UPDATE: The NBA has just announced significant changes to its betting regulations, tightening control over what bets can be placed on its games. This urgent move aims to reassert the league’s influence amid recent controversies involving players and coaches, including the gambling-related arrests of Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups.
As part of these new rules, teams are now required to submit injury reports on game days, enhancing transparency about player availability. For games starting at 5 PM or earlier, updated reports must be filed between 8 AM and 10 AM, while later games will require submissions from 11 AM to 1 PM. This change comes in response to concerns that confidential information could be misused, particularly after Rozier was allegedly involved in sharing inside information that affected betting outcomes.
The NBA emphasizes that these updates are designed to foster a deeper understanding of the league’s betting policies, ultimately protecting the integrity of the game and its participants. The league’s memo, obtained by The Associated Press, details additional measures, including enhanced training for team personnel on betting rules, and stricter compliance checks for non-team individuals with access to sensitive information.
The league will also enforce updates to its Fan Code of Conduct to safeguard players and coaches from harassment by disgruntled bettors. Reports of abuse have led the NBA to advocate for stronger anti-harassment protections at both federal and state levels.
While the NBA did not unveil fresh rules regarding tanking, it confirmed that it is actively reviewing potential policy changes. Additionally, the league plans to utilize advanced artificial intelligence systems to detect unusual wagering patterns and limit certain prop bets, which are viewed as more susceptible to manipulation.
In a related announcement, the NBA revealed that Eric Lewis has been reinstated as a G League referee after completing an investigation into potential violations of the league’s social media policy. Lewis, who retired in August 2023 during the investigation, is set to officiate games this weekend at the G League Winter Showcase in Orlando. According to NBA President Byron Spruell, Lewis has met several benchmarks to ensure his readiness to return, including counseling and training on responsible social media use.
The NBA’s swift actions reflect a growing urgency to maintain the integrity of the game as it navigates the complexities of sports betting and player safety. As these new regulations roll out, fans and stakeholders will be closely monitoring their impact on the league and its players.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story as the NBA continues to reshape its policies in real time.
