NBA Scrutinizes Betting Practices Amid Scandal, New Measures Announced

UPDATE: The NBA is urgently responding to a recent betting scandal, as officials and partner sportsbooks, including FanDuel and DraftKings, review vulnerable betting practices. New reports confirm that the league is evaluating which types of bets pose risks for manipulation, with immediate implications for how much bettors can wager.

Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the NBA has identified missed free throws, fouls, and turnovers as particularly susceptible to manipulation. In a proactive move, the league has asked sportsbooks not to offer these bets. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have complied, with FanDuel already avoiding such wagers in previous seasons. DraftKings, which previously offered in-game bets on free throws, has also removed these options ahead of the season.

The NBA is closely monitoring betting limits on player prop bets, which are already subject to lower limits compared to general game spreads, according to sources. An NBA spokesperson stated,

“Prop bets on individual player performance can raise heightened integrity concerns and warrant additional scrutiny.”

This vigilance comes in light of recent allegations surrounding player Terry Rozier, who is implicated in a scheme involving prop bets on his own statistics.

In a shocking indictment, Rozier is accused of tipping off a friend about his plans to withdraw from a March 2023 game, allowing gamblers to place bets that netted around $257,700 against his performance. Reports indicate an overwhelming betting interest on Rozier’s under statistics led sportsbooks to suspend these bets just hours before the game. A Mississippi sportsbook recorded a bettor placing 30 bets totaling $13,759 on Rozier’s under statistics that very morning.

FanDuel and DraftKings have publicly emphasized their commitment to integrity in sports betting. DraftKings stated,

“Recent events demonstrate that the regulated sports betting industry is working as intended — fostering collaboration among operators, leagues, and law enforcement to uncover suspicious activity.”

FanDuel echoed these sentiments, highlighting their ongoing dialogue with the NBA and their efforts to remove questionable prop bets, especially involving players on two-way or ten-day contracts.

The NBA is taking additional steps ahead of the 2024-25 season by advising sportsbooks not to offer betting on players with two-way contracts, following the ban of former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter for his involvement in a gambling scheme. Porter admitted to manipulating his performance in two games during the 2023-24 season, enabling bettors to profit from wagers on his unders. This echoes similar patterns seen in Rozier’s case, with overlapping participants in both schemes.

Player prop bets have surged in popularity, particularly in the NBA, now accounting for a significant portion of basketball wagers. These bets are especially attractive in parlays, which amplify payout potential on winning combinations. However, while the NBA can influence its partner sportsbooks, it has limited power over daily fantasy operators, prediction markets, and offshore sportsbooks.

The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) warns that any blanket ban on prop bets could drive bettors to unregulated platforms, which lack oversight and consumer protections. SBA President Jeremy Kudon stressed the risks, stating,

“That creates a dangerous blind spot for regulators and leagues, preventing them from effectively identifying and addressing threats to game integrity.”

As the NBA navigates these critical developments, the focus remains on ensuring the integrity of betting practices and protecting the league’s reputation. The situation is evolving rapidly, and fans are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates on this pressing issue.