In a coordinated drive to safeguard basketball’s credibility, both the NBA and the Players Association (NBPA) have publicly backed stronger regulations on prop bets—especially in the aftermath of high-profile gambling scandals.
“Protecting the integrity of our game is paramount, and we believe reasonable limitations on certain prop bets should be given due consideration,” the NBA told ESPN, emphasizing that rules must strike a balance between preventing manipulation and allowing fans to wager legally.
ESPN Bet has fans awfully concerned about potential conflicts of interest.
The union highlighted a growing concern: prop betting has increasingly become a source of harassment directed at players—both online and in person. “NBA players compete at the highest level with the utmost integrity and are concerned that prop bets have become an increasingly alarming source of player harassment... If tighter regulations can help minimize that abuse, then we support taking a closer look at them,” stated an NBPA spokesperson.
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This movement gained momentum following the lifetime ban issued last April to former Raptors player Jontay Porter, who pleaded guilty to federal charges after being found guilty of manipulating his performance to benefit prop bet outcomes.
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With wagering now fully legalized in most states, prop bets—such as predicting player stats or in-game events—have proliferated. Yet, insiders say that the rise of microbets and similar platforms has exposed athletes to undue pressure and misconduct. Some states, like Ohio and New Jersey, are already moving to limit or ban such wagers, and lawmakers are closely watching how the NBA’s stance unfolds. As gambling tech evolves, so too does the conversation around fair play. The NBA and NBPA’s united call for stricter prop bet rules marks a pivotal moment—one that may define how much of the sport gets commodified without costing its integrity.
