Just last month, both the NBA and its players association supported new limits on certain prop bets. This shift is indicative of their increasing worry over the impacts of sports betting. This new initiative is a direct answer to increasing concerns about game integrity. It goes a step further to combat the possibility of athletes being abused by gamblers. That call for regulation has come amid a flurry of investigations into multiple operators tied to nefarious betting practices.
David Purdum joined ESPN in 2014 but has been a journalist covering the gambling industry since 2008. His reports highlight the increasing scrutiny surrounding prop bets, particularly in light of a federal investigation involving players such as Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley. Neither of those players has been charged with a crime. The league isn’t happy about their participation in the bipartisan probe, and they’re causing worry among league officials and their fans alike.
Moreover, Porter, another player targeted in the ongoing investigation, pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges in July. He admitted to walking out on two games this 2023-24 season already. This intentional act was intended to benefit homies who had contracted on the under for his stat line. This shocking admission has only added fuel to the fire to increase regulatory pressure amidst an increasingly volatile betting environment.
Ohio and New Jersey have been nimble in their responses to ban certain prop bets. In Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine is leading an effort to ban micro-bets. This new ban is intended to deter any such manipulation and protect athletes from falling victim to future exploitation – in this case, by gamblers. Meanwhile, back in New Jersey, Assemblyman Dan Hutchinson has sponsored a bill that would remove micro-bets from betting menus at New Jersey sportsbooks.
Protecting the integrity of professional sports is one of the NBA’s top priorities. So too does the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). An NBA spokesperson stated,
“Protecting the integrity of our game is paramount, and we believe reasonable limitations on certain prop bets should be given due consideration.”
Additionally, dangers of harassment due to prop bets have been reported. A spokesperson from the NBPA remarked,
“[Players] are concerned that prop bets have become an increasingly alarming source of player harassment, both online and in person.”
This climate of uncertainty extends beyond basketball. Just last month, two pitchers on the Cleveland Guardians organization were placed on administrative leave. This raises the stakes as Major League Baseball conducts investigations into suspicious betting activity. These unfortunate occurrences highlight why comprehensive reform is desperately needed in the gambling industry.
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