NBA Directs Sportsbooks to Stop Offering Several Wager Types
The NBA has instructed sportsbooks to stop offering specific types of wagers, including bets on which player will record the first stat of a game, the outcome of the opening tip, and 'under' bets for players projected to play minimal…
Peoria Bloomington, IL, October 16, 2026 —
The NBA has instructed sportsbooks to stop offering several types of wagers, including bets tied to the first statistical event of a game and the result of the opening tip. The instruction also covers “under” bets on players projected to play minimal minutes.
The specified wagers include bets on which player will record the first stat of a game, bets on who or which team will win the opening tip, and bets that a player’s statistical total will fall below a posted line when that player is projected to see minimal playing time. The information provided does not identify which sportsbooks received the instruction or say when it was issued.
The NBA’s stated instruction, as described, concerns the availability of those wager types. No explanation for the move was provided, and the details do not specify whether the league’s direction applies to every sportsbook or to particular markets. The names of any affected operators were not provided.
Other details remain unclear, including how the league defines a player projected to play “minimal minutes,” whether sportsbooks have already removed the wagers, and what steps, if any, may follow for operators that continue to offer them. No information was provided about enforcement, penalties, or the instruction’s timing.
The information available identifies the categories of bets the NBA wants sportsbooks to stop offering, but does not provide further details about the scope or implementation of the directive.
Story summarized from the original created by TIM REYNOLDS, Associated Press on www.centralillinoisproud.com, see more information here.
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