Illegal bets in the Dominican Republic come under scrutiny after MLB pitchers arrested

Published: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 6:12 pm

Illegal Betting in Dominican Republic Under Scrutiny Following MLB Pitcher Arrests

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The world of baseball and sports betting in the Dominican Republic is facing increased scrutiny following the indictment of two Major League Baseball pitchers, Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, on charges of taking bribes to manipulate game outcomes. The accusations, stemming from a U.S. federal investigation, allege the pitchers accepted payments from unnamed sports bettors to influence their pitching performance, resulting in at least $460,000 in winnings for the bettors. Both players have pleaded not guilty.

The case has sparked widespread concern and embarrassment within the Dominican Republic, where baseball is a national passion and public betting is commonplace. While the country boasts approximately 3,500 registered betting shops, officials acknowledge a significantly larger number of illegal operations. This unregulated, multimillion-dollar industry is now under the spotlight, raising questions about corruption and the integrity of the sport.

The Dominican Republic's government has been attempting to regulate the betting industry for years, but has faced challenges. A new bill is currently under consideration by legislators, aiming to establish a regulatory body and impose penalties for non-compliance.

The Clase and Ortiz case has also drawn attention to the case of Oscar Chalas, the former director of casinos and gambling in the Dominican Republic, who reached a plea deal in October. Chalas admitted to collecting money from illegal betting shops to allow them to continue operating.

The prevalence of gambling is expected to increase as the Dominican Republic's Professional Baseball League final approaches. High-profile bets, such as the one made by Hall of Famer David Ortiz earlier this year, further highlight the widespread nature of sports betting in the country.

BNN's Perspective: The allegations against Clase and Ortiz are deeply concerning and underscore the need for robust regulation and oversight of the sports betting industry in the Dominican Republic. While the passion for baseball and betting is undeniable, the potential for corruption and manipulation threatens the integrity of the sport and the trust of fans. The government's efforts to regulate the industry are crucial, and it is imperative that these efforts are implemented effectively to protect the sport and the public.

Keywords: Dominican Republic, baseball, sports betting, MLB, Emmanuel Clase, Luis Ortiz, corruption, gambling, illegal betting, regulation, Oscar Chalas, David Ortiz

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