As the scope of sports betting in the U.S. widens, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is staying vigilant in the monitoring of its players, teams, and staff, to keep everything above board.
In an interview with ESPN, the league’s Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum said work was being done to avoid game-fixing controversies that have hit other sports and leagues, while still reaping the benefits that come with legalized wagering.
Aside from increased revenues, the official also noted legalization meant “better information being captured.” The NBA has partnered with sports data firms Sportsradar and Genius Sports for the distribution of official data on games to U.S.-based operators. Sportsradar has already been providing official NBA data to legal operators outside the States for over two years.
The NBA prevents league and team personnel from betting, fixing, and tipping, as enforced by its security department.