Congressional Push to Restrict MLB Betting Promotions

Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Representatives Paul Tonko of New York and Valerie Foushee of North Carolina have sent a formal letter to Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The lawmakers demand that the league and its players’ union prohibit promotional deals with gambling operators that could exploit vulnerable fans. Their request follows a November 2024 incident in which sportsbook FanDuel provided a personalized “Cameo” video featuring Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper to a high-spending customer. The customer later sued FanDuel, alleging the promotion intensified his gambling addiction. Harper has said he was unaware of how the video would be used.

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Under the existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA), MLB players may engage in promotional activities with betting companies so long as they do not explicitly authorize the use of their name, uniform number, image, or likeness to advertise or encourage betting on any baseball game. The MLBPA is reportedly considering loosening these restrictions during ongoing negotiations for the next CBA, according to sources familiar with the talks.

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Blumenthal, Tonko, and Foushee argue that the present rules enable “predatory promotion” that drives vulnerable fans into debt and addiction. Their letter outlines five specific questions for MLB and the MLBPA and asks for a response by the August deadline. The lawmakers frame the issue as a failure that both the league and the players’ union must confront directly, especially as they renegotiate the CBA.

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Both MLB and the MLBPA declined to comment when contacted by ESPN. No official statement was provided regarding the letter or the broader debate over betting-related player promotions.

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If Congress’s concerns lead to policy changes, MLB and the MLBPA could face tighter restrictions on player-betting partnerships, potentially reshaping revenue streams from gambling sponsorships. The outcome may also set a precedent for other professional sports leagues confronting similar issues of gambling-related promotion and fan protection.

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