NBA players have always received criticism from fans, whether at home or away. It’s part of the job.
However, this season has brought a darker side to it.
The increase in legalized gambling across all professional leagues and college sports has had unforeseen impacts on American sports. Along with the potential benefits of new revenue for the NBA and other leagues, a new and concerning trend has emerged: verbal abuse directed at players and coaches based solely on fans’ wagers.
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Fans can now bet in real-time on their smartphones, on various aspects of the game, including specific details like a player’s rebounds in the first half or a team’s points in the fourth quarter. And if their bets don’t go as planned, they take it out on the players.
LA Clippers forward P.J. Tucker recently expressed his concern, saying, “It’s getting outrageous. It’s getting kind of crazy. Even in the arenas, hearing fans yelling at guys about their bets. It’s unreal. It’s a problem. I think it’s something that’s got to be addressed.”
Teams have started making changes to their security measures in response to the increased verbal abuse fueled by gambling. The NBA has not recommended heightened security near the court, but some teams have taken steps like adding extra security guards to the bench or increasing cybersecurity staff to monitor fan interactions online.
“It’s all over the place,” said Ochai Agbaji, a guard for the Toronto Raptors. “It’s the wild, wild west right now.”
For years, gambling was a taboo subject in sports, with leagues distancing themselves from it. But with the legalization of sports wagering, the landscape has shifted drastically.
The NBA and other leagues have embraced partnerships with casinos, incorporated betting information into broadcasts, and even allowed fans to place bets through league platforms. However, this newfound relationship has led to increased verbal abuse from fans.
Players have noticed the change in fan behavior, with some feeling like they are just pawns for bettors to make money. The rise of prop bets has further fueled this trend, with incidents of irregular betting patterns raising concerns about player integrity.
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The NBA is grappling with this new fan dynamic, as players are more exposed and interact closely with fans during games. Security measures have been put in place to address disruptive behavior, including verbal abuse related to gambling.
The league monitors social media activity and collaborates with teams to ensure compliance with gambling protocols. However, incidents of fan comments related to gambling are being closely monitored for any escalation.
Players like Tyrese Haliburton and Cole Anthony have shared their experiences of being targeted by fans over betting outcomes, highlighting the pressure and scrutiny they face as a result.
The discourse around gambling has significantly changed in the NBA, with players now dealing with increased fan expectations and criticism based on their performance in relation to bets placed.
Photo of Tyrese Haliburton: Ron Hoskins / NBAE via Getty Images
