermediaries to disguise their involvement, funneling money through offshore banking accounts and private gambling rings.
The scandal comes amid heightened scrutiny of baseball’s embrace of sports betting partnerships. MLB has promoted legalized wagering as a way to engage fans, but critics argue the league failed to anticipate the risks of insider corruption.
Is It Legal To Bet On MLB Baseball Online?
Currently, 30 states have legalized online sports betting, while an additional eight have enacted legislation permitting in-person wagering. Despite these state-level distinctions, offshore gambling platforms remain accessible nationwide, as they operate beyond U.S. jurisdiction.
Baseball ranks among the most heavily wagered-upon sports, driven by the sheer volume of games played each season. Online sportsbooks provide a wide range of betting options for Major League Baseball, including game lines, futures, and in-game propositions. Bettors can also access international markets, with lines available for prominent leagues such as the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
In addition to baseball, online sportsbooks offer odds on other major sports, including football, basketball, wrestling, and more, ensuring comprehensive wagering opportunities for U.S. players.
How The Guardians Reacted To The Allegations
The Guardians organization has suspended both players pending the outcome of the trial, while league officials have promised full cooperation with federal authorities.
Justice Department officials described the case as part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling tied to professional sports. They emphasized that the charges highlight vulnerabilities in the system and the need for stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of the game.