The NBA and National Basketball Players Association urged additional limits on proposition bets, citing concerns about the sport’s integrity and gambling-related harassment of players. The league said reasonable restrictions on some bets merit consideration; Ohio and New Jersey have also sought limits on in-game microbets.
Potential restrictions could affect the proposition bets sportsbooks offer on basketball and other live events.
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NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the league is working with sportsbook partners to reduce risks from player prop bets. He said the NBA has asked some partners to withdraw selected markets, particularly bets involving two-way players, as part of efforts to prevent manipulation and protect competitors.
New York Senator Jeremy Zellner introduced a bill to establish a four-member task force examining proposition and under wagers in the state. The proposed body would study market prevalence, revenue, integrity risks and harms to athletes, and submit a report by 31 December; the bill is before the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering.
Utah Representative Joseph Elison introduced House Bill 243 last week to define proposition wagers and classify them as illegal gambling, according to reports. Elison said the measure would clarify the state’s existing gambling prohibitions and, if enacted, could give the Attorney General’s office grounds to send cease-and-desist letters. He said the bill would not cover fantasy sports or federally regulated prediction markets.
US Senator Brian Schatz plans to introduce federal legislation in 2026 to tighten oversight of player proposition bets, including markets offered by offshore sportsbooks. Schatz said recent gambling allegations in professional basketball and baseball show a need for federal protections; draft legislation has not been published.
The NFL sent clubs a memo reiterating that proposition bets linked to officiating, injuries or outcomes controlled by one player are prohibited. The league said it has engaged with state lawmakers, regulators and betting partners to restrict such markets; the memo also addresses inherently objectionable and pre-determined outcomes.