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Sports betting is now legal in 39 states, but the lack of consistent rules has NBA commissioner Adam Silver voicing fresh concerns. Speaking at the “Tuned In Summit,” he argued that the current patchwork system creates risks that a uniform federal framework could have prevented.
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“The issues have been predictable,” Silver said. “I thought PASPA should be replaced with a legalized framework consistent from state to state, in partnership with the sports leagues protecting integrative rights. At times, I feel like we’re operating with one hand tied behind our back because of the regulatory structure right now.”
Silver’s comments follow high-profile scandals. Former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned after betting on games and manipulating his playing time to aid a gambling ring. He later pled guilty to federal wire fraud charges. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier is under investigation linked to the same probe, and free agent Malik Beasley still faces league review despite being cleared by federal investigators.
These cases highlight how player prop wagers can be exploited, a trend Silver says regulators and integrity firms struggle to catch.
The NBA has formally asked sportsbooks to restrict some player prop markets. “Protecting the integrity of our game is paramount,” a league spokesperson told ESPN, stressing that reasonable limits could reduce manipulation risks while still allowing fans to bet responsibly.
College basketball props already face restrictions in several states, but NBA wagers remain open nationwide. Silver wants that reconsidered, even if it means uneven rules across jurisdictions.
Despite the concerns, Silver holds to his long-standing belief that legal markets are safer than underground ones. He said:
“The comparison can’t be legalized sports betting to no betting. It’s legalized sports betting to illegal sports betting.”
The NBA continues to work with licensed sportsbooks and integrity firms to flag suspicious activity, betting that regulation, even if imperfect, is still better than what came before.