NBA ‘Cracks Down’ on Gambling To Promote Game’s Integrity 

The NBA has intensified its efforts to protect the integrity of its games by enforcing stricter rules on gambling, particularly concerning players on two-way and 10-day contracts. This is a move aimed at safeguarding the NBA from potential betting scandals. Major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM will no longer offer “under” proposition bets on players in these contract categories.

NBA Business: NBA ‘Cracks Down’ on Gambling To Promote Game’s Integrity

No More “Under” Bets for Two-Way and 10-Day Contract Players

Following months of discussions, the NBA reached an agreement with its betting partners to prohibit specific types of wagers on players who earn the least in the league. These players are often on two-way or 10-day contracts. They have been identified as more vulnerable to involvement in gambling-related schemes due to their lower salaries.

“We are pleased that these actions have been taken to help protect the integrity of our games,” an NBA spokesperson said. FanDuel also confirmed its compliance, stating, “We adhere to all policies of our league partners.”

This change comes in response to incidents that have raised questions about the security of gambling regulations in professional sports. Most notably, the league expelled Toronto Raptors two-way player Jontay Porter last season. It was for his involvement in a conspiracy to influence betting outcomes.

The Jontay Porter Scandal

The NBA’s crackdown on proposition bets involving lower-paid players stems, in part, from the case of Porter. Porter earned $56,000 on a two-way contract with the Raptors. He was found to have engaged in activities that violated the league’s gambling regulations. An investigation revealed that Porter provided confidential health information to an associate who was a known sports bettor. This tip was used to place a substantial bet on a March 20 game between the Raptors and the Sacramento Kings.

Porter pulled himself out of the game after just three minutes, citing illness. This deliberate underperformance was part of a larger scheme. A third party placed an $80,000 parlay bet that included a prediction of Porter underperforming in the game. The bet was set to win a staggering $1.1 million.

In addition to the March 20 incident, Porter also placed several bets on NBA games through an associate’s online account. Although he did not bet on games in which he played, he did bet on the Raptors to lose in other matches. Over the span of three months, Porter made 13 bets ranging from $15 to $22,000, earning nearly $22,000 in winnings. This violation of the league’s rules ultimately led to his expulsion.

Protecting the Integrity of the Game

The NBA’s decision to ban proposition bets on players with two-way or 10-day contracts is part of a broader strategy to protect the game from gambling-related threats. The majority of NBA players are earning multimillion-dollar contracts. They are seen as less likely to risk their careers for a payout from gambling schemes. However, players on lower salaries—like those on two-way contracts—may be more susceptible to manipulation.

The NBA’s betting partners have embraced this rule change. Given the rising concerns over the influence of gambling in sports, the move is seen as a necessary step to prevent further scandals. NBA betting continues to expand, with sportsbooks even operating inside NBA arenas. However, the league remains committed to balancing the benefits of these partnerships with the need to maintain fair competition.

The League’s Growing Relationship with Sportsbooks

The NBA’s ties to major betting brands have grown significantly in recent years. DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM have all partnered with the league, and several teams have opened sportsbooks in their arenas. These partnerships are lucrative. Teams receive a percentage of the handle, or total amount wagered, at their in-arena sportsbooks.

However, with this expansion of sports betting comes increased scrutiny. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has supported efforts to create a federal sports betting law that would standardize regulations across the country. So far, these lobbying efforts have faced challenges in gaining traction in Congress. Still, the league remains focused on protecting the game’s integrity.

The Future of NBA Gambling

As the NBA deepens its partnerships with betting companies, the league must continue to adapt its regulations to keep pace with the evolving sports betting landscape. The decision to ban “under” proposition bets on lower-paid players reflects the league’s commitment to maintaining fair competition and preventing potential scandals.

With strict rules in place, the NBA aims to prevent future incidents like the Jontay Porter scandal. The league aims to maintain the trust of fans and uphold the integrity of the sport by protecting vulnerable players from exploitation. The decision marks a significant step in safeguarding the future of NBA betting, as the league continues to navigate the growing world of sports gambling.