NBA Scrutinizes Vulnerable Bets Amid Ongoing Betting Scandal
The NBA is intensifying its focus on betting practices following a scandal involving player prop bets. The league and its partner sportsbooks are currently assessing which types of bets are particularly vulnerable to manipulation. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the NBA has requested sportsbooks to reconsider offering specific bets, including those related to missed free throws, fouls, and turnovers.
Before the start of the current season, the NBA had identified these wagers as susceptible to manipulation. In response, both FanDuel and DraftKings confirmed they would comply with the league’s recommendations. Notably, FanDuel had not offered these types of bets in previous seasons, while DraftKings had provided in-game betting options on certain player performance metrics, though these were not available before games.
The ongoing discussions include determining appropriate betting limits for wagers deemed vulnerable to manipulation. Typically, the betting limits on player prop bets are lower than those placed on overall game point spreads. An NBA spokesperson noted, “Prop bets on individual player performance can raise heightened integrity concerns and warrant additional scrutiny.” The league is committed to working closely with its sportsbook partners to evaluate current betting offerings continually.
The scrutiny on prop bets intensified after allegations surfaced involving Terry Rozier, a veteran guard in the league. Federal authorities have accused him of conspiring with gamblers to manipulate prop bets concerning his performance statistics. The indictment claims that Rozier disclosed his intention to exit a March 2023 game early to a childhood friend, who then allegedly sold this information to gamblers for approximately $100,000.
Leading up to the game, sportsbooks reported a significant influx of betting interest on Rozier’s performance statistics, prompting them to remove his prop bets shortly before the game commenced. Rozier played just over nine minutes before citing a foot injury, leaving the game early. According to records obtained by ESPN, bettors placed $257,700 on the under for Rozier’s statistics across various sportsbooks, including substantial individual bets made in Mississippi.
In light of these developments, DraftKings emphasized that the incident illustrates the industry’s proactive approach to monitoring suspicious betting activities. A spokesperson stated, “Recent events demonstrate that the regulated sports betting industry is working as intended—fostering collaboration between operators, leagues, regulators, law enforcement, and integrity monitoring services.”
“From the start, our collaboration with the NBA has helped us determine what bets not to offer,”
a FanDuel spokesperson added. They noted their ongoing efforts to monitor integrity issues, stating that they have removed prop bets on players with two-way or ten-day contracts in partnership with the league.
Looking ahead to the 2024-25 season, the NBA has also requested sportsbooks to refrain from offering bets on players under two-way or ten-day contracts. This request follows the recent suspension of former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who reportedly manipulated his performance in games to benefit his bettors. Some bettors involved in the Porter scheme were also named in Rozier’s indictment.
The popularity of player prop bets has surged in the NBA, representing an increasing share of total wagers. These bets are particularly favored in parlays, which enhance potential payouts on winning bets. Despite the NBA’s influence over its partner sportsbooks, the league has limited power over daily fantasy sports operators, prediction markets, and offshore sportsbooks.
The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), a lobbying group representing major U.S. sportsbooks, has voiced concerns regarding potential blanket bans on prop bets. Jeremy Kudon, SBA president, warned that such actions could drive bettors toward illegal and unregulated platforms that lack oversight and consumer protections. This shift would create significant challenges for regulators and leagues in identifying and addressing threats to game integrity.
As the NBA continues to navigate these complexities, it remains focused on protecting both the integrity of the game and the interests of its fans and stakeholders. The ongoing reviews and collaborations with sportsbooks signify the league’s commitment to a transparent and secure betting environment.
