In an era where sports betting is not only widespread but woven into the fabric of how fans engage with games, the importance of integrity monitoring has never been greater. With real-time, in-play betting options exploding in popularity, leagues and sportsbooks face an increasing challenge: ensuring that the outcomes—down to individual moments like a single pitch—remain untarnished by manipulation or bad actors.
A recent situation in Major League Baseball highlights just how vulnerable the in-play betting market can be, and why vigilance is essential.
The Luis Ortiz Betting Anomalies: A Cautionary Tale
In June 2025, betting integrity firm IC360 alerted sportsbooks to suspicious betting patterns involving Cleveland Guardians pitcher Luis Ortiz. The first incident, flagged on June 15 against the Seattle Mariners, centered on unusual wagers placed specifically on the outcome of Ortiz’s first pitch in the second inning—a bet on either a ball or a hit batsman. Ortiz spiked a wild slider into the dirt, well out of the strike zone, and the bet cashed.
Less than two weeks later, on June 27, similar bets poured in ahead of Ortiz’s appearance against the St. Louis Cardinals. Again, the focus was a single pitch—this time in the top of the third inning—with bets placed on an errant pitch or hit batter. Ortiz delivered another wild throw the catcher couldn’t control, matching the prediction.
Both incidents triggered internal reviews after sportsbooks noticed bets coming in from multiple states, including Ohio, New York, and New Jersey. While Major League Baseball has not made any disciplinary rulings, Ortiz was placed on a non-disciplinary leave pending investigation, underscoring the seriousness with which the league treats even the appearance of impropriety.
The Rise of In-Play Betting—and the Risks That Come With It
In-play betting, sometimes called live betting, allows fans to wager on individual moments within a game—everything from who will win the next point in tennis to the result of the next pitch in baseball. It’s fast, engaging, and one of the highest growth segments in global sports betting.
But the granularity of these markets is also their Achilles’ heel. Unlike traditional bets on final outcomes, in-play wagers can be manipulated by small actions involving only one or two individuals. A single intentional walk, a deliberate error, or a misjudged pitch can shift millions in wagers without dramatically altering the broader game.
Why Integrity Monitoring Matters
To combat these vulnerabilities, leagues and sportsbooks have turned to advanced integrity monitoring solutions like those offered by IC360 and others. These firms use sophisticated algorithms, cross-market analysis, and real-time betting data to detect irregular patterns that suggest insider manipulation, match-fixing, or other forms of betting fraud.
Key elements of effective integrity monitoring include:
- Real-Time Alerts: Detecting abnormal betting spikes as they happen, not after the fact.
- Cross-Jurisdiction Oversight: Monitoring activity across different betting markets and geographic regions.
- Collaboration with Leagues: Working closely with governing bodies to investigate and address suspicious activities swiftly.
Without such systems, the very foundation of fair play—and by extension, the trust of bettors and fans—would be at risk.
The Human Element
It’s important to note that not every unusual event signals wrongdoing. Players make mistakes, fatigue sets in, and randomness is part of sport. But when betting patterns suggest something more coordinated, as in the Ortiz case, investigations are necessary to preserve the integrity of the game.
For athletes, even the appearance of impropriety can have career-altering consequences. That’s why education around sports betting regulations, restrictions on who can wager, and the use of monitoring tools are essential parts of modern professional sports.
Looking Ahead: Integrity as a Pillar of Sports Betting’s Future
As sports betting becomes more intertwined with how fans experience live sports, integrity monitoring must evolve alongside it. This is particularly true for in-play betting, where the stakes—and the temptation—can hinge on a single pitch, play, or possession.
Leagues, sportsbooks, and regulators must continue to invest in technology, transparency, and collaborative oversight to ensure that the thrill of live betting remains legitimate and that the sanctity of sport endures.
