NBA and its union support more limits on prop bets for integrity

The NBA and the Players Association are joining forces in an effort to strengthen the integrity of the game, following a federal investigation into gambling involving several players.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter last April after discovering he manipulated his performance in two games. The league and the players’ association have expressed their support for the implementation of greater restrictions on certain types of bets. The main objective is to reduce the risk of manipulation and protect athletes from harassment by bettors.

Protecting the integrity of our game is paramount, and we believe that reasonable limitations on certain prop bets should be duly considered.
Statement from an NBA spokesperson

Jontay Porter, after pleading guilty to federal conspiracy charges, admitted to having affected his performance in two games during the 2023-24 season to benefit associates who bet against his statistics. Faced with this situation, the NBA asked its associated betting houses to suspend bets against players with two-way contracts, such as Porter at that time. The league believes that greater limitations on prop bets are justified. In addition to Porter, Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley are also under federal investigation for matters related to gambling. So far, neither of them has been charged with any crime. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) considers Porter’s case an isolated incident. However, the NBPA recognizes the concern about the harassment suffered by players from disgruntled bettors.

Players are concerned that prop bets have become an increasingly alarming source of harassment, both online and in person. If stricter regulations can help minimize that abuse, then we support taking a closer look at them.
Statement from an NBPA spokesperson

In response to this problem, two states, Ohio and New Jersey, have taken steps to restrict certain prop bets. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine requested a ban on so-called micro-bets, which refer to bets on specific events during games. This request came after two Cleveland Guardians pitchers were suspended amid a Major League Baseball investigation into suspicious betting activities on the outcome of individual pitches during two games in June. Major League Baseball is currently discussing the topic of micro-betting. In New Jersey, Assemblyman Dan Hutchinson introduced a bill to eliminate micro-bets from betting menus in the state’s sportsbooks.