The spread of domestic sportsbooks across the United States has created a unique scenario where gamblers and professional players can arrange stat-shaving schemes that financially benefit both parties. This scam has taken hold in the realm of NBA betting, with numerous scandals popping up since PASPA’s repeal in 2018.
The NBA and its players’ association are aligned in wanting tighter controls on betting tied to individual on-court performances. Their shared concern is that such wagers may incentivize dishonest behavior and lead to increased harassment of athletes.
The league and the NBAPA’s concern is reality-based in that it follows several scandals that have already occurred.
Recent NBA Betting Scandals
Jontay Porter
Jontay Porter (Toronto Raptors) was banned for life from the NBA in April 2024 after admitting to wire fraud. Porter provided inside information to gamblers, faked injuries to exit games early, and conspired with a betting ring that collectively won over $1 million betting against his own performance.
Federal charges were filed against six people, including Porter and members of the ring. Porter shared exit plans and health info via encrypted messages, prompting alerts and investigations after sportsbooks noted suspicious prop bet activity and unusual minute patterns.
Terry Rozier
In March 2023, 30 bets totaling $13,759 were placed on the ‘unders’ for Terry Rozier’s prop stats in a Hornets vs Pelicans game. Rozier played only 10 minutes before leaving with a foot injury, resulting in all bets winning. The NBA cleared Rozier after its own investigation, but federal authorities continue to probe the incident due to suspected inside information and links to the Porter betting ring.
Malik Beasley
Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley has been subject to a federal gambling investigation in 2025 concerning allegations of betting on NBA games and prop bets. Beasley, now the third NBA player linked to recent betting scandals, also reportedly had financial difficulties during this period. Details about his involvement and outcomes remain pending as the investigation continues.
What Are NBA Prop Bets?
Unlike game lines that allow gamblers to wager on winners, winners against the spread, and the total points both teams combine to score (the over/under), prop bets allow action on aspects that occur within the game.
Odds are often available for the stat totals for most key players in the game. Wagers can be placed on the over or under for total rebounds, points, and other statistics. Here’s an example:
LeBron James Total Points Against The Warriors
- +27.5 -110
- -27.5 -110
Whether LeBron scores 27 or 28 points is likely to be irrelevant to the game’s ultimate outcome. This allows players room to adjust their statistics without drawing much attention to their activities.
What does draw attention is when an outlandish number of bets for a massive sum of money is wagered on one side of a proposition. This is usually the case, as the illegal gambling network shares the information, and wagers are placed at books around the country.
Can The NBA Ban Prop Bets?
The NBA cannot unilaterally ban all prop bets nationwide, since betting markets are regulated on a state-by-state basis. However, the league does have significant influence over what types of bets are offered by sportsbooks that partner with it.
Franchises also carry some weight in their local state legislatures, but there is also a chance that domestic books will comply as a sign of good faith.
