MLBPA Open to Banning Players From Sportsbook VIP Marketing Campaigns

On Monday, the MLB Players Association told Congress it would be open to adding restrictions banning players from participating in marketing campaigns tied to VIP programs. 

This comes after Sen. Richard Blumenthal and U.S. Reps. Paul Tonko and Valerie Foushee sought answers after a video was sent to a VIP customer featuring Philadelphia Phillies player Bryce Harper. 

Before the MLBPA's response, FanDuel addressed some of the eight questions from these lawmakers. The MLBPA letter, written by General Counsel Jeffrey Perconte, was much more direct in its questions. 

MLBPA Open to Restrictions on VIP Marketing

Before Perconte addressed the questions, he mentioned additional steps it had taken. The MLBPA did say that it supports players partnering with sports betting companies, but is willing to prohibit certain aspects of VIP customer involvement. 

"We are also open to CBA restrictions prohibiting players from participating in personalized marketing campaigns aimed at VIPs, and we will of course continue to encourage our members to support marketing initiatives that promote responsible betting and addiction resources for those in need," Perconte said. 

He did mention, though, that their current policy doesn't “explicitly reference or otherwise address the types of ‘predatory VIP programs’ described in your August 10th letter.”

MLBPA Also Seeking Restrictions on Player Props

The current CBA between MLB and MLBPA expires in December, and the MLBPA is also seeking to ban player props. This isn't a new idea either, as numerous states have aimed to ban these types of play-by-play (microbetting) wagers. The MLBPA highlighted “significantly higher rates of problem gambling" when it came to props. 

“Specifically, we proposed that the Association and MLB engage in a joint lobbying effort to ban proposition bets and event contracts that are based on in-game performance,” Perconte wrote.

One of the questions asked by Congress was what education players receive to ensure they understand the risks of partaking in sportsbook promotions. 

“The Association engages in extensive and regular educational initiatives with players, including initiatives pertaining to addiction, mental health, and conduct prohibited under our policies and the law. We will refine our educational materials to highlight the potential risks posed by personalized marketing campaigns.”

As for prediction markets, Perconte noted that their policy also bans players from using them and highlighted the partnerships between Polymarket and the New York Yankees and between Novig and the New York Mets.