Arrests in Betting Probe Spur NBA Reform Calls

The recent arrests of more than 30 people — including several with ties to NBA games — have intensified congressional and public scrutiny of sports betting and prompted renewed calls for stronger safeguards. Senators Dick Durbin and Richard Blumenthal urged removing or restricting prop bets, which lawmakers and experts say are particularly easy to manipulate. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called for tighter oversight, urging limits on certain prop markets (especially involving two‑way players), curbs on advertising, and better arena‑safety enforcement after incidents such as the Jontay Porter betting scandal and his lifetime ban. Players and team figures, including Celtics star Jaylen Brown, have criticized the league's response and warned of harms as mobile wagering and apps normalize betting across roughly 38–39 jurisdictions. Observers say prop‑bet restrictions and state regulatory reforms are likely near‑term outcomes, though some lawmakers continue to press for federal legislation or a dedicated regulator.