This NBA season introduces significant changes for bettors, especially those wagering in New York. As the 2024–25 season tips off, sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel have updated their offerings. That’s to promote a safer and fairer betting environment. After last season’s high-profile match manipulation scandal. The NBA has partnered with betting operators to protect the sport’s integrity.
No Player Prop Bets for Short-Term Contracts This NBA Season
Most notable changes this NBA season is that New York sportsbooks will no longer offer player prop bets for athletes on short-term contracts. These include players signed to 10-day or two-way deals who frequently move between the G League and NBA rosters.
This decision stems from last season’s scandal involving Jontay Porter, a former Toronto Raptors player. Under a two-way contract, Porter manipulated his performance for betting purposes. He pulled himself from games to influence wagers. Which led to severe consequences, including a lifetime NBA ban and criminal charges for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
In response, the NBA and sportsbooks agreed to eliminate prop bets on short-term contract players to prevent similar incidents. This proactive measure highlights a commitment to ensuring that betting remains fair and transparent.
Bettors Will Miss Some Player Odds in New York
Bettors hoping to wager on emerging talent from teams like the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets will find limited options this NBA season. Major sportsbooks operating in New York don’t offer prop bets for two-way players such as Ariel Hukporti and Jacob Toppin (Knicks) or Jaylen Martin (Nets).
Even if these players are promoted to the main NBA roster, sportsbooks will refrain from offering individual odds on them. G League affiliates, including the Westchester Knicks and Long Island Nets. Continue to supply talent to their parent teams, but betting opportunities for these athletes will remain restricted.
These changes show the NBA’s commitment to protecting the sport’s integrity and maintaining bettor confidence, ensuring all wagers take place in a secure environment.
Strengthening Trust Between Leagues and Sportsbooks
The collaboration between the NBA and sportsbooks like FanDuel during the Jontay Porter investigation demonstrates. The growing importance of partnerships between leagues and betting operators. When irregular betting activity was detected on Porter’s games, sportsbooks promptly alerted NBA officials.
This NBA season, the emphasis on real-time communication and monitoring has intensified. Enhanced cooperation helps identify suspicious behavior early, discourages potential bad actors. And safeguards the credibility of both the league and the betting industry.
With stricter controls in place, leagues and sportsbooks send a clear message. The system detects any attempts to manipulate outcomes and takes swift action to preserve fair competition.
What Bettors Can Expect This NBA Season
Although some betting options have narrowed, bettors can now enjoy a safer and more transparent wagering environment this NBA season. With a stronger focus on responsible gambling, tighter regulations, and enhanced oversight. The industry fosters a landscape where fans and bettors engage with greater confidence.
Bookmakers continue to innovate with new markets, live betting options, and enhanced player prop bets where appropriate. Although these restrictions may initially seem limiting, they protect the sport and strengthen trust among participants.
This NBA season marks a new era in sports betting—one where integrity, safety, and fan confidence are prioritized. Bettors, sportsbooks, and the league all stand to benefit from this renewed focus on maintaining a level playing field.
