One-Third of Americans Suspect NBA Coaches and Players Engage in Illegal Betting

This finding comes from the Quinnipiac University Sports Poll, which assessed public perception regarding integrity issues surrounding the NBA. The survey, conducted from October 31 to November 2, focused on recent gambling scandals involving the league.

Perception Problem for the NBA

The poll highlighted a major perception problem for the NBA regarding the fairness of its games. Nearly half of all Americans ($48\%$) reported feeling either “not so confident” or “not at all confident” that NBA games are played honestly. Conversely, $49\%$ expressed some level of confidence in the league’s integrity.

Among self-identified NBA fans, confidence is higher but not unanimous: $67\%$ believe games are played fairly, yet $32\%$remain doubtful.

“Perception matters, and right now the NBA has a distinct perception problem,” stated Nick Pietruszkiewicz, an assistant professor of journalism and program director for sports communication at Quinnipiac University. “It may also have a confidence problem.”

Legalized Betting Linked to Increased Corruption

A significant majority of Americans believe the recent growth of legal sports betting across the country has led to more corruption. Sixty-four percent ($64\%$) of all adults feel that the expansion of legal wagering has increased the amount of illegal activity by players and coaches attempting to influence sporting outcomes. Even among NBA fans, $69\%$ share this view.

Dr. Brittani Webb, Assistant Professor of Media Studies, noted that while most fans trust they are watching fair contests, “those feelings wane as fans also recognize that legalized sports betting has opened the door to questionable tactics.”

Prop Betting and Insider Information

The poll explored public attitudes toward specific betting activities and corruption tactics:

• Prop Betting Opposition: A strong majority of Americans, $67\%$, believe that “prop betting” (wagers on specific in-game events rather than the final outcome) should not be allowed. Only $29\%$ support allowing it.
• Insider Leaks: NBA fans most frequently suspect that leaking of insider information—specifically about player availability—occurs often. Forty-five percent ($45\%$) of NBA fans believe this tactic happens either “very often” or “somewhat often.”
• Targeted Actions: About $29\%$ of NBA fans suspect players are frequently intentionally missing shots or feigning injuries to affect bets. Furthermore, $28\%$ suspect coaches are often making roster decisions to influence betting results.

Commissioner Adam Silver’s Trust Deficit

Public trust in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s ability to prevent and detect illegal betting activity among players and coaches is also weak. Fifty-five percent ($55\%$) of all Americans are either “not so confident” or “not at all confident”in Silver’s capability.

NBA fans are split on the matter: $50\%$ of fans express confidence in Silver, while $47\%$ do not. Webb commented that, given two major gambling scandals in two years, “fans and the American public are expressing doubt in Adam Silver’s ability to protect the integrity of the league in an era defined by sports betting legalization.”

Most Americans ($72\%$) believe the level of illegal betting involvement in the NBA is “about the same” compared to other professional sports leagues.