NBA Moves to Strengthen Integrity Measures as Gambling Scrutiny Intensifies

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is considering stricter limits on some bets as it seeks to protect the integrity of the sport and safeguard players from harassment related to gambling losses. These efforts are particularly notable given the recent streak of high-profile gambling-related incidents involving current and former athletes. The NBA remains adamant that all stakeholders must contribute to minimizing gambling’s adverse effects on the sport.

Ongoing Controversy Could Threaten the NBA’s Reputation

With several current or former players involved in gambling-related investigations, the league and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) this week urged for additional limits on proposition bets. This renewed urge to curb the impact of sports wagering coincides with the continuing shockwaves after the lifetime ban of former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter. 

NBA commissioner Adam Silver banned Porter from the league in April after concluding he had intentionally manipulated his performance to aid gamblers. Porter subsequently pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges, acknowledging in court that he had pulled himself out of games during the 2023–24 season to profit from bets placed by others.

Besides Porter, players Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley have also been linked to the federal probe. However, neither of the two has been charged. Separately, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas was arrested and later released on a $50,000 bond in Los Angeles as part of an alleged underground gambling ring that centered on high-stakes poker games at his home.

Limiting Microbets Could Be a Decisive First Step

According to a recent ESPN report, the NBA previously requested that sportsbooks refrain from taking “unders” on prop bets for players signed to two-way contracts, a category carrying less visibility and scrutiny. League officials now believe further restrictions may be necessary to limit the negative impact of wagering on the sport’s reputation and the players’ well-being.

Protecting the integrity of our game is paramount, and we believe reasonable limitations on certain prop bets should be given due consideration.

NBA statement

The NBA is not alone in confronting these issues. In recent months, Ohio and New Jersey have sought to curtail “microbets,” wagers placed on in-game occurrences such as individual pitches or shots, which are more susceptible to manipulation and can cause significant frustration from bettors. Major League Baseball also confirmed it is examining microbets following suspicious wagering on select pitches in June.

If tighter regulations can help minimize that abuse, then we support taking a closer look at them.

NBA statement

For the NBA, the stakes are clear. Basketball and sports betting are becoming increasingly intertwined, creating both opportunity and risk. League officials and athletes agree that ensuring fair competition and protecting players will require continued vigilance and cooperation with the gambling sector. With high-profile wagering scandals becoming increasingly common, the Association must act quickly.