As the 2024-25 NBA season tips off, bettors in New York will notice some changes. Sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel are adjusting their offerings, focusing on providing a safer, fairer betting experience. These modifications come after a high-profile scandal involving match manipulation last season, and the NBA is working with betting operators to ensure the integrity of the sport.
No Player Prop Bets for Short-Term Contracts
This season, New York sportsbooks are pulling odds on players signed to short-term contracts, such as 10-day or two-way deals. These types of contracts often involve athletes moving between the G League and the NBA, making them more vulnerable to external influences. The NBA and betting operators are taking these steps to prevent manipulation like what occurred with Jontay Porter, a former Toronto Raptors player.
During the last season, Porter, who was on a two-way contract, placed bets on his own performance, pulling himself out of games to secure the outcomes of his wagers. His actions not only compromised the integrity of the league but also exposed vulnerabilities within the betting system. After being found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Porter was banned from the NBA for life and will face criminal sentencing in December.
In light of this scandal, the NBA requested sportsbooks to stop offering player prop odds for short-term contract players, ensuring that future betting remains fair and untampered.
Bettors Will Miss Some Player Odds in New York
Fans looking to place wagers on lesser-known players from teams like the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets will be disappointed this season. The Knicks, with two-way players like Ariel Hukporti and Jacob Toppin, and the Nets, featuring talents such as Jaylen Martin, won’t see prop odds for these players offered on popular betting platforms within New York.
G League affiliates—the Westchester Knicks and Long Island Nets—serve as a talent pipeline for these NBA teams. However, the new betting restrictions mean that even when these players are called up to the main roster, they won’t appear on betting slips in the Empire State. This policy highlights the NBA’s focus on preventing future scandals and promoting transparent sports betting practices.
Strengthening Trust Between Leagues and Sportsbooks
The cooperation between the NBA and sportsbooks like FanDuel during the Porter incident underscores the importance of communication between sports leagues and betting platforms. Irregular betting activity on Porter’s games initially raised red flags, prompting sportsbooks to alert the NBA.
By taking swift action, the NBA and betting operators have shown their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport. These proactive measures not only deter potential bad actors but also build trust with fans and bettors alike.
Moving forward, this collaboration sends a strong message: attempts to manipulate outcomes will not go unnoticed. With enhanced oversight and improved communication between leagues and sportsbooks, the betting landscape is becoming more secure and fairer for everyone.
As the NBA season unfolds, bettors in New York—and across the country—can expect stricter controls and a renewed focus on responsible gambling. While some player odds may no longer be available, these changes ultimately benefit both the league and its fans by ensuring that every bet is placed in a fair and transparent environment.
