NBA Proposal to Restrict Player Prop Bets Sparks Industry Debate

The NBA is urging gaming companies to tighten rules around player prop bets by capping wager limits and restricting the number of “unders” available for players. This would narrow the pool of eligible players and eliminate bets tied to actions on a single play, which the league views as higher risk. The move comes following the recent NBA betting scandal involving Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups.

Why tighter prop bet restrictions could hurt bettors

These changes came after Congress contacted the NBA to discuss what could be done about sports betting to protect game integrity.

Proposed limits on player prop bets could reduce choice and flexibility for bettors, making it harder to find competitive or personalized wagering options. It limits a player’s ability to become profitable in sports betting.

Sportsbooks already limit players to low stakes wagers during hot streaks, so changes to limits in prop bets make it even worse for sports bettors.

Additionally, restrictions on “unders” may limit common strategies used by experienced players. Betting on under with player props is often more profitable, especially on marquee players, where lines are more inflated. The “over” is the more popular player, so users often find more value on the other side. If that’s removed, it makes it even more difficult for players to win.

On top of that, a smaller pool of NBA players could narrow markets and reduce odds value. Not only would users have fewer options, but the player props available would be on starters, which could inflate the lines.

How NBA changes could create ripple effects across other leagues

If the NBA succeeds in pushing sportsbooks to tighten restrictions on player prop bets, other professional leagues could follow a similar path. Such a shift could lead to widespread limits on bet types, wager sizes, and available markets across multiple sports, further reducing choice and flexibility for bettors.

As more leagues adopt comparable restrictions, players may face a more uniform and constrained betting landscape, making it harder to find value and increasing the likelihood that some turn to unregulated alternatives.

How eliminating prop bets could push players to offshore sportsbooks

Eliminating certain prop bet types could drive some bettors away from regulated sportsbooks in search of markets that better match their preferences. Offshore gambling sites often continue to offer a wider range of prop bets with fewer restrictions, making them more attractive to players frustrated by limited options. This shift could expose bettors to less transparent odds, weaker consumer protections, and fewer responsible gambling safeguards compared with regulated U.S. sportsbooks.

What this could mean for the industry

If the NBA’s proposed changes are implemented, sportsbooks may be forced to reevaluate how they balance league demands with customer engagement and market competitiveness. Fewer prop options and tighter limits could reduce overall betting activity, particularly among experienced bettors who drive volume and liquidity.

Over time, a less attractive regulated product could weaken the legal market’s ability to compete with other platforms, potentially undermining the goals of regulation by reducing transparency, consumer protections, and long-term tax revenue.