NBA is cracking down on gambling to promote the integrity of the game

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

NBA Business: NBA is cracking down on gambling to promote the integrity of the game

No more “under” bets for two-way and 10-day contract players

After months of discussions, the NBA agreed with its betting partners to ban certain types of bets on players who earn the least in the league. These players are often on two-way or 10-day contracts. They were found to be more vulnerable to involvement in gambling schemes due to their lower salaries.

“We are pleased that these measures have been taken to protect the integrity of our games,” an NBA spokesman said. FanDuel also confirmed its compliance, stating: “We adhere to all guidelines from our league partners.”

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

The Jontay Porter scandal

The NBA’s crackdown on proposition betting involving lower-paid players stems in part from the Porter case. 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 found that Porter disclosed confidential health information to an employee known as a sports bettor. This tip was used to place a significant bet on a game between the Raptors and Sacramento Kings on March 20th.

Porter withdrew from the game after just three minutes due to illness. This deliberate underperformance was part of a larger plan. A third party placed an $80,000 parlay bet that included a prediction that Porter would underperform in the game. The bet was expected to result in a whopping $1.1 million in winnings.

In addition to the March 20 incident, Porter also placed multiple bets on NBA games through an employee’s online account. Although he didn’t bet on the games he attended, he did bet that the Raptors would lose in other games. Within three months, Porter made 13 bets ranging from $15 to $22,000, earning a profit of almost $22,000. This violation of league rules ultimately led to his expulsion.

Protecting the integrity of the game

The NBA’s decision to ban proposition betting on players on 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 earn multi-million dollar contracts. They are less likely to risk their careers for a payout from gambling programs. However, players with lower salaries – such as those on two-way contracts – may be more vulnerable to tampering.

The NBA’s betting partners have accepted this rule change. The move is seen as a necessary step to prevent further scandals amid growing concerns about the influence of gambling in sport. NBA betting continues to grow, with sports betting even being offered in 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 sports betting

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 stake on their in-arena sports bets.

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 had a difficult time gaining traction in Congress. Still, the league remains focused on protecting the integrity of the game.

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” bid betting on lower-paid players reflects the league’s commitment to maintaining fair competition and preventing potential scandals.

The NBA wants to prevent future incidents like the Jontay Porter scandal with strict rules. The league’s goal is to maintain fan trust and protect the integrity of the sport by protecting at-risk players from exploitation. The decision represents a significant step toward securing the future of NBA betting as the league continues to navigate the growing world of sports gambling.