NBA Tightens Betting Rules to Protect Lower-Paid Players
NBA has teamed up with betting giants like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM to introduce new restrictions on certain prop bets. The league has decided to remove “under” bets on its lowest-paid players, such as those on two-way or 10-day contracts, to safeguard against potential manipulation.
The Jontay Porter Fallout
Porter, who was earning just $56,000 on a two-way contract, was caught tipping off a bettor about his health status before a game.
This led to a large parlay bet, and after playing only three minutes, Porter left the game due to illness. His involvement in gambling on games while with the Raptors and their G-League affiliate resulted in a lifetime NBA ban.
Lower-paid players are often seen as more vulnerable to the pressures of gambling manipulation. With an average NBA salary nearing $12 million, those on short-term contracts face a different set of challenges, and the new betting restrictions are designed to minimize those risks.
Balancing Betting and Integrity
Under NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the league has embraced legalized sports betting, with many teams even incorporating sportsbooks into their arenas.
However, the Porter incident highlighted concerns about the integrity of the game. By limiting certain bets, the NBA hopes to maintain fairness while supporting the growth of sports betting.
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