As online betting expands, players like Christian Yelich and Justin Wilson have reported a surge in abusive messages from fans blaming them for losing bets. This troubling trend has particularly impacted Lance McCullers Jr. and Liam Hendriks, who faced threats after poor performances. McCullers revealed that such threats extended to his family, prompting the Astros to enhance security for him and his loved ones. This raises serious concerns about player safety and the shifting dynamics between athletes and fans in the gambling era.