The NBA and its betting partners will implement new restrictions and policies on sports gambling ahead of the 2026-27 season, according to copies of memos sent out by the league and obtained by The Athletic.
The league, and the sportsbooks with which it works (Fanduel and DraftKings), have agreed to restrict bets on what it calls “single-event player markets” — wagers that are placed on a player’s single play and dependent on a negative outcome, such as scoring the first basket of a game, missing their first shot or other specified events in a period of time. This also includes the result of an opening tip.
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Under bets on players expected to play fewer than 12 minutes per game will also be restricted, as will what the league calls “low likelihood, high-payout bets” dependent on players not reaching certain stats, including a parlay bet combining those wagers.
These restrictions will take effect for the upcoming NBA regular season and playoffs, as well as for the 2027 WNBA season.
“The legalized sports betting industry is built on a foundation of dialogue and collaboration with our league partners and the states in which we operate,” a spokesperson for FanDuel told The Athletic. “We remain unwavering in our commitment to building a legal and regulated market that roots out abuses by those who seek to undermine fair competition and damage the integrity of the games we love.”
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“The NBA’s guidance formalizes many of the market restrictions already reflected in DraftKings Sportsbook’s practices,” a DraftKings spokesperson told The Athletic. “DraftKings supports the NBA’s efforts and is committed to continued collaboration with the league to maintain game integrity, including through appropriate limits on betting markets. DraftKings’ Code of Responsible Engagement is fully aligned with the league’s stance on the harassment of athletes, coaches or officials.”
The NBA is also implementing new internal policies to try to mitigate the impact of gambling on the sport. Former NFL cornerback Charles Tillman, who went on to work for the FBI, will conduct training for each NBA team on the league’s sports betting rules. All players, coaches and training staff must attend. Team and league personnel will have to complete online training. Rookies had to attend in-person briefings on the league’s betting rules at the NBA draft combine and during the league’s rookie transition program this summer.
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Several federal indictments have rocked the league over the last year. NBA veterans Terry Rozier and Malik Beasley were indicted by the Department of Justice for what federal prosecutors say was their involvement in schemes to bet on them as they manipulated their performance to help sports bettors. Former NBA player Ed Davis is alleged to have run the scheme involving Beasley. Beasley and Rozier have pleaded not guilty.
Former NBA center Jontay Porter has already pleaded guilty to his role in a similar scheme in which he manipulated his performance and availability so that others could hit the under on prop bets involving him.