NBA Takes Major Steps to Prevent Exploitable Betting Ahead of New Season
In a proactive move against betting scandals, the NBA prohibits certain wagers with sportsbook partners.
As the new NBA season approaches, the league is intensifying efforts to combat illegal betting practices that recently made headlines. Following a significant gambling scandal last year, the NBA has issued directives to its sportsbook partners aimed at eliminating specific types of wagers that have been targeted for exploitation.
Bans on Risky Wagers
According to a report by ESPN, the NBA has communicated new restrictions to its betting affiliates, including prominent names like DraftKings and FanDuel. The banned wagers primarily include parlays betting on the "Under" for individual player statistics, along with bets on players expected to play less than 12 minutes in a game. Additionally, the league has prohibited several novelty bets such as who will win the opening tip-off and the outcome of a player's first shot attempt.
This move comes after federal cases implicated players in schemes leveraging these types of bets, particularly concerning player performance metrics. For instance, Johntay Porter, a former player for the Toronto Raptors, admitted in court that he manipulated his playing time to facilitate bets placed on his underperforming statistics.
Notable Cases Highlight the Issue
In one court case, it was revealed that a particular bettor constructed an impressive parlay, wagering $80,000 and reaping a staggering $1.1 million based on Porter’s statistics during a game against the Sacramento Kings. Porter left the match after only three minutes of gameplay, raising suspicions about the integrity of the bets involved.
Another incident surfaced involving veteran guard Terry Rozier, who is accused of a similar offense while playing for the Charlotte Hornets against the New Orleans Pelicans in March 2023. Rozier reportedly exited the game after just nine minutes. He has since pleaded not guilty and has denied any involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
NBA's Ongoing Response to Betting Scandals
Through this newly established agreement with sportsbooks, the NBA aims to curtail the types of markets available for betting. As reported, these sportsbooks are believed to control over 99% of the legal betting market in the United States.
The league has maintained ongoing dialogue with major gaming companies to tighten regulations on wagering following the recent controversies. The set of prohibited bets complements previously established restrictions, which include bans on bets related to players on ten-day or two-way contracts and types of player props, including those concerning turnovers, fouls, and missed free throws.
Enhancing Protection for Players
To reinforce the security of players and team staff against harassment from bettors, the NBA is also improving its policies on fan interaction. A memo circulated among the 30 franchises highlights the appointment of Charles Tillman—former NFL player and retired FBI agent—to lead training initiatives regarding the league's betting regulations.
Furthermore, the NBA has implemented a new hotline for reporting harassment and threats securely. In partnership with the third-party organization Social Project, the league is enhancing players’ ability to identify and remove abusive messages on social media platforms.
These strategic interventions signify the NBA’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the game while safeguarding those connected to it as the new season approaches.
