NBA bans "under" bets for some players after Porter scandal
Published:
Oct 25, 2024
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11:01 a.m.
ET
The NBA’s move to ban “under” bets on certain players is the latest in a string of measures aimed at protecting the integrity of professional sports, at least in part as a response to the gambling scandal involving former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter. This ban, which applies to players on two-way or 10-day contracts, highlights the league’s focus on preventing potential manipulation and illegal gambling activities. The story surrounding Porter’s downfall and its implications offers a clear reminder of the dangers of unchecked gambling habits – both for athletes and fans alike.
Why did the NBA ban under bets for some players?
The NBA’s decision came right before the start of the 2024-25 season and stems directly from the Jontay Porter scandal, where Porter was found guilty of being involved in a betting scheme that manipulated prop bets on his own game performances. After suspicions were raised following two specific games in which Porter played limited minutes before leaving due to what was explained as injury or illness, it was discovered that Porter had intentionally departed games early, ensuring that “under” bets on his statistics would win. This manipulation led to his lifetime ban from the NBA and spurred conversations about safeguarding the league from similar future scandals.
Players on two-way and 10-day contracts are particularly vulnerable to this type of manipulation due to their lower salaries and less secure standing within the league. These players, who often bounce between the NBA and its G-League affiliate teams, may face financial pressures that higher-paid stars do not, especially if they are dealing with mental health or financial challenges, as Porter was. The NBA’s partnerships with major sportsbooks such as FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM resulted in the decision to eliminate under bets on these specific players, a move that they hope will deter any similar betting scams.
How can a league ban certain bets that sportsbooks offer?
This move by the NBA sheds light on how leagues can influence the betting markets. Sports leagues like the NBA have partnerships with sportsbooks, allowing them some control over the types of bets that can be placed on their games. With the growing integration of sports betting into the NBA’s business model, especially since the legalization of sports gambling in many states, leagues now have more power to regulate the offerings on sportsbooks to ensure integrity.
Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner, has been a vocal advocate for the legalization and regulation of sports betting. However, he has emphasized the importance of maintaining fair play and ensuring that betting does not undermine the integrity of the sport. The collaboration between the NBA and sportsbooks demonstrates the level of control the league has over the types of betting markets available, as well as the need for strong regulations to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable players.
What banning “under” bets on player props means for bettors
For most casual sports bettors, this ban likely won’t make a huge difference. The majority of NBA betting activity centers around marquee players – superstars who are far less likely to engage in or be manipulated by such schemes. However, for advanced or sharp bettors who meticulously analyze potential game scripts and player roles, the removal of “under” bets on certain players could be significant. These bets have often been a niche market for those who target backup players or role players who might see limited minutes in games, allowing seasoned bettors to exploit these opportunities for profit.
This also raises questions about whether sportsbooks will now add more "vig" (a commission or charge) to “over” bets, given that bettors no longer have the option to place the counter-balanced “under” bets on certain players. Should sportsbooks increase the vig, it could create less favorable odds for bettors overall, limiting the value proposition of these types of wagers.
What a player props “under” ban could mean for other leagues
The NBA’s decision to restrict under bets raises the possibility that other major sports leagues may follow suit. While the NBA has unique circumstances – such as the use of two-way and 10-day contracts, which creates a natural lower tier of players – other leagues may also have vulnerable players or situations that could be exploited by gamblers. The NFL, MLB, NHL and even collegiate sports organizations like the NCAA could potentially look to adopt similar measures to help protect the integrity of their games.
For instance, the NCAA has long resisted allowing player prop bets on college athletes due to concerns over integrity and amateurism. If professional leagues begin restricting certain types of betting, it’s not unreasonable to think that the NCAA could use this as a justification to push for further restrictions or bans on prop bets altogether. It’s fair to say that after recent court rulings, the NCAA doesn’t have as much power as it once did, especially relative to the NBA’s power over their partner sportsbooks.
Jontay Porter scandal: Latest news
As of July 10, 2024, the latest development in Jontay Porter's gambling scandal is his guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Porter admitted in a Brooklyn federal court that he manipulated his performance in basketball games to aid others in winning bets.
Porter's guilty plea has set the stage for his sentencing, scheduled for December 18, 2024. Prosecutors estimate that Porter could face 3.5 to 4 years in prison, though the judge has the discretion to impose a sentence ranging from no time behind bars to as much as 20 years. Financial penalties, including fines and restitution, are also on the table.
Currently free on a $250,000 bond, Porter has been transparent about his struggles with gambling addiction. He revealed that he completed inpatient rehabilitation and is continuing therapy as part of his recovery process.
The fallout from Porter's actions has extended beyond the U.S. A criminal investigation related to the scandal has also been opened in Canada, where Porter's activities reportedly drew international attention.
Gambling Addiction treatment
Whether you’re an avid NBA fan who enjoys placing a few prop bets or someone who finds themselves gambling more frequently than they’d like, gambling addiction is a serious issue that requires attention. Birches Health provides treatment options for individuals struggling with gambling problems, offering online care programs that can be tailored to an individual’s specific needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with their betting habits, reaching out to Birches Health for support could be a crucial first step toward recovery.
Don’t let gambling take control of your life. Contact Birches Health today. With professional guidance and support, recovery is possible, and you can regain control over your finances, emotions and wellbeing.
