Taiwan Baseball League Suspends Three Pitchers over Gambling Violations

The athletes reportedly played poker online, which is strictly forbidden unless done under regulated, state-licensed platformsImage Source: Shutterstock.com

Taiwan’s Chinese Professional Baseball League(CPBL) has penalized three TSG Hawks pitchers after an internal probe uncovered that they participated inonline poker games. Taiwan is famous for its harsh gambling regulations, as gambling using offshore platforms is considered illegal. This strict ruling underscores the league’s zero-tolerance stancetoward gambling violations among players. 

The Instigating Player Received Harsher Penalties

According to a recent Taipei Timesreport, three pitchers,Guo Yu-yan, Chen Guan-hao, and Wu Yu-cheng, participated in online Texas hold ’em poker sessions earlier this year. CPBL ruled that Guo will be suspended forten gamesand receive aTWD 100,000($3,270) fine, while Chen and Wu will each missfive gamesand face a TWD 50,000($1,630) fine.

The league noted that the penalties shouldserve as a warningto other athletes, helping protect the sport’s integrity and maintain public confidencein professional baseball. CPBL secretary-general Yang Ching-lung confirmed that the organization responded to a tip-off that a sports agency had enticed playersto engage in online poker. The CPBL pledged to remain vigilant regarding any potential violations involving athletes or team personnel.

“We ask all clubs and players to uphold the good image and core values of professional baseball, and to know what these mean for our society.”

CPBL statement

According to the CPBL’s findings, aTaiyu Sports Agency representative first contacted Guo between January and June this year. Guo later introduced online poker to Chen and Wu, but the two quickly stopped playing. The agency’s agent, Cheng Ming-yang, denied introducing players to the gambling platform. The company also distanced itselffrom the incident.

Gambling Remains a Sensitive Subject in Taiwan

The CPBL has a long track record of dealing with issues surrounding poker and gambling. In August last year, four playersreceived suspensions and were fined after photographs surfaced showing them playing in private poker games. The league has since tightened its oversight, requiring clubs to host regular conduct training sessions.

This newest incident again draws attention to the ongoing debateregarding the legal status of poker in Taiwan. All gambling remains prohibited without a state-issued licence, and online poker involving real money is illegal. Although many Taiwanese users engage with offshore platforms, participation in such activitiesremains a violationof local laws. 

“Engaging in online gambling is not a sanctioned activity for players, which has tarnished Taiwan’s professional baseball.”

CPBL statement

High-profile athletes, as public figures, must follow even strictercodes of conduct, as the CPBL remains adamant that any form of online gambling coulderode public trust and violate the ethical expectations placed on players. Despite such controversies, Taiwan regularly hosts international poker tournaments that exist in a legal grey zonedue to their fixed buy-ins and prize pools.