Jontay Porter betting controversy forces NBA to influence gambling changes
NBA and betting companies have made changes to bets after the Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter scandal.
Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter betting scandal has forced NBA to make changes to gambling policy
When news about the Jontay Porter betting row came to light, it shook the sporting community. Not only did it expose the dangers of external influences pressuring players to participate in illegal activities, but it also showed how such actions can alter careers.
As a result, the NBA has banned the Toronto Raptors forward from ever playing in the league. In response to this incident, the league has introduced new measures ahead of the upcoming season to prevent similar situations.
ESPN’s David Purdum reported that the NBA was actively working with betting companies ever since the Jontay Porter situation came to light. After working out ways to stop that from repeating, the league and companies came to an agreement.
They will stop offering under bets on NBA players who are on two-way or 10-day contracts. Porter was on a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors when his gambling controversy first came to the limelight.
By limiting prop bets on players with non-guaranteed contracts, the NBA is taking away the possibility of outside influence or manipulation of any kind. Although it is not a guarantee that such an incident will not be repeated, this step will go to great lengths to curtail this problem. Betting companies including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, ESPN BET and Caesars Sportsbook have all towed the line.
FanDuel and DraftKings are among the sportsbooks that will not offer under bets on NBA players who are on two-way or 10-day contracts to combat attempts at manipulation.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 18, 2024
? More from @DavidPurdum https://t.co/8kQQ5B5rYK pic.twitter.com/caueCHURWR
Any manipulation will end up costing them a lot of money as well. Short-term contract players earn less than those with guaranteed contracts. Therefore, they are targets for influencers who can coerce them into helping them out. The financial benefits might be lucrative considering they are not loyal to any one team.
The NBA has made an example out of Jontay Porter
Jontay Porter becomes the latest player entangled in a gambling scandal.
However, when Jontay Porter was caught, it opened a can of worms. It became evident that the league and its partners were not stringent enough in preventing such crimes. Additionally, players and coaches voiced growing concerns that fans were becoming more aggressive, pressuring them to act in ways that would benefit their bets.
But by banning Jontay Porter and initiating criminal proceedings towards him and his co-conspirators, the NBA has sent a message. Outside forces, be it family members, close friends, or even fans, conspiring in any such activities will lead to extreme repercussions for the player in question.
Joseph Varghese
(2269 Articles Published)