Protecting the Integrity of the Game
The world of professional sports has always been vulnerable to manipulation, and the rise of sports betting has only increased the risk. To combat this threat, major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have joined forces with the NBA to restrict under bets on players with two-way or 10-day contracts.
The Catalyst for Change
The move comes after former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned from the league for his role in a gambling scheme centered on prop bets on his statistics. The scheme, which involved suspicious betting patterns on the under on Porter’s stats, was flagged by sportsbooks in January and March. Porter, who was on a two-way contract with the Raptors at the time, would exit games early, allowing those involved in the scheme to profit from their bets.
A Collaborative Effort
The NBA worked closely with sportsbooks over the summer to implement this restriction, ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected. “We are pleased that these actions have been taken to help protect the integrity of our games,” an NBA spokesperson said. FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have all confirmed that they will no longer offer under betting on prop wagers on select players.
The Risks of Manipulation
Two-way contracts, which allow players to move between the G League and the NBA, and 10-day contracts, which enable teams to add players for a short period, can create opportunities for manipulation. By restricting under bets on these players, sportsbooks aim to prevent fraudulent activity and maintain the trust of fans and players alike.
A Commitment to Fair Play
The collaboration between the NBA and sportsbooks demonstrates a commitment to fair play and transparency. As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial that stakeholders work together to protect the integrity of the game. By doing so, they can ensure that fans can enjoy the thrill of competition without worrying about manipulation or fraud.
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