Major U.S. Sportsbooks Eliminate Unders for NBA Players on 10-Day and Two-Way Contracts
In a significant move influenced by recent events in the NBA, several prominent U.S. sportsbooks will no longer offer under prop bets for players on 10-day or two-way contracts during the upcoming season. This decision follows the fallout from the Jontay Porter sports betting scandal, which raised serious concerns about integrity in the league and player actions.
The Decision from Major Sportsbooks
As reported by ESPN, prominent betting platforms—ESPN BET, DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and BetMGM—announced that they will not include under prop bets for specific player contracts. This change aims to enhance the integrity of NBA betting and prevent similar controversies from arising in the future.
The sportsbooks are taking this stance as a precautionary measure after the alarming behavior exhibited by former Toronto Raptors two-way player Jontay Porter last season. The issue centers not only around individual betting practices but also highlights the vulnerability of players in positions that may lead to conflicts of interest.
The Jontay Porter Controversy
The scandal erupted after it was uncovered that Jontay Porter, during his tenure with the Toronto Raptors, placed bets on NBA games—including some against his own team. On multiple occasions, Porter actively removed himself from games to influence the betting outcomes, which drew serious scrutiny from both the league and sportsbook operators.
Porter’s actions were further complicated by revelations that he had faked injuries to exit games prematurely. He reportedly communicated his plans to others so they could place substantial ‘under’ bets on his performances, raising alarms about the ethics and legality of his actions. The NBA took decisive action in light of this scandal, banning Porter for life in April after he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The Broader Implications for NBA Betting
The fallout from the Porter scandal has prompted a broader re-examination of how sportsbooks handle betting on NBA players. Some experts argue that restricting certain types of prop bets is essential to maintaining the integrity of the sport and betting markets. By eliminating unders for players on short-term contracts, sportsbooks hope to reduce the opportunities for manipulation and protect both the integrity of the games and the interests of bettors.
With the regulatory landscape for sports betting still evolving, these changes reflect a proactive approach to managing risk. It’s essential for sportsbooks to ensure that players, bettors, and the NBA itself can operate within a fair and principled framework.
NBA Leadership’s Perspective on Sports Betting
In a recent discussion, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the current state of sports betting and reiterated his belief in its potential benefits when done correctly. Since advocating for the legalization of sports gambling in a 2014 op-ed, Silver has been a proponent of regulated sports betting. However, he acknowledges the challenges posed by the current "hodgepodge" of state regulations, which complicate the enforcement of cohesive league rules.
Silver also emphasized concerns regarding underage gambling and problem gaming. He acknowledged that while the NBA can benefit from legalized sports betting, there are social responsibilities that must be addressed as regulations evolve: “We have to pay a lot of attention to that, what’s potentially going on at college campuses, certainly people betting over their heads,” he remarked.
Conclusion
The decision by major sportsbooks to prohibit under prop bets for players on 10-day and two-way contracts marks a pivotal moment in the intersection of sports and gambling. As the landscape continues to change, fueled by evolving regulations and the lessons learned from controversies like the Jontay Porter scandal, the NBA and sportsbooks will need to navigate the complexities of ensuring fairness and integrity in their operations. This outcome not only highlights the responsibilities of players but also underscores the ongoing efforts needed by leagues and gambling platforms to maintain trust and transparency in the sports betting arena.
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