The surge in legalized gambling in the sports world has led to an increase in verbal abuse directed at NBA players and coaches by fans. With the ability to bet in real-time on their smartphones, fans are now taking out their frustrations on players if their bets don’t deliver. This has led to players receiving abuse in person at arenas and online, with some even receiving threatening messages. The NBA has not recommended increased security near the court, but some teams have made changes to their security details in response to the increased gambling-infused belligerence.
The landscape of sports gambling has changed dramatically in recent years, with leagues embracing partnerships with casinos and incorporating betting information into their broadcasts. The unintended consequence of this new relationship is the verbal abuse that players are facing from fans who are unhappy with their bets. The root of much of this fury comes from prop bets, which are wagers on parts of a game that do not directly impact the outcome. This has led to incidents where players have been accused of being under the sway of gamblers due to irregular betting patterns.
NBA players have noticed the shift in fan behavior towards them, with many feeling like they are just props for bettors to make money. The pressure and attention created by parlay betting have added to the intensity of fan interactions, with players like Tyrese Haliburton noting that his social media is filled with mentions of failed bets. The NBA is especially vulnerable to this new dynamic, as players are in close proximity to fans during games, leading to more direct interactions.
While team security does not confront abusive fans, arena security is responsible for handling disruptive behavior. Fans who engage in verbal abuse or talk about gambling in a particularly nasty manner can face ejection from the arena. The NBA monitors social media activity through its Global Security Operations Center and shares intel with other sports leagues. Certain players, coaches, and referees attract more attention on social platforms, leading the league to meet with teams regularly to remind them about gambling protocols.
The discourse between fans and players has shifted in recent seasons, with players like Jayson Tatum noting that fans will praise them when they help with bets but also criticize them when they don’t meet expectations. The NBA continues to monitor the situation and address incidents of abusive behavior towards players and staff. Despite the challenges posed by the influx of legalized gambling, the league is taking steps to ensure the safety and well-being of its players in this evolving landscape.
