The NBA and the players’ association support putting limits on certain types of prop bets to reduce both the risk of manipulation and athlete abuse from disgruntled bettors.
“Protecting the integrity of our game is paramount, and we believe reasonable limitations on certain prop bets should be given due consideration,” an NBA spokesperson said in a statement to ESPN. “Any approach should aim to reduce the risk of performance manipulation while ensuring that fans who wish to place prop bets can continue to do so via legal, regulated markets.”
Jontay Porter was previously banned from the NBA in April 2024 due to manipulating his stat line in two games.
Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley have also been investigated as part of a federal gambling inquiry, though both have not been charged.
The NBA asked sportsbooks to not allow bettors to wage the under on prop bets for players on two-way contracts.
The NBA sees Porter’s case as an isolated incident, though the NBPA is concerned about the harassment that athletes face from bettors.
“[Players] are concerned that prop bets have become an increasingly alarming source of player harassment, both online and in person,” an NBPA spokesperson said in a statement to ESPN. “If tighter regulations can help minimize that abuse, then we support taking a closer look at them.”
