Concerns Over Proposition Bets in Sports Gambling
In fall 2019, 16 months after a crucial ruling legalized sports betting in the U.S., a top NFL executive addressed a House committee to request action against a specific category of bets that many sports leagues view negatively.
Understanding Prop Bets
Proposition bets, commonly termed “prop bets,” enable gamblers to place wagers not just on game outcomes but on specific in-game events. These can include bets on the first play of a game, the first pitch of an inning, or whether a player will achieve a specific number of rebounds, strikeouts, or rushing yards. The NFL and other leagues express concern about these bets due to their susceptibility to manipulation, as they often rely solely on individual players’ performance.
League Testimonies and Ongoing Issues
As NFL Executive Vice President Jocelyn Moore pointed out in 2019, prop bets pose significant integrity risks to sports leagues. However, despite the NFL’s push to eliminate such bets, they remain prevalent, particularly during events like the Super Bowl, and continue to generate headlines and income for sportsbooks.
Player Investigations Linked to Prop Bets
In 2024, the NBA permanently banned player Jontay Porter after an investigation connected him to sports betting that aimed to influence his game participation. Concurrently, reports emerged of a federal inquiry involving NBA guard Malik Beasley related to prop bets.
Leagues’ Responses and Regulations
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged problematic nature of certain bets, particularly as Major League Baseball (MLB) dealt with unusual wager patterns involving Guardians players. MLB has also shown initiative in prohibiting specific betting types deemed risky, with Illinois approving the NFL’s request to restrict certain bets that rely exclusively on individual actor outcomes.
Collaborative Measures Between Leagues and Sportsbooks
Although prop betting continues, leagues are open to collaboration with sportsbooks to ensure gambling integrity. With ongoing discussions, the NBA got gambling partners to restrict betting on less known players, demonstrating the ability to influence betting markets collaboratively.
Future Considerations
As MLB considers the possibility of banning prop bets, states like Ohio are already calling for restrictions on highly player-controlled bets. The situation presents a delicate balance between maintaining market integrity and allowing fans to engage in betting. Governor Mike DeWine remarked on the failure of the current prop betting model, indicating a need for leagues to negotiate how and which bets are allowed in the future.
