NBA Investigates Prop Bets Amid Scandal, New Restrictions Imminent

URGENT UPDATE: New reports confirm the **NBA** is taking immediate action to address vulnerabilities in sports betting following a significant scandal involving player prop bets. Sources tell ESPN that the league, in collaboration with partner sportsbooks like **FanDuel** and **DraftKings**, is actively reviewing the types of bets that pose the greatest risk for manipulation.

Earlier today, it was revealed that before the start of the season, the NBA flagged specific wagers—such as missed free throws, fouls, and turnovers—as especially susceptible to manipulation. In response, both FanDuel and DraftKings have agreed not to offer these types of bets, as the league intensifies its focus on integrity in betting markets.

The scandal involves allegations against veteran NBA guard **Terry Rozier**, who is accused of conspiring with gamblers to manipulate performance statistics. According to the indictment, Rozier allegedly informed a childhood friend of his plans to exit a game early in **March 2023**, allowing bettors to wager **$257,700** on the under for his game performance. This led to sportsbooks suspending prop bets on Rozier just hours before the game, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory oversight.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: As the NBA works to safeguard the integrity of the game, the implications for bettors and sportsbooks are significant. Prop bets, particularly those focused on individual player performances, have surged in popularity, accounting for a growing share of wagers in the basketball betting landscape. However, they also raise serious concerns about potential manipulation.

An NBA spokesperson emphasized the league’s commitment to ongoing collaboration with sportsbooks to monitor these issues:

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

Adding to the urgency, the NBA is set to implement new restrictions ahead of the **2024-25 season**, explicitly instructing sportsbooks to avoid prop bets on players signed to two-way or ten-day contracts. This decision follows the case of **Jontay Porter**, who was banned from the league for allegedly manipulating his performance to benefit bettors.

As sportsbooks navigate these changes, they assert that the regulated betting environment is crucial for maintaining integrity. A spokesperson for DraftKings stated,

“Recent events demonstrate that the regulated sports betting industry is working as intended—fostering collaboration to help uncover suspicious activity.”

FanDuel echoed this sentiment, stating its ongoing dialogue with the NBA has played a vital role in refining betting offerings. They have already removed prop bets linked to players on short-term contracts to prevent further integrity issues.

The implications of the scandal extend beyond just the NBA, as the **Sports Betting Alliance** warns that a blanket ban on prop bets could push bettors toward illegal and unregulated platforms, creating significant risks for both consumers and regulators. Jeremy Kudon, the Alliance president, cautioned that this could create a “dangerous blind spot” for monitoring game integrity.

As discussions continue and the landscape of betting evolves, all eyes will be on the NBA and its partners as they implement these crucial changes. The focus on integrity in sports betting is more critical than ever, and developments in this ongoing investigation will be closely monitored by fans, stakeholders, and regulators alike.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.