PITTSBURGH — Despite recent MLB betting scandals, Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting believes the current gambling policies in place have the game “in exactly the right spot.”
Tucupita Marcano received a lifetime ban in June for violating MLB betting policy in 2022 and 2023, when he was with the Pirates.
“I think the game’s in exactly the right spot, that an absolute bright line (banning bets on baseball) is the only way to go,” Nutting told three reporters Thursday at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) conference when asked if any policy changes are coming.
“And I think the most important thing in baseball, by having such a tight line, such a bright line, and being so clear (is) that even where we’ve had issues with betting, we’ve never had issues with game manipulation or integrity. So I think that (by) nipping it so tightly in the bud, we’ve eliminated what I think the really tragic response would be.”
Why Marcano got MLB betting ban
Marcano was a member of the San Diego Padres when his ban was announced.
However, he wagered more than $150,000 on baseball in parts of 2022 and 2023, when he was with Pittsburgh. He even made 25 bets on the Pirates while he was on the team’s injured list.
“I think everyone in baseball knows those policies perfectly clearly,” Nutting replied when asked how the franchise reacted to the ban. “And we are very supportive of all the efforts that the commissioner’s office is taking in general for education. They do a great job. I think it’s a very unusual aberration, and we certainly support what Rob (Manfred) did.”
MLB betting discipline includes umpire
MLB has been bogged down by gambling issues of late.
Umpire Pat Hoberg was recently disciplined for violating MLB betting policy. Hoberg is appealing.
“It’s probably not appropriate for the Pirates to have a position,” Nutting said when asked about Hoberg’s case. “I think, personally, I’m extremely supportive (of our policies). I know how hard everybody works to maintain focus and integrity. And I know how aggressively it’s enforced. And I think the commissioner’s office is doing a fantastic job, and doing as much as they can, and we encourage it.”
What else drew attention?
Rule 21 of the MLB’s code prohibits players, coaches, umpires, executives, owners and other league and team personnel from betting on baseball.
Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter pleaded guilty to stealing $17 million from the MLB star’s bank account. Ippei Mizuhara did so in order to pay off gambling debts owed to an illegal bookmaker.
Four other players each received a one-year ban for their own MLB betting violations.
Asked by LSR if owners have any regrets about getting into financial relationships with sportsbooks as a result, Nutting replied, “I think they found a very solid balance for the game.”
