The NBA is currently reviewing its policies on sports betting as it looks for ways to safeguard both the league and its players from potential risks associated with legal gambling. This decision comes after a significant FBI investigation that resulted in the arrests of players including Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups.

The NBA has issued a memo to its teams, indicating that it is committed to establishing a safe and fair environment. The league recognizes that more can be done to protect its integrity, particularly regarding prop bets involving individual players. It is also looking into injury reporting policies and the education of league personnel regarding gambling-related issues.

“Given the rise of legal sports betting across the country, now is the perfect time to reassess how these activities should be regulated to safeguard everyone involved - players, coaches, and fans alike,” stated the league.

The memo underscored the serious concerns surrounding new betting formats and the prevalence of integrity issues within sports. Rozier and Billups have been put on administrative leave by their respective teams - the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers - due to their involvement in the recent gambling scandal. Rozier is accused of leaving a game early after sizable wagers were placed against him, while Billups faces charges related to illegal poker games.

Additionally, Jaylen Brown, a player for the Boston Celtics, has advocated for better protections for players in relation to the gambling landscape, stating that the NBA must do more to safeguard them from the repercussions of gamblers and fans.

The NBA aims to enhance its integrity monitoring through various means, including the utilization of AI technologies to effectively analyze data from betting operators and social media, assisting in identifying suspicious betting activities.