Major U.S. Sportsbooks to Eliminate Under Prop Bets for NBA Players on 10-Day or Two-Way Contracts
As the NBA gears up for another thrilling season, several major U.S. sportsbooks are making significant changes to their prop betting offerings. In a time when sports betting is gaining momentum nationwide, the decision to eliminate under prop bets for players on 10-day or two-way contracts comes in response to a recent scandal that has sent shockwaves through the league and the betting community alike.
Changes in Sportsbook Policies
According to a recent report by ESPN’s David Payne Purdum, prominent platforms such as ESPN BET, DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, and BetMGM have all announced they will no longer allow for under bets on players under these temporary contracts during the upcoming NBA season. The move highlights the sportsbooks’ commitment to maintaining the integrity of the games and restoring faith in the betting process amid controversies.
The clear reasoning behind this decision lies in the fallout from the actions of former Toronto Raptors two-way player Jontay Porter. The NBA’s disciplinary actions against Porter have directed scrutiny and concerns toward how betting practices might influence the integrity of the game.
The Jontay Porter Scandal
Jontay Porter’s involvement in the scandal has profound implications for how sports betting is perceived, particularly in the realm of professional basketball. As detailed by ESPN, it was uncovered that Porter placed multiple bets on NBA games, including several that directly involved the Raptors while he was an active member of the team. More disturbing, however, were reports that Porter intentionally removed himself from games to ensure that “under” bets placed by individuals he owed money to could succeed, corrupting the very essence of competitive fairness.
Porter’s illegal activities did not go unnoticed by the NBA; he was subsequently banned for life in April 2023. Investigations revealed that Porter had provided confidential information to a sports bettor and had even faked injuries to manipulate betting outcomes. These revelations raised alarm bells throughout the league and the betting community, necessitating a significant reevaluation of how sportsbooks handle prop bets for players in similar circumstances.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigations
The consequences of Porter’s actions are still unfolding. He has pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2023, where he faces a potential prison term of three-and-a-half to four years. The legal repercussions not only serve to punish Porter but also to instill confidence in the system that safeguards the integrity of both the NBA and its betting environment.
The Push for Regulation: Adam Silver’s Perspective
In light of this scandal, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has reiterated the league’s position regarding the need for regulated sports betting. In recent interviews, Silver reflected on his early advocacy for the legalization of sports betting, stating that he has no regrets about calling for regulation despite the current landscape being a “hodgepodge” of state laws.
While expressing concerns over issues such as underage betting and gambling addiction, Silver emphasized that vigilance is necessary to address these challenges. He acknowledged the complexities involved as various states adopt different regulations, complicating the league’s efforts to enforce consistency and protect participants.
Conclusion: A New Era in Sports Betting
With the elimination of under prop bets for players on 10-day or two-way contracts, sportsbooks are taking proactive steps to prevent incidents like the Jontay Porter scandal from recurring. This shift not only reflects an increased emphasis on accountability but also emphasizes the evolving relationship between sports and betting. As the NBA continues to grapple with the implications of sports betting, fans, players, and sportsbooks alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the game and its betting landscape in the seasons to come.
