The NBA’s ongoing concerns about sports betting may soon have a federal ally.
U.S. Senator Brian Schatz plans to introduce legislation in 2026 aimed at limiting certain forms of sports betting, according to reporting from Pablo Torre. And recent gambling-related issues tied to the NBA are part of the reason why.
Schatz cited a growing concern around prop bets and the risks they pose to competitive integrity, particularly when individual plays or moments can be wagered on.
“When every in-game moment and outcome can be wagered on, it creates real risks,” Schatz said, pointing to recent allegations involving both the NBA and MLB.
The goal, Schatz added, is to eliminate betting markets that allow a single player or official to influence a narrow outcome for a large payout.
That aligns with the direction the NBA is already heading. ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported the league is pushing sportsbooks to limit player prop betting, including lower maximum wagers, restrictions on “unders,” and eliminating bets tied to single actions or plays.
MLB and several major sportsbooks have already moved in that direction, capping certain micro-prop bets.
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