The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have jointly expressed support for new restrictions on certain sports wagers they believe are most susceptible to manipulation, ESPN’s David Purdum reported on August 17, 2025.
The call for tighter rules follows a string of gambling-related incidents since widespread legalization in 2018. The highest-profile case involved Jontay Porter, who received a lifetime ban from the league and pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge. Ongoing investigations involving Malik Beasley and Terry Rozier have further intensified scrutiny of betting practices.
In the wake of Porter’s case, the NBA already barred prop bets tied to two-way players. League and union officials now anticipate additional measures, driven in part by player frustration over the league’s gambling partnerships and concern that certain wagers invite misconduct.
According to the NBPA, the issue extends beyond potential game manipulation. “Players are concerned that prop bets have become an increasingly alarming source of player harassment, both online and in person,” a union spokesperson said. The NBPA believes stricter regulations could help curb that abuse.
Microbets—wagers on immediate in-game events—have become a particular focus. Legislators in New Jersey and Ohio have introduced bills that would prohibit microbetting, and Major League Baseball is weighing its own policies after two Cleveland pitchers were placed on administrative leave amid questions about such bets.
The NBA and NBPA have not detailed a timeline for any new rules, but both sides indicated they will continue examining bet types that could compromise integrity or player safety.
Source: HoopsRumors
