Key Moments:
- 33 percent of Americans believe NBA coaches and players engage in illegal betting, as reported by the Quinnipiac University Sports Poll
- 68 percent of Americans view NBA betting misconduct as a problem, with 32 percent labeling it a major issue
- Public confidence in Commissioner Adam Silver’s oversight stands divided, with only 41 percent expressing confidence
Public Perceptions of NBA Integrity
A recently released Quinnipiac University Sports Poll shows that 33 percent of Americans believe NBA coaches and players are involved in illegal betting activity. The results arrive in the wake of high-profile arrests involving league figures such as Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones, who face allegations of insider betting and manipulated poker games.
According to the poll, 12 percent of Americans think players and coaches are very often involved in illegal betting, while 21 percent believe it occurs somewhat often. A majority – 66 percent – say this type of misconduct happens only occasionally, rarely, or never.
“Perception is important, and right now the NBA clearly has a perception problem. It might, too, have a trust problem,” said Nick Pietruszkiewicz, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Director of Sports Communications at Quinnipiac University.
Americans’ Concerns Over NBA Betting Scandals
Consumer confidence in the NBA’s integrity appears to be wavering, with 68 percent of Americans labeling betting misconduct within the league as a concern. Of these, nearly one in three (32 percent) call it a major problem and another 36 percent describe it as a moderate issue. Just 10 percent see no issue with NBA betting practices.
The poll reveals that Americans are nearly evenly split on whether NBA games are played fairly, with 49 percent expressing confidence in game fairness and 48 percent lacking confidence due to the threat of illegal sports betting. NBA fans show more optimism, as 67 percent believe games are fair, even in the context of ongoing scandals.
“Even with recent gambling scandals looming over the NBA season, most fans are feeling fairly confident they’re watching fair games,” said Brittani Webb, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Quinnipiac. “Those feelings waver, though, as fans recognise that legalised sports betting has opened the door to questionable tactics.”
Widespread Suspicions of Insider Leaks and Match-Fixing
The poll indicates that 45 percent of NBA fans believe confidential injury or lineup information is very often or somewhat often leaked to influence bets. Other reported suspicious behaviors include beliefs that 29 percent of fans think players intentionally miss shots, rebounds, or fake injuries, and 28 percent suspect coaches of adjusting lineups to affect betting outcomes.
These perceptions follow federal accusations against former NBA assistant coach Damon Jones for allegedly selling inside information regarding LeBron James and Anthony Davis to sports bettors.
Public Confidence in Leadership Under Scrutiny
Confidence in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s ability to oversee and prevent illegal betting activities appears to be diminishing. Among Americans, 55 percent lack confidence in Silver’s oversight, compared to 41 percent who express some level of trust. Within the NBA fan base, 50 percent say they have confidence in Silver, while 47 percent do not.
“With two major gambling scandals in as many years, fans and the American public are expressing doubt about Adam Silver’s ability to protect the league’s integrity amid an era defined by legalised sports betting,” Webb added.
Legal Sports Betting Raises Corruption Fears
According to the poll, 64 percent of Americans think the expansion of legal sports betting has increased illegal activities among players and coaches, while only 5 percent believe legalization has led to reduced misconduct levels.
“Even if people think the increased popularity of sports gambling has also led to more corruption, don’t look for professional leagues to back off,” Pietruszkiewicz said. “There’s simply too much money involved.”
Prop Betting Faces Widespread Opposition
The poll highlights that 67 percent of Americans are against “prop betting” – or betting on the performance of individual players – with just 29 percent in favor. The controversy over prop betting has led jurisdictions, such as New York and Ohio, to consider new restrictions following increased suspicious betting activity linked to NBA player stats.
Major League Baseball (MLB) has responded to similar concerns by moving to restrict micro prop betting in Ohio, a step taken after integrity threats were raised by state officials, including the Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine.
Recent Developments in NBA Betting Scandal
League officials reportedly met with staff from the US House Energy and Commerce Committee on 5 November (Wednesday) to discuss sportsbook partnerships and integrity protections. On 6 November (Thursday), Damon Jones appeared in federal court, where he pleaded not guilty to accusations involving rigged poker games and selling inside injury information about LeBron James and Anthony Davis to sports bettors.
Table: American Public Perceptions on NBA Betting Misconduct
| Survey Finding | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Believe coaches and players bet illegally | 33 |
| View betting misconduct as a problem | 68 |
| Label betting misconduct a major problem | 32 |
| Lack confidence in game fairness | 48 |
| Lack confidence in Adam Silver’s oversight | 55 |
| Think legal sports betting has raised corruption | 64 |
| Favor a ban on prop betting for players | 67 |
- Author
Daniel Williams
