A new Quinnipiac University Sports Poll reveals that 33 percent of Americans believe NBA coaches and players are involved in illegal betting, a striking finding amid a widening federal investigation into alleged gambling misconduct within the league.
The survey, conducted between 31 October and 2 November, follows a series of high-profile arrests involving NBA figures such as Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones, who face charges related to insider betting and rigged poker games.
Public confidence in NBA integrity wavers
According to the poll, 12 percent of Americans think players and coaches are very often involved in illegal betting activities, while 21 percent believe it happens somewhat often. However, 66 percent say such activity occurs occasionally or rarely, if ever.
“Perception is important, and right now the NBA clearly has a perception problem. It might, too, have a trust problem,” said Nick Pietruszkiewicz, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Director of Sports Communications at Quinnipiac University.
Among NBA fans, trust levels remain only slightly higher. About 35 percent believe illegal betting happens often, while 65 percent think it is rare or occasional.
Most Americans say NBA betting misconduct is a major problem
Nearly seven in ten Americans (68 percent) consider NBA betting misconduct a problem, with 32 percent calling it a major issue and another 36 percent saying it’s a moderate concern. Only 10 percent believe it’s not a problem at all.
Public confidence in game fairness is split nearly down the middle, with 49 percent being confident that NBA games are played fairly. Meanwhile, 48 percent are not confident due to potential influence from illegal sports betting. NBA fans show higher faith, with 67 percent saying they are confident games are fair, despite ongoing scandals.
“Even with recent gambling scandals looming over the NBA season, most fans are feeling fairly confident they’re watching fair games,” said Brittani Webb, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Quinnipiac. “Those feelings waver, though, as fans recognise that legalised sports betting has opened the door to questionable tactics.”
Fans suspect insider leaks and match-fixing
The poll found that 45 percent of NBA fans believe confidential injury or lineup information is leaked very often or somewhat often to influence bets, one of the most common perceived forms of misconduct.
Other suspicious activities cited include:
- 29 percent think players deliberately miss shots, rebounds, or fake injuries
- 28 percent think coaches adjust lineups to affect betting outcomes
These perceptions come as federal prosecutors accuse former NBA assistant coach Damon Jones of selling inside information about LeBron James and Anthony Davis to sports bettors.
Doubts grow about Commissioner Adam Silver’s oversight
The poll also exposes waning public confidence in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s ability to detect and prevent illegal betting.
Among Americans, about 55 percent say they are not confident in Silver’s oversight while 41 percent express some level of confidence. Even among NBA fans, trust remains split; 50 percent express confidence, while 47 percent doubt the commissioner’s ability to contain the crisis.
“With two major gambling scandals in as many years, fans and the American public are expressing doubt about Adam Silver’s ability to protect the league’s integrity amid an era defined by legalised sports betting,” Webb added.
Legal sports betting seen as fueling corruption
The poll highlights growing concern that the rise of legalised sports betting is increasing corruption risks. About 64 percent of Americans believe the expansion of legal wagering has led to more illegal activity among players and coaches, while only 5 percent think it has reduced misconduct.
“Even if people think the increased popularity of sports gambling has also led to more corruption, don’t look for professional leagues to back off,” Pietruszkiewicz said. “There’s simply too much money involved.”
Majority oppose prop bets on individual players
Public skepticism extends to “prop betting,” which allows wagering on specific player performances. Two-thirds of Americans (67 percent) say such bets should not be permitted, while only 29 percent support them.
Prop bets have become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about game integrity, with several states, including New York and Ohio, considering restrictions after a spike in suspicious wagers tied to individual NBA player stats.
Major League Baseball (MLB) recently moved to restrict micro prop betting in Ohio. The decision was made in light of possible threats to the sport’s integrity. Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine expressed worries that these wagers might result in insider influence and manipulation, which has sparked more extensive conversations on the moral limits of sports betting.
Meanwhile, in the latest update on the NBA scandal, league officials reportedly met on 5 November (Wednesday) with staffers from the US House Energy and Commerce Committee to discuss its partnerships with sportsbooks and integrity safeguards. Jones appeared in federal court on 6 November (Thursday) and pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he profited from rigged poker games and sold insider injury information about stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis to sports bettors.
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