NBA Tells Sportsbooks to Stop Offering Certain Bets This Season

Wilkes Barre Scranton Hazleton, PA, October 16, 2026 —

The NBA has instructed sportsbooks to stop offering certain types of bets this season, including wagers tied to the first moments of a game and player props involving athletes expected to play only a few minutes.

The bets identified include wagers on which player will record the first statistic, the outcome of the opening tip and statistical bets on players expected to see limited playing time. The summary of the instruction does not specify whether those examples represent the full list of bet types affected.

The instruction applies to sportsbooks, but the information provided does not identify particular operators or say how they have responded. It also does not specify when the instruction was issued, which season is meant, or whether the NBA described the measure as a formal rule, a request or another type of directive.

No reason for the instruction was provided. The available information also does not describe enforcement measures, penalties or any process for monitoring compliance. It does not say whether the affected wagers had already been offered or whether any sportsbooks have removed them.

The scope of the change beyond the three examples remains unclear. No details were provided about other bet categories, the number of sportsbooks affected or whether the instruction applies across all markets. The NBA’s statement or any response from sportsbooks was not included in the information available.

Based on the information provided, the change concerns the availability of certain wagers this season. Further details about its timing, scope, rationale and implementation were not provided.

Story summarized from the original created by TIM REYNOLDS, Associated Press on www.2822news.com, see more information here.

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