Betting integrity is a major issue for legislators, our best sports betting sites, and professional sports leagues. One of those leagues is about to address that. 

The NBA is set to introduce updated rules on in-game cell phone and social media usage this week. The revisions aim to bolster sports betting integrity and keep players and coaches focused on the game.

According to SNY, the revised policy will prohibit players and coaches from using their phones from tipoff – the moment the ball is thrown in the air at the start of the game – until the final whistle.

Each team will designate someone as a point of communication for players and coaches during the game. In an emergency, this individual would field calls or messages sent to players while they cannot access their cell phones. Exceptions also apply if there is an arena security issue or a medical issue.

Building on a 2009 policy

The new rules expand on the NBA’s 2009 social media policy, which banned players and coaches from posting on social media or sharing video footage with a game official, media member, or basketball operations personnel from 45 minutes before tipoff until they had completed their postgame media duties. The original policy responded to then-Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva tweeting from the locker room during halftime.

Several NBA teams have already enforced stricter policies on cell phones and social media usage. Amid the 2009 changes, the Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks announced their own stricter rules, forbidding social networking during any form of “team time.”

Focus on sports betting integrity

The rise of legal sports betting has necessitated tighter regulations to protect the integrity of games, players, and bettors. Since the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, 38 states and the District of Columbia have legalized sports betting in some form. According to an American Gaming Association report, a record $119.8 billion was wagered on sports in the US in 2023, up 27.8% compared against 2022. Our best sportsbooks are continuing to grow and flourish.

Earlier this year, the NBA banned Toronto Raptors’ forward Jontay Porter for life after an investigation found that he violated their gambling policies. In July, the 24-year-old pleaded guilty to betting on NBA games while playing in the G League and disclosing confidential information to sports bettors. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver commented:

“There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment. While legal sports betting creates transparency that helps identify suspicious or abnormal activity, this matter also raises important issues about the sufficiency of the regulatory framework currently in place, including the types of bets offered on our games and players.  Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the industry, we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our league and game.”

The 2024-25 NBA regular season will start on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with two games. First, the New York Knicks at Boston Celtics, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Lakers. Stay current on all of our NBA picks ahead of all the action.